There was a great turnout for Letterkenny’s Bike Week event this weekend.
Locals gathered at the Farmer’s Market on the Port Road and got involved with the local cycling community.
“We were thrilled to see so many people hopping on their bikes and joining us at the Farmer’s Market,” said Eddie Bradley of Malin Sustainability.
“The energy was inspiring, and it was clear that the community is excited about making cycling a bigger part of their lives.”
From 9am to 1pm, cyclists of all ages enjoyed free coffee, tea, and treats from La Papa, Kitchen and Coffee House, fostering a sense of community and encouraging local shopping. The free drop-in Bike Clinic, led by John from @thebikemobile, was busy throughout the event, providing essential maintenance checks and adjustments to ensure that bicycles were safe and running smoothly.
“We wanted to welcome back potential cyclists who may have left their bikes untouched for a while and assure them that their bikes are ready to hit the road,” said Bradley.
“The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing renewed enthusiasm for cycling.”
Eilish Kennedy, Sustainability Leader from Tidy Towns Letterkenny, highlighted the environmental benefits of cycling. “Cycling is zero-emission transport, so it’s a great way to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and pollution,” Kennedy commented. “Seeing so many people choose to cycle today was fantastic for our community and our environment.”
The event not only rekindled a love for cycling among residents but also provided valuable insights into the support needed to sustain this interest. Through surveys and conversations, participants shared their views on how to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable in Letterkenny.
“We’ve gathered important feedback that will help us and our partners develop better infrastructure and resources for cyclists in Letterkenny,” said Bradley. “This event was just the beginning of a stronger cycling culture in our town.”
The event was made possible through the support of Transport for Ireland, Donegal County Council, Donegal Sports Partnership, Letterkenny Tidy Towns, Letterkenny Farmers Market, and Malin Sustainability.
The organising team say they are already looking forward to future initiatives that will continue to promote cycling and active travel in Letterkenny.