And cycling is for everybody, everyday. That was the message at Central Library on Weds April 27th at the opening of the Cyclist.ie exhibition on “everyday” cycling. Dr. Mike McKillen, outgoing chairman of The Irish Cycling Advocacy Network , opened the exhibition of 50 images of bikes and people cycling and outlined the campaigns to make cycling to work and school easier and safer for everyone. Free the Cycle Lanes and Stayin Alive 1.5m focus on motorists creating a safe space for cyclists and the Love 30 campaign aims for 30 kph speed limits in urban areas and especially near schools. Mike has been an inspirational leader of the organisation since its formation in 2008.

Dr. Damien O’Tuama detailed the work of Cyclist.ie and its member groups in every city and many large towns around the country. He encouraged Waterford people to drop in and view the exhibition in the Index Gallery at Central Library, Lady Lane until May 7th. He urged Waterford cyclists to become involved in the local campaign and thanked local members for organising the exhibition.

Mr. Ray Mannix, Senior Roads engineer with Waterford Council presented an update on the Waterford Greenway and the progress made by Smarter Travel Dungarvan Project. The audience welcomed the plan to have a full 50 km Greenway from Waterford to Dungarvan open in August.

Colm Ryder, incoming Chairman of Cyclist.ie presented prizes to the winners of the photography competition: Eamonn Clancy-Power, John O’Connor (winning photo “Robin on a bike” above) and Sarah Maher. 26 entries were received and many of these are also on view in the library. Thanks to everyone who entered - it was encouraging to see so many people going about their business in the city and county on bikes!

Prizes were kindly sponsored by Altitude, Spokes, The Book Centre, Sam McAuleys, Mulligans and the launch was sponsored by Waterford Council and Geoff’s Cafe Bar.

Refreshments included a selection of locally-produced foods, from The Sea Gardener, Aurelia Foods, Pure Food, Seagull Bakery, Grantstown Tomatoes and Hickey’s Blaas. Deise Greenway facebook group members were present, along with Waterford walk & Cycle Campaign members.

Marie Power Waterford Walk & Cycle Campaign /Cyclist.ie Tel 086 8124275