Bike scrappage deal for Mayo cyclists

Expect to see lots of shiny new bicycles around the streets and roads of County Mayo soon as cyclists take advantage of a novel scrappage scheme for bicycles.

A scrappage scheme for old bicycles is now underway in County Mayo.

Hot on the heels of the government’s car scrappage scheme, a similar scheme for bicycles has been created in Mayo where there are many active cycling clubs.

Here’s the deal: you can trade in your existing bike (any type) in part exchange for a  new bike for a guaranteed minimum discount of 10% on your new bike.

This scheme will boost the economy, but more importantly it will  be environmentally friendly.

This scheme will encourage the use of safer bikes on our roads, encourage more people to dust down that old bicycle in the garage and get a new one.

It will also ensure more people dispose of their old bikes in a environmentally friendly way, so we will see less old bikes disposed in rivers and left to rust at the back of the house.

Cyclists can trade in their old bikes at the  following Mayo outlets and other outlets can participate in this scheme:

• Marrey Bikes, Ballinrobe
• The Bike World, Castlebar
• Breheny Bike Shop, Westport
• The Bike Clinic, Castlebar
• Halfords, Castlebar
• Hopkins & Sons, Ballina

Thérèse Ruane, chairperson of Iompar Castlebar, a newly-established  group promoting sustainable travel, said: “The Bike Scrappage Scheme  is a great initiative. The benefits of cycling are obvious and this is  a great way to promote it among all ages. Using your bike makes you healthier, saves you time and money … and you’re doing your bit for  the environment.”

Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer Mayo County Council, said “Individuals, communities, the economy and society as a whole have much to gain from  increased participation in cycling.

“Switching from four wheels to two  for the school run or the commute would dramatically reduce carbon emissions, however, the benefits of cycling run much deeper than balance sheets or carbon footprints.

It’s a crucial life skill, giving children an early road sense as they take their first steps towards independence, their first mode of transport.

“The more cyclists there are  using the road network, the more drivers become aware of them, with a resultant lowering of the accident rate to cyclists.

“Cycling as a  regular form of low-impact exercise is generally recognised to offer  many health benefits which far outweigh the associated risks, we hope  this scheme will help people make this life style change from four wheels to two wheels,” Mr Gibbons added.