Ireland is fast becoming one of Europe’s eco-friendly cities as it introduces incentives for eco-friendly transportation. Already well know for the scenic cycling tours offered for tourists and residents, Ireland is becoming eco-friendly as more people use bicycles for every day transportation.
Cycling is popular in Ireland, but has, as in most of the world, either been used as a means of exercise or for relaxation, not as a means of transportation. The recently introduced ‘Bike to Work’ scheme offers employees tax exemption benefits for the purchase of a new bike or associated safety equipment, to the value of 1000 Euros. Intended to convince more people living in Ireland to use bicycles as their primary mode of transport to and from work, the tax incentive, added to fuel savings, time saved sitting in traffic and the health benefits are expected to be the primary motivators.
An increase of 8% from 2007 to 2009 has seen the number of people who cycled every day in Ireland grow to 35 000. While this only equates to 3% of the total number of trips made, the Bike to Work scheme is expected to increase these figures within the next few years. With 209km of cycling lanes in Dublin, it is no surprise that cycling is growing at the rate of 4% there. Obstacles that cyclists feel need to be addressed before cycling will really take off include the fact that many cycling lanes are shared with buses and the inadequate parking facilities at public places such as shops and restaurants. Government is addressing these problems, and is expecting cycling as a means of transport to and from work to become more popular with each passing year.
Comparatively speaking, Ireland is one of Europe’s most eco-friendly countries in terms of the number of cyclists they have. The tourist industry has long taken advantage of the scenic surroundings, offering cycling tours and holidays throughout much of the country. Whether you have planned a cycling holiday or not, you can easily find a bike to rent and set off on the many well-kept routes through the countryside. Instead of using a fuel-guzzling taxi or rental car, use your bicycle to ride to nearby sightseeing spots, or into town for a bite to eat or to grab a pint. Just think – you can eat as much as you want, since you’ll be working it off on the ride back to your guesthouse or hotel.
A cycling holiday through Ireland takes you to the scenic attractions with the advantage of a far better view of the countryside than you would get from a car. If you think about it, you’ll be out in the fresh air, contributing to saving the environment while taking in the beauty of Ireland – there really isn’t a better way to see the world. If you take a mountain bike, you may be able to reach some spots that cars can’t – and it is easier to cycle than walk too.
While national and local government are doing their bit for the environment by encouraging cycling as a means of day-to-day transport, local entrepreneurs are contributing too. One company in Mayo County is offering a ‘bike scrapping’ scheme, where you receive a discount on a ne bicycle if you trade your old one in. Not only does this ensure that the old bicycle is disposed of in an eco-friendly way, it also helps to make sure that cyclists are using new, safer equipment too. Help Ireland become more eco-friendly and use a bicycle to get around.
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