MEDIA RELEASETuesday, 17th May 2016 Launch of BeSPOKE - Limerick’s biggest ever cycling festival! A variety of FREE cycling inspired events will take place across Limerick for BeSPOKE, Limerick Smarter Travel’s cycling festival between 11th-19th June 2016, it was announced today (Tuesday). For the second year running individuals and groups from schools, communities, campuses and workplaces have the opportunity to avail of funding to help them run their own cycling inspired event. Limerick’s ‘Bike Week - Event Fund’ will see 18 groups receive financial support to independently run their own BeSPOKE event. Event fund winners include: Milford N.S., St. Pauls N.S., Shanagolden VTOS, Team Adare Cycling Club, Extern Foster Care, Cook Medical, Wild Atlantic Sports, Cycle4Sick Children, Johnson & Johnson, West End Youth Space, Northside Youth Space, Southill Area Centre, Northern Trust, Southside Youth Space, Sophie’s Journey Foundation, Limerick Milk Market, Mary Immaculate College, & Kileedy GAA. The highlight event from Limerick Smarter Travel will take place on Sunday June 12th with registration from two o’clock with the ‘Riverside Family Cycle’ starting at the Irish Estates, passing through the Shannon Fields before turning down the Park Canal and ending at O’Brien’s Park in Clare Street. The family-friendly cycle will be immediately followed by a ‘Party in the Park’ where there will be entertainment for everyone including; · Ireland’s first ‘Cycle Trials’ competition, with 4 class categories from novis to intermediate, hosted by Sean Putt, one of Ireland’s elite cycle trials riders· The 1916|2016 ‘Best in Show’ competition for cyclists and bicycles from 1916 or 2016, hosted by Richard Lynch, RichardKnows& ILoveLimerick.com· Family music, games, entertainment and refreshments Elite Cycle Trials rider Sean Putt, said he’s looking forward to bringing the ‘cycle trials’ event to life, the first of its kind in Ireland.“The event will include three competitive classes, Expert, Intermediate and Beginner, there will be a Novis class for anyone wishing to give cycle trials a go for the very first time on the day,” he said. “The event is being supported by Cycling Ireland, The Hub Bike Shop, National Bike Week, Limerick City and County Council as well as Limerick Smarter Travel. Trophies and prizes for winners will be sponsored by The Hub. We will also be having a ‘cycle trials taster session’ at ‘The Hub’ bike shop on June 5thpart of The Hub’s Sean Kelly Charity Cycle and Family BBQ, do come along to get some one-to-one trials advice, to have a practice trial, or to pre-register for the trials competition on the 12th June,” he added. Speaking following today’s announcement, Richard Lynch, said: “Between the 11th and 19th of June there are a wide variety of BeSPOKE events taking place across Limerick, a celebration and promotion of all that’s great about bikes and cycling, there really is something for everyone. Find out whats happening near you and your family. The ‘Riverside Family Cycle’ and ‘Party in the Park’ will form part of the State Centenary Programme to remember 1916, reflect on the republic 100 years on and reimagine our shared future. The cycle and party will have a 1916|2016 theme and include a ‘Best in Show’ competition, with judges and prizes for those entering their outfits/bicycles in the 1916 or 2016 categories. Do dress up, take part and have fun with friends and family! ” he added. Donal Brennan, Senior Engineer, Limerick City and County Council commented: We hope to see as many people as possible out and about on their bikes enjoyed the fun-filled week of events during Limerick’s Cycling Festival. The BeSPOKE events form a veryimportant time in our annual calendar, working with the Limerick community to creatively highlight the positives of cycling not just for recreation but as an integral part of each persons daily travel routine.” Further Information:Web: Search ‘BeSPOKE’ at www.LimerickSmarterTravel.ieWeb: www.facebook.com/limericksmartertravelWeb: www.twitter.com/lksmartertravelEmail: smartertravel@limerick.ieCall: 061407453 ENDS Laura RyanHead of Communications/MarketingLimerick City and County CouncilMerchant's QuayLimerick061-407134086-6042544
