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Wicklow Bike Week to feature festival, street velodrome and free bike rentals

National Bike Week takes place from Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, May 19, with an array of different events taking place in Co Wicklow.

Myles Buchanan
© Wicklow People

Get ready to saddle up for Bike Week with an array of exciting events taking place throughout County Wicklow from Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, May 19.

One of the highlights of the week will be Blessington’s Bike Week Festival taking place on Saturday, May 18, in the car park of McGreals Primary Care Centre from 11am to 3pm. This promises to be an extravaganza of cycling fun, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Things begin with a disco yoga, followed by outdoor spin sessions with HD Fitness, a balance bike course, and two learn to cycle taster sessions.

Attendees can also look forward to face painters, street performers, and a pop-up let’s play event. But the true centrepiece of the festival will be Wicklow’s very own street velodrome, specially designed for children aged 8 to 14.

Prior to that, the week-long celebrations will kick off with a series of free learn to cycle taster sessions in Arklow, Rathdrum, Greystones, Baltinglass and Tinahely. These aim to instil confidence in beginners and encourage more people to embrace the joys of cycling.

In a bid to make cycling accessible to all, free bike rentals will be available throughout the week from the Avon in Blessington. However, pre-registration through www.wicklowlsp.ie will be necessary to avail of this.

For those craving an adrenaline rush, mid-week mountain e-bike tours promise an unforgettable adventure amidst Wicklow’s landscapes.

Cllr Aoife Flynn-Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council said: “The Street Velodrome in particular adds an extra dimension of excitement to Bike Week, providing a thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike. We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative.”

Breege Kilkenny, Director of Services for Wicklow County Council, stated: “Bike Week is all about inclusivity and fun. We want everyone to feel welcome to participate.”

Aisling Hubbard, Coordinator at Wicklow Sports and Recreation Partnership, said: “Bike Week allows us to rediscover the charm of Wicklow’s landscapes while promoting an active lifestyle. We encourage everyone to get out this week and explore Wicklow on two wheels.”

All events throughout Bike Week are free to attend and open to everyone. Pre-registration details are available at www.wicklowlsp.ie.