Press release for use 28th August 2018: Issued by Dublin Cycling Campaign and the Office of the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

What: Handover of Official Bicycle to Dublin’s Lord Mayor

Details: Outside the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. 11.30am, Tuesday 28th August 2018.

Dublin Cycling Campaign grants Lord Mayor the Freedom of the City!

Today Dublin Cycling Campaign will present a new bicycle to Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Nial Ring, This will provide this Lord Mayor and future Lord Mayors a transport option to get around the city in a convenient, healthy and eco- friendly way. The ‘Official’ Bicycle, which was crowdfunded by supporters of Dublin Cycling Campaign, will provide an additional means of transport to the official car for Dublin’s First Citizen.

The campaign for an official Lord Mayor’s bicycle began last week after the Lord Mayor’s official car was photographed parked in a cycle lane on O’Connell Street while he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Lord Mayor acknowledged the mistake and apologised.

The bicycle is a Dutch-style city bicycle, which was provided at cost price by the Dutch Bike Shop in Goatstown. The bicycle, a Gazelle CityGo C3, is a robust city bike. It comes equipped with a sturdy rear carrier to carry all of your belongings. The front and rear light are integrated in the frame and are operated by dynamo, so batteries are a thing of the past. There is both a ring lock and a chain lock included, the chain lock is stored away in a unique case that is built into the frame.

The Lord Mayor will also receive a waterproof pannier bag The pannier bag, also known as a saddle bag, sits on the rear carrier of the bike so that the bicycle carries the weight, rather than the rider.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring says, “This bike will prove to be an invaluable asset to myself and future Lords Mayor and I’m delighted to accept this lovely gift from the Dublin Cycling Campaign. Dublin City Council has provided more cycle lanes and other bike parking facilities which has led to increased numbers of Dubliners cycling around the city. Over the next year Dublin City Council will host the great Dublin Bike Ride and International Velo City Cycling Conference. Beidh mé ar mo rothar!’

Kieran Ryan of Dublin Cycling Campaign says, “We’re glad the Lord Mayor has accepted the bicycle and we hope he will use his position to show how cycling can be incorporated into everyday life in Dublin, whether you’re the Lord Mayor or someone who lives, works or shops in the city.” Astrid Fitzpatrick of the DutchBikeShop.ie says, “We’re delighted to support this initiative and we really hope the Lord Mayor enjoys his new bike. We’ve provided a really superb Dutch bike for him, ideal for getting around Dublin’s streets as comfortably as possible.”

Notes to Editor:

• The official handover of the Lord Mayor’s bicycle will take place at the Mansion House on Dawson Street at 11.30am on Tuesday 28th August.

Attendees at the official handover will include:

• Mr Roelof van Ees, Chargé d’Affaires at the Dutch Embassy, Dublin. • Joanna Donnelly, Meteorologist, RTE Weather Presenter, and regular cyclist. • Astrid Fitzpatrick, Owner of the Dutch Bike Shop, Goatstown. • Various members of the Dublin Cycling Campaign and Cyclist.ie, the national cycling advocacy network.

For further information or interview requests please contact:

Kieran Ryan, Dublin Cycling Campaign: 0879359205

Colm Ryder, Secretary, Dublin Cycling Campaign: 0872376130