The Great Dublin Bike Ride will return on September 11th, bigger and better than before.
The initiative comes from Sport Ireland working in conjunction with Dublin City Council, Healthy Ireland, Fingal County Council, Cycling Ireland and Meath County Council.
It was a major success last year and will be part of the Community Participation strand of Ireland 2016 as well as a major plank of Ireland’s participation in the European Week of Sport between the 10th and 18th of September, and a key event for the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership, formed at the end of 2015.
Up to 5,000 riders will set out from Smithfield in Dublin to take part over two unique scenic routes; a 60km route for those looking for a slightly less strenuous day in the saddle and a challenging 100km route for experienced riders.
The first 2,000 people to sign up for this year’s #GDBR16 will receive an exclusive newly designed jersey. All other entrants will receive a sporting Great Dublin Bike Ride tech top.
Registration is now open at www.greatdublinbikeride.ie.
Last year 3,000 people took part in the inaugural Ride including over 28 nationalities from around the world. Thirty counties in Ireland were represented on the day with participants ranging from 17-73 years old.
Speaking at the launch of the Great Dublin Bike Ride, Councillor Andrew Montague, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr said “On behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin and Dublin City Council, I am delighted to welcome the Great Dublin Bike Ride to the streets of the capital for a second year. The number of people cycling in Dublin city continues to grow year on year and this event is a great opportunity to showcase Dublin as a cycle friendly city.”
“Following the success of last year’s event, I hope that the 2016 Great Dublin Bike Ride will see even greater numbers participating,” added Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.
“This event provides a tremendous opportunity for people to participate in a unique event based on physical activity and community engagement. I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this event and in any of the other events planned for our National Week of Physical Activity and Sport in September”.
“Being active has many benefits for physical and mental health,” said Health Minister Simon Harris.
“The emphasis in the Great Dublin Bike is on enjoyment and participation is open to all levels of cyclist. Cycling is growing in popularity and I hope all the participants enjoy this fun event.”
“The Great Dublin Bike Ride is a great example of cross-sectoral cooperation and partnership and I am delighted that my Department is working with Sport Ireland, Cycling Ireland and the local authorities in the Dublin region on this exciting event to promote cycling.”
