Benefits of active travel a 'key message' of Athlone Bike Fest

The promotion of active travel was a prominent feature of the inaugural Athlone Bike Fest which took place over the course of the bank holiday weekend.

Active travel refers to transport of a kind that involves physical exercise, such as cycling.

A schedule of family friendly activities for cyclists of all ages and skill levels proved popular as the festival attracted an array of participants and onlookers.

The three-day Bike Fest commenced on Saturday morning with a Charity Spinathon in aid of Esker House Domestic Abuse Services at Athlone Regional Sports Centre.

A bike parade along the town's streets and displays from the 'Savage Skills' BMX stunt team were other notable features of the three-day festival.

The voluntary committee were heartened by the community response to the inaugural Bike Fest, chairperson John Henson noting that the "seed was now sown" for the hosting of similar festivals in the future.

Athlone Bike Fest committee treasurer, Town Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena said that the promotion of active travel was a "key message" to take from the festival.

"There is great potential to develop this festival in future years. All participants warmed to the occasion with all the public showing their appreciation in large numbers," Cllr Keena said.

The Town Mayor offered his thanks to all the sponsors who made the inaugural festival possible.

"Thanks to our Bike Fest sponsors, Westmeath County Council, Westmeath Sports Partnership, Golden Island Shopping Centre, Outdoorsy, Buckley’s Cycles, Uisce Eireann, Shannon Academy, Ganly’s Hardware, Athlone Regional Sports Centre, Athlone Castle, Belvedere House & Gardens and Athlone Gardai,without whom this event would not have been possible," Cllr Keena concluded.