Culture Night Community Cycle

Bike Week 2021

This year, by happy coincidence, Culture Night, on Friday September 17th, fell during Bike Week. Sligo Cycling Campaign took advantage of the coincidence to incorporate two Culture Night activities into its Community Cycle event.

The cycle set off at 4: 30 pm from Cleveragh Park. It was ably marshalled by Community Garda Martha and Axa Community Bike Ride Leader, John Green along with Mickey, Gemma and Sarah.

The first stop was at the Cranmore Co-op Community Garden. Probably for the first time ever, thirty bikes lined up alongside the garden fence and the cycle participants trooped in the gate to admire and learn about the many colourful plants and vegetables and view demonstrations on the role of bees and worms in food production and biodiversity. We received a warm welcome from Community Development worker, Connie and from Daithi, Aga and volunteers.

Visit over, it was time to get back on the bikes and return to the Doorly Park cycle path. We were a colourful and diverse lot as we made our way along the riverside path. There was a substantial multi-generational contingent from the Strandhill Cycle Bus. Sligo Leitrim and West Cavan Home Youth Liaison Service were represented by Jonathan, Jason, Luke and Alex . Nick Doran piloted his Sustainable Development Goals cargo-bike, while Bob Coggins and Sinead transported youngest participants Oscar and Connie in their bike-trailer.

The group crossed from Kennedy Parade onto Rockwood Parade exiting onto Hyde Bridge. They then did a loop around Markievicz Road, Hughes Bridge, Custom House Quay and Fish Quay returning to Rockwood and Kennedy Parades. The final stop was at Ripples Restaurant at the Riverside Hotel where refreshments and the second Culture Night treat were in store. The 7 strong buoys of Ballisodare entertained the diners with a rousing selection of sea-shanties and were received with great acclaim. It was such a treat to hear a live performance again after so long.

Even a relatively small group cycle takes a lot of organising and Sligo Cycling Campaign is grateful to everyone who made it happen, the Community Garda, the marshals, Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership, Connie and team at Cranmore Coop Community Garden, Management at Ripples, the Buoys of Ballisodare and of course to all the participants who came along and contributed to such a fun event!

The town cycle was greatly enjoyed by all, particularly by the young teenagers who enjoyed seeing Sligo from a bike perspective and the even younger children who, though nervous at times, felt proud and exhilarated after cycling around the town.

So hopefully we’ll see you all soon again!