Cycling in Dublin

King of the Mountains

On Friday 17^th September, as part of European Mobility Week 2010, Dublin City Council will be hosting an event to showcase a type of electrically-assisted bicycle called a ‘Pedelec’. Combining pedal and battery power, Pedelecs open new possibilities to commuters, particularly those with a long or hilly commute. With pedal-assist technology, the electric motor boosts your pedal input so that you can ascend hills with ease and travel further while cutting your fuel costs as well as your impact on the environment. The top assistance speed is typically about 25km/h with a range of about 50km; the battery can be recharged overnight (4-6 hours required). Pedelecs are also eligible for the bike-to-work scheme.

Mobility Week is an initiative led by the European Commission to promote sustainable modes of travel and improvement of the urban environment. This is the 10^th year of European Mobility Week and over 900 cities and towns have registered to participate.

The event itself, titled King of the Mountains, will take place on Fishamble Street (beside Civic Offices) from 12.00-18.00 and all are welcome to try out the newest Pedelec technology on one of the city centre’s steepest climbs. Pedelec suppliers from all over Dublin will be in attendance so that members of the public can test-ride the bikes and get information on how they operate, how much they cost, etc.

The event promises to be great fun for all with music, guaranteed entertainment, and everyone who participates will be entered in a draw to win the fantastic prize of a Giant Twist Pedelec bike worth €1500! We may even stage a fun King of the Mountains style competition with the prestigious prize of a customised polka dot jersey signed by top Irish cyclist Dan Martin, winner of the 2010 Dublin Cycle Race.