Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, today officially launched the new Irish Cycling Campaign during a special event at Malahide Castle, marking a significant moment for cycling advocacy in Ireland.
The event, held during National Bike Week, brought together cycling advocates, community leaders, and policymakers to celebrate the organisation’s renewed vision, governance and identity.
Irish Cycling Campaign (formerly Cyclist.ie) is a nationwide membership-based organisation operating in local advocacy groups. It works to influence public policy, improve cycling and walking infrastructure, and build a culture where cycling is safe, inclusive, and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The organisation engages with national and local authorities, contributes to policy development, and empowers communities through campaigns, education, and collaboration.
Minister O’Brien stated:
“It is fitting that we are launching the new Irish Cycling Campaign this weekend, right in the heart of Bike Week — a celebration taking place across the country. And on Monday, we begin National Volunteering Week, highlighting the incredible work of people-powered initiatives like this one.
“The Irish Cycling Campaign is a great example of grassroots advocacy in action.
“We’ve seen meaningful progress in active travel infrastructure, particularly here in Fingal, and we remain committed to expanding these networks to support healthier, more sustainable travel choices within our communities.
“The benefits of active travel infrastructure are far-reaching — improving public health, protecting the environment, supporting local economies, and enhancing the overall quality of life in our towns and cities.
“All over Ireland, local authorities, cycling clubs, and community groups are coming together to host bike rides, safety workshops, and school events. I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of this national movement.”
Neasa Bheilbigh, Chair of the Irish Cycling Campaign, commented:
“Our new restructuring and identity represents a fresh chapter in our journey to make cycling accessible and safe for everyone in Ireland. We are excited to continue our work with communities and policymakers to promote cycling as a sustainable and inclusive choice.
We know that walking and cycling are key components of our transport system with significant benefits, not least to our health system and to reducing our transport carbon emissions. Irish Cycling Campaign will continue to work towards ensuring that people can safely and conveniently cycle to school, to work, to shops, to local amenities.”
The launch at Malahide Castle highlights the Irish Cycling Campaign’s role as a grassroots, member-led organisation driving change in transport policy. Through sustained advocacy, local group action and national engagement, the Irish Cycling Campaign has become a key voice in shaping a more cycle-friendly, climate-conscious Ireland.
