THE CAMPAIGN to ensure a safe passing distance for cyclists will take another step forward this month with a major cycling event set to take over large parts of the county.
Wexford man Phil Skelton has been campaigning for some time for a safe passing distance of 1.5m when overtaking cyclists to be written into law and has canvassed government representatives along with starting an online petition which has garnered well over 5,000 signatures including those of cycling legends such as Nicholas and Stephen Roche.
In a bid to create further awareness for the campaign, Phil has now set the wheels in motion on a major new cycling event – the 1 point 5 ride – which will form part of Wexford’s bike week events.
The event will be held in Bunclody on June 19 and will offer something for everyone from hardened cyclists who are used to competing, to Sunday cyclists out for a spin. There will be two distances to choose from – a shorter spin of 50km and a longer distance of 100km. The first 50km will be shared by both distances and the route takes in Bunclody, Ballycarney, Ferns, Carnew, Kildavin, Myshall and Kiltealy before returning to Bunclody.
There will be an element of challenge on both distances, with a climb over Sliabh Bhuidhe on the 50km plus a climb over Corrabut included in the 100km. A decent level of fitness is required, however, organisers are quick to point out that there’s no shame in getting off and pushing the bike if necessary and that this is a leisure event and not a race.
All funds raised from the event will go towards helping to build further awareness for a safe passing zone. Participants are reminded that helmets are compulsory for this event. The event is being sponsored by Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford Bus, Boggans Motors, SIMI, McCarthy Solicitors Cork, Bunclody Eggs, Wexford Credit Union and Wexford County Council.
The 1 point 5 ride will roll out at 10 a.m. from Bunclody AFC’s grounds on Church Road, Participants will need to sign up before participation and sign-on opens at 7.30 a.m. the morning of the event. Each participant will receive a goody bag and they are asked to make sure that their bicycles are well maintained and that they carry spare tubes etc in the event of a puncture.
Participants can also register for the event online and will be entered into a Golden Ticket draw for some excellent, highly sought after prizes. Further details and registration details can be see on http://www.safecyclingireland.org/1point5-ride/.
Host club for the 1 point 5 ride Slaney Cycling Club.
L-R Billy Harris, Murry McDonald, John Busher, Phil Skelton, Paddy Dunne, Joe Fortune