Funding is available again this year from the Department of Transport through all local authorities/Sports Partnerships to run cycling events during 'National Bike Week 2013' which is 15^th - 23^rd June 2013. The Sports Partnership can apply for grants for distribution among local community groups (e.g. sports groups, schools, resident committees, volunteer groups etc..) Groups must apply directly to us and grants in the form of 'recoupment of eligible expenditure' will be available up to a maximum of 5,000 euro per successful county or city council area.

Events can be targeted at the whole community, such as a town centre cycling festival with events for the whole family or events can be targeted at specific groups such as ‘silver cyclist’ events for the over 60’s, BMX try outs for teenagers, women-only leisure cycles etc.  Long distance cycles can be held for the sports cyclist and mountain biking for those who like to get muddy.

For the purposes of these grants, eligible expenditure will include:

• Costs involved (either directly or through partners) in organising one or more local fun cycling events for public participation e.g. mass cycle, slow bike race, cycling obstacle course, road race, forest cycle etc..
• Costs involved in organising public information events on cycling
• Cost of free bike check-ups in public areas
• Costs of purchase of items such as bikes, lights, locks, bells etc.. to raffle or give as prizes for participants in events
• Costs incurred in provision of cycling training
• Costs of complementary activities for event days, e.g. musical entertainment, face painting, novelty bike displays (unicycles, tricycles), electric bike display
• Costs relating to publicity for events

Grants will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• Event or activity coincides with Bike Week 2013 (15 to 23 June 2013)
• Bike Week logo must be used on all materials (available for download from www.bikeweek.ie)
• Details of events must be uploaded in advance to Bike Week website
• Event or activity portrays cycling in a positive light
• Events or activities are inclusive and facilitate a variety of people to participate e.g. not aimed solely at regular cyclists.   Events should have a wider appeal e.g. children, families, workplaces, non-cyclists etc..
• Publicity or communications planned to engage participants and local interest/ media
• Originality of proposal

Funding is at the discretion of the Department of Transport and as such applicants may receive all/some/or no funding applied for.

If you are interested in applying and organising an event, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bike Week 2012

Bike Week 2012 took place from the 16th to the 24th June 2012. Cycling events were organised across the country by local authorities, community groups, charities and cycling groups.

Cycling is a fun, healthy, safe, environmentally-friendly and low cost way to make those shorter journeys.

Nearly everyone has cycled at some stage – but so many lose the habit. Bike Week was an opportunity for people to get back on the saddle – for commuting or for recreation or just for the sheer joy of it! There were activities all around the island this year.

Events that took place in North Tipperary during Bike Week include:

10k & 30k Cycle in Slieve Felim Region - Rearcross

Date: Sunday, 1st July 
Start Time: 10am
Rearcross FC organised and facilitated a 10K/30K Cycle in the Slieve Felim Region on Sunday 1st July 2012, starting at 10am, as part of National Bike Week. The cycle commenced at Rearcross FC Grounds and followed a 10k/30k scenic route finishing at Rearcross FC Grounds (as shown in the map below).

Mountain Bike Orienteering Trek - (aged 13-16 years), including non-cyclists.
Date: Thursday June 21st
Foróige aimed to promote positive cycling in the local community by organising a Mountain Bike Cycling Orienteering Trek for young people, aged 13 to 16 years on Thursday June 21st 2012, as part of National Bike Week.
Despite the wet miserable Irish weather, 11 young people participate in the activity (1 more than we initially targeted). The participants and Foróige staff members travelled by mini-bus from the Foróige Youth Centre in Nenagh to Portumna Forest Park. The young people were encouraged to designate map readers among their peers and supported by staff to determine the route to follow. The two hour Cycle Orienteering Trek proved successful and was a fun experience for all, with each young person having the opportunity to co-lead the group if they wished. On route home, all participants were asked for a one word/phrase evaluation of the day. Replies included the following; “Wet”, “Cold”, “Tired”, “Good”, “Brilliant”, “Class”, “Something to do”, “5 Star”, “Unreal”, “Fun” and “Alright”. They all agreed that they would like to participate in something similar again.

Activity Fun Filled Bike Day in Upperchurch.
Date: Sunday, 24th June
Start time 11.00 am
Contact Point: Community Centre Upperchurch.  
Upperchurch/Drombane Cycling Club, in conjunction with Bikeweek, held a Bike Day in Upperchurch on Sunday 24th June 2012. 75 cyclists turned up for what was a beautiful sunny Sunday. The event involved a 60km cycle for more experienced cyclists and 25km and 10km family cycle. There were also a series of slow Bike Races for under 12's and 8's and face painters were available to assist with some colourful creations. Finally, the new Upperchurch Drombane Cycling Jersey was launched on the day. After all the events were completed, the participant's retired to Kinane's Pub for a well earned Barbecue. Upperchurch Drombane Cycling Club would like to thank everybody who took part and all who helped out on the day. For information on future events, check out our website www.upperchurch.ie.

Fun Cycle Event - Nenagh
Date: Sunday, 24th June
Start time 11.00 am
Contact Point: Eire Óg GAA Complex, Nenagh
Nenagh Lions Club organised a fun cycle event (approx 9km) starting and finishing at Eire Óg GAA complex, Nenagh on Sunday 24th June 2012. The cycle headed for Puckane back into Ballycommon and finished at Eire Óg GAA complex. 75 people took part including parents, children and individuals.

Roscrea Scouts Go Cycling
Date: Sunday, 24th June
Start time 11.00 am
The Roscrea Scout Group held a family day on Sunday June 24th for all their youth members and their families to enjoy a cycle hike in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. After a final safety check and talk, over 60 people departed from the school grounds in Camross. By 4pm, everyone had arrived safely at the campsite and hostel in Srahan and took a well earned break. Some people took the opportunity to play games, others decided to relax and watch the Tipperary match and others prepared the Barbeque. After the match, everyone enjoyed the Barbeque and returned to Camross safely shortly after 7pm.