08-05-2025
Drogheda Cycling Group to host four events for Bike Week 2025
The group, which regularly organises stewarded community cycles and engages with local authorities in Louth and Meath, has planned a series of rides designed to accommodate cyclists of all ages and abilities.
The first event, a Women's Cycle takes place this Sunday, May 11. Participants will meet on Merchant's Quay at 10.30am for a 24km cycle, expected to conclude around 1.30pm. The route will be mostly flat and follow quieter roads. Cyclists must be aged 13 or over, with under-18s required to be accompanied by an adult.
An Evening Cycle follows on Thursday, May 15, starting at 7pm from St Peter's Church on West St. This 21km cycle is open to adults aged 18 and over and will make use of the PANCR segregated bike lane and the boardwalk. The event is expected to conclude by 8.30pm.
On Saturday, May 17, the group will hold a Family Cycle beginning at 11am from the Abbey Car Park beside the Courthouse. The 10km route is almost entirely traffic-free and suitable all ages and for children who are confident cycling on their own. The ride will end at approximately 1.30pm.
The final event is an Adult Cycle on Sunday, May 18, starting again at Courtyard Coffee at 10.30am and finishing around 3pm. Covering 50km, this is the most challenging of the week's events and is open to adults 18 and over. The route will primarily use quiet country roads and include some hills, but it will be paced leisurely to suit those with moderate fitness levels.
Vice Chairperson Linda Meehan said the events are open to cyclists of all skills levels and types of bicycles. 'If you have an e-bike, a road bike, a mountain bike, a fold-up bike or anything else you will be welcome. We also welcome all sorts of cyclists including people who are new to cycling or people who used to cycle but haven't done so in years. If you are a bit nervous about taking your bike out on our busy roads or you would just like some company on your cycles why not come along and try one of our events? The pace on our cycles is very relaxed and we have a steward at the front and back of the group so that nobody is left behind. We will stop for refreshments on our daytime cycles,' she said.
Chairperson Noel Hogan highlighted the broader impact of the events, noting that Drogheda is set to see the development of cycle lanes that will make the town more accessible to cyclists. 'Bike Week is a great opportunity for people to get out and experience cycling in Ireland's largest town. Drogheda will soon see the construction of cycle lanes through the town and this will make cycling easier and safer for all in Drogheda. Everybody on a bicycle is one less car clogging up the streets of Drogheda and studies consistently show that encouraging people to choose cycling for short journeys will make a big impact on congestion. The Drogheda Cycling Group is doing our part to encourage this mindset change and our local authority must do their part by speeding up the roll out of much needed safe cycling infrastructure,' said Hogan.
