Aengus O"Rourke calls for Athlone to become more

Athlone Town Council candidate Aengus O"Rourke wants Athlone to become more cycle-friendly. 'In light of the new "Cycle to Work" initiative, we are sure to see a renewed interest in people cycling to work and going about their daily business. Therefore, a simple yet important infrastructure is required in Athlone to accommodate the cycling public in a safe and specific manner. I would call on the council to carry out an audit of Athlone to establish what is required to make the town a cycle-friendly town, for example: cycle lanes, signage, bike stands/shelters in public areas.' O"Rourke said: 'Something as simple as the provision of secure bike parking shelters in central locations in town or at the workplace would encourage people to cycle more. I would like to see a move towards the better general accommodation for cyclists from a practical and safety point of view. As a minimum all new significant developments should have a safe, sheltered and well-lit bicycle parking bay.' In the 2008 budget the Minister for the Environment John Gormley announced an initiative which enables employees to purchase a bicycle and associated equipment tax free. The Government wants 10 per cent of all journeys by 2020 to be undertaken by bicycle and has introduced the scheme to persuade 150,000 commuters to use the bicycle for short journeys. Most bicycle shops are participating in the scheme and are well aware of how the scheme works, so further information can obtained there. Also, for a full breakdown on how the scheme works visit: www.bikescheme.ie. 'There"s a real upside for employers too, PRSI savings, reduced parking problems, savings in parking tax, and a healthier, fitter workforce' O"Rourke said.