Get on yer bike to help create cleaner, healthier communities

AS a society we are faced with many problems, from climate change to air pollution, childhood obesity to rural decline, congestion on our roads, not to mention our hospital corridors. These issues often seem so disparate that we sometimes forget that there is a simple device that can help us address these challenges, namely the humble bicycle.

Cycling offers the potential to not only enhance the livability of our our towns and villages but also our public health, fitness, air quality and at the same time holds the potential to act as a sustainable economic stimulus for rural communities especially in counties like Kerry.

With this in mind two events taking place this week are a must for anyone who wants to see a strong cycle culture and economy develop in Kerry. These are a screening of a new documentary “Why We Cycle” which focuses on Dutch cycle culture and a presentation by Sustrans founder and Greenway expert John Grimshaw.

On Thursday the Kerry Cycling Campaign will host a screening of “Why We Cycle” a new documentary which takes a ride with ordinary cyclists and experts. These conversations uncover some obvious, but even more hidden effects of cycling on people, on societies, and on the organization of cities.

To the Dutch, cycling is as normal as breathing. They don’t think about it, they just do it. Perhaps the fact that they don’t think about it is the key to the bicycle’s success there. As they do not give cycling a second thought, they don’t really know what the deeper needs of cyclists are.

This film is a free event and will take place at Kerry County Library, Tralee, on Thursday 12th of April at 6.15pm

On Friday the Great Southern Trail will host a presentation from John Grimshaw, founder of the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity Sustrans, and a pioneer of greenway developments with almost 50 years experience developing trails.

John was the author of the Great Southern Trail report commissioned by Shannon Development and published 30 years ago this year, which proposed a trail on the former Kerry - Limerick railway line. The project is seen as Ireland’s first planned Greenway. At that time John walked the entire route from Tralee to Ballingrane junction and is now returning to cycle the route to the Kerry border and is delighted to hear the news that Kerry County Council are progressing the route from Listowel and Tralee.

As part of the presentation John will outline his experiences in developing Greenways and the multiple benefits that accrue to communities as a result. For both dedicated Greenway enthusiasts and those who wish to inform themselves this will be a rewarding evening.

This talk is free and will take place at the Glórach Theatre, Abbeyfeale on Friday 13th April at 8pm.