From this week’s Galway City Tribune – The new Salthill cyclebus has enticed at least 35 children and their parents to take to their bikes once a week for the school run. And another 15 pupils have signed up to join this week.

Organisers are astounded at the level of interest in the new route, which runs between Árus Bóthar na Trá on Dr Mannix Road and Scoil Fhursa and Scoil Iognáid (the Jes).

So far, the cyclebus – which operates like a moving cycle lane with kids protected by marshalling adults – has taken more than 20 cars off the busy roads during rush hour traffic.

Parent Sarah Deignan, who was already cycling her two boys to school most days in Scoil Fhursa, said the initiative has proven to be a huge success.

“Because of the time of year, we thought we were better to start it slower and get interest going and build it up. And it’s more of an occasion if it’s only one day a week. But the interest is huge. We sent out forms last week to see if anybody else wanted to join and there will be 50 children on it if they all go,” she said.

They hope to go to five days a week if they can secure more marshals.

“The kids are really enjoying it. It’s lovely for them to get out in the fresh air, get out on bikes with their friends. They don’t get the chance to cycle on roads as it’s not safe. It great for them to learn about road safety.”

The Salthill cyclebus is following in the footsteps of the first official one in the country in Knocknacarra and the East of the Corrib route, Salthill to Cappagh and around the suburbs of Oranmore and Renmore.
This is a shortened preview version of this story. To read the rest of the article and support our journalism, see the October 21 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can buy a digital edition HERE.