Record bike parade bid for Dublin

AN attempt to beat the world record for the largest parade of bicycles ever will be made in Dublin this Sunday (June14)

The attempt is part of Ireland's National Bike Week, and organisers have asked for more than 2,284 riders to converge in Phoenix Park and take the title from Taipei, the current world record holder.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has backed the attempt. He said: “This will not only put Ireland on the cycling map but it will demonstrate the potential start of a new culture of cycling here.

“I want to see 10 per cent of all trips to work being made by bike within the next 12 years.”

The world record parade begins at the Papal Cross at 11am on Sunday, with a large section of Phoenix Park closed off in a bid to beat the previous total set in July 2007.

A spokesman for Cycling Ireland, one of the organisers, said: “We hope people will come along. The day is designed for a family day out and to raise awareness of cycling to encourage people to get on their bike.”