On yer bikes to Portlaoise library
Pictured at Portlaoise Library for the launch of the Portlaoise Bike Library: Pat Delaney, Director of Services, Laois County Council; Catherine Dolan and Gerry Browne, Portlaoise Tidy Towns; Cllr Paddy Buggy, Leas cathaoirleach of Laois Co Council; Vincent Booth, Portlaoise Tidy Towns; Georgina Ireland Cathcart, Senior Executive Officer, Laois County Council; Colette ORourke, Community Climate Action Officer, Laois County Council; Mark and Arlo Bradley with a bike; Stephen Malone, the first bike user and Anne Lennon, Climate Action Officer, Laois County Council Photo: Alf Harvey
THE new Portlaoise Bike Library was officially launched on Friday 9 October outside the library.
The initiative works in a similar fashion to a book library, but instead of borrowing books, locals will be given the opportunity to trial a range of e-bikes and cargo bikes before deciding on what option suits best when deciding to purchase their own.
The initiative is led by Portlaoise Tidy Towns, supported by the Climate Action Team at Laois Co Council, and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment under its Community Climate Action Programme.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Paddy Buggy, leas-cathaoirleach, Laois Co Council, said: “I am delighted to be associated with the launch of the Portlaoise Bike Library today. I encourage residents to take advantage of the opportunity to experience cycling first-hand and I commend the community-led approach which has made the project possible. Congratulations to all.” Pat Delaney, director of services with Laois Co Council, added that the initiative is a critical step forward in making cycling more accessible, more affordable and more achievable for people of all ages across Portlaoise. The bike library, he argued, would help more people experience the benefits of cycling, whether that is travelling to school, commuting to work or spending quality time outdoors.
Speaking on behalf of Portlaoise tidy towns, chairman Vincent Booth said: “I would like to thank the volunteers, partners and supporters who contributed to establishing the bike library. This initiative is an important community asset that will help more people choose active travel, become more connected to their town and enjoy the many benefits of cycling.” Staff from Bleeper, the suppliers and operators of the bikes, provided demonstrations on the correct use of the various bike models.
Members of the public interested in borrowing a bike in the future can register their interest by scanning the QR code available on the Portlaoise tidy towns website, on the information banner at Portlaoise library or by contacting a member of Portlaoise tidy towns group.
