5/10/04 Seminar on Safe Cycling Techiques at NUI, Galway

A contact made at the National Obesity Task Force event in September came to frutition on Tuesday 5th October when the GCC held a seminar on the “ABCs of Cycling in Galway” in Darcy-Thompson Theatre, NUI, Galway. The event was arranged in co-operation with Ms Cindy Dring of the Health Promotion office of NUI, Galway and was open to the public. The object which was to provide tips and tricks for bicycle users in city traffic with topics such as.

October 2004 Western Health Board express interest in backing signs project

Another contact made at the National Obesity Task Force event in September also came to frutition in October. Following from contacts made with Jacky Jones, the Western Health Board Health-Promotion chief, an approach was made with regards to seeking additional financial backing for the Faster by bike in Galway signs project. Paul Gillen of the WHB health promotion services has indicated that suppport might be available and discussions are taking place

10/10/04 Galway cyclists welcome amendments to city development plan

Cross party support crucial to essential changes

The Galway Cycling Campaign have expressed delight with the amendments made to the City Development Plan during the debates at city hall over the past two weeks. On Sunday night, last minute amendments, such as replacing cycle lanes with hard-shoulder markings more suitable for Galway’s roads, were carried. Other key improvements made included an acknowledgement that roundabouts pose difficulties for pedestrians and cyclists and provision for two-way access for cyclists on one-way streets. In future, where planners propose to omit cycle parking from new developments this will have to be referred back to the planning SPC of Galway City Council for approval. The city council also adopted wording acknowledging that providing off-road cycle paths is not an alternative to adapting the existing road network for cyclists’ use.

November 2004: Western Health Board confirms financial backing for signs project

Mr. Paul Gillen of WHB health promotion services has confirmed that the WHB is to provide a grant of EU 5,000 in suppport of the Faster by Bike in Galway project. The GCC committee wish to record their sincere thanks for the Western Health Board’s generous support. Initially, part of the funds will be use to expand the project in Galway city. However, subject to final approval by Galway County Council, the remainder of the funds are to be held aside for use in the county towns of Galway. Initial negiotiations have been started with the council’s Loughrea regional office. It is hoped that this is merely the first of many co-operative projects between the Galway Cycling Campaign and the regional health agencies. Mr Gillen has indicated a desire on the part of the WHB to take a regional approach to cycling promotion. Cyclists from the Roscommon and Mayo areas who would like to expand the scheme to their areas should get in touch with the GCC and can expect every assistance from ourselves and the Western Health Board