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PRESS RELEASE - 14th May, 2001

Radical New Cycling Programme

Monday 14th May 2001: Dublin Corporation today launched Right Start 1 - Cycling Training Programme, the first of its kind in Ireland. The scheme is designed to help 10 to 14 year old school children develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes and flexibility required to cope safely when cycling in city traffic.

It consists of a classroom based skills/theory programme as well as off and on road practical riding stages. Children taking part will learn where, when and how cycling accidents occur. A Tutor's Guide is aimed at teachers, with a Pupil/Parent Guide for parents to help their children acquire knowledge and understanding of the principles of safe cycling. Over the next few weeks all schools in the Dublin Corporation area will receive an information pack about the programme.

At the launch, The Lord Mayor Alderman Maurice Ahern, presented prizes to four Dublin City Finalists in the 9th European Capital Cities Cup for Young Cyclists and Moped Riders. They will represent Dublin in Lisbon later this month.

"As an avid sportsman, I always encourage people to get out and be active," says the Lord Mayor. "I am delighted to launch a campaign that will teach younger people how to ride their bikes properly, thereby improving safety for all road users."

The Assistant Garda Commissioner Jim McHugh praised the new initiative and stated: "Right Start 1 - Cycling Training Programme provides a unique opportunity for young cyclists to learn and develop a range of safe cycling skills, knowledge and attitude to enable them to cope safely with cycling on our busy roads."

"With new cycle lanes opening throughout the city, it's important that young people acquire the skills to use them safely", says Owen Keegan, Director of Traffic, Dublin Corporation. " Over 20,000 school children have undergone cycle training at our Traffic Education School in Clontarf, over the last 10 years and the new programme will allow us to link up directly with teachers and parents to provide the necessary skills to many more children in the city. "

This is the latest cycling initiative taken by Dublin Corporation. In the region of 100km of a Strategic cycle Network has been completed and over 2,500 cycle parking spaces have been provided. In addition, a major study is underway to identify new cycle routes in the City centre.