Cycling Ireland Launch ‘Ride With Pride’ Campaign
Multiple Pride Rides took place during last month's Bike Week 2023
Cycling Ireland are proud to launch the ‘Ride With Pride’ campaign on June 1st to kick off with Pride Month following the success of ‘pride rides’ during Bike Week 2023.
In partnership with several Local Sports Partnerships and LGBTQ+ organisations, several social group rides have been organised for members of the LGBTQ+ community around Ireland during the month of June.
The rides are free to attend, do not require registration and will offer an opportunity for those involved to meet other members of the LGBTQ+ community who are interested in cycling in a safe and social group ride.
The campaign aims to facilitate the establishment of LGBTQ+ rides on our Community Bike Rides programme, with these plans already in progress.
Another aim of the campaign is to help assist in the establishment of an LGBTQ+ community which Cycling Ireland hope can lead to the establishment of a LGBTQ+ club.
Rides have been confirmed in Waterford and Dublin cities, with more rides set to be added to the campaign upon confirmation.
For more information or to express interest in arranging a LGBTQ+ bike ride, contact paul.norton@cyclingireland.ie.
Confirmed rides will be added below throughout the month or keep an eye Cycling Ireland's Social Media channels for more information.
Confirmed Rides
Waterford - Monday 5th June at 12pm – Greenway cycle to Kilmacthomas - meeting in the Bilberry carpark
Dublin – Saturday 17th June - 3 starting points, all finishing at Papal Cross, Phoenix Park
UCD (Belfield Bike Shop)- 9:30am
The carved tree at the corner of St. Anne’s Park and the coast road, Raheny - 9:30am
OutHouse Centre, Capel St. - 10am
5-13km depending on starting location
Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic for after the cycle at Phoenix Park.
Cork - Saturday, 24th June at 10am
Meeting at Guji Coffee, Marina Market (bike hire available) and head towards Blackrock on to the Greenway and on to Passage West, where there is a nice coffee stop at the site of the old railway station. Return to the Marina Market via a different part of the Greenway. A nice easy flat cycle of maybe a total distance of approximately 20km. Free TFI bikes available. Register here
Dublin - Saturday, 24th June
#PrideBikeBop at Dublin Pride - Full details can be found here: https://monthly.bike/2023/06/01/pridebikebop-dublin-pride/
Limerick - Sunday, 25th June at 10am - meeting at TFI Bike Station at TUS Moylish Campus - 8km Ride along canal way to The Pavilion at UL North Campus. Register here
Paul Norton, Cycling Ireland Get Ireland Cycling Officer, said:
"Cycling Ireland and the Get Ireland Cycling initiative are committed to being more diverse, inclusive and offering equal opportunities for all on the island of Ireland. Over the last few months I have been working alongside Sporting Pride and other LGBTQ+ organisations, as well as the LSPs, corporates and 3rd level institutions across the country, to bring together members of the LGBTQ+ community who want to meet like minded people through the sport of cycling."
"It is the aim of Cycling Ireland and Sporting Pride to establish groups in various locations around the country using our Community Bike Ride programme with a longer term goal of establishing a nationwide CI affiliated club. To that end, we are looking for potential ride leaders to come forward or any members of the LGBTQ+ community to contact myself if they wish to be involved.”
Alicia McConnell, Sporting Pride Community Group Liaison, said:
"Sporting Pride is thrilled to be collaborating with Cycling Ireland to get the LGBTQ+ Community active. They have really stepped up their commitment as an NGB to making cycling accessible, inclusive and fun. There are numerous Pride rides happening in June, however, we look forward to establishing year round activities to keep the community engaged, particularly with the improved infrastructure to be able to cycle safely and to enjoy the beautiful Island."