Wheels in motion as Cork County Council hosts Bike Week

People of all ages across Cork County Council are encouraged to get on their bikes for a county-wide cycling festival.

Bike Week Cork 2026 will run from Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 17 and will feature more than 300 events showcasing the benefits of cycling.

According to the 2025 Cork Walking and Cycling index, 73% of residents now support the development of cycle paths physically separated from traffic.

With more than €100 million invested in active travel schemes across the county since 2021, Cork County Council said it is using Bike Week 2026 to highlight those new safer routes, while encouraging the public to cycle more.

The county mayor, councillor Mary Linehan Foley said the festival offered a packed schedule of events, most of which were free.

“Bike Week Cork has always been successful in schools, and it is fantastic to see so many schools involved once again,” she said.

“Cycling has so many benefits and Bike Week is a superb opportunity to highlight those benefits along with the fantastic cycling infrastructure in place across the county.

“Given the number of events organised, there is something for everybody and I would encourage all residents of Cork County to participate in Bike Week.” Moira Murrell, chief executive of Cork County Council, said the council continued to work in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to deliver new active travel infrastructure across the county.

“Bike Week Cork is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in Cork to get on your bike and discover these infrastructural improvements across the county aimed at making cycling safer and more enjoyable for all,” she said.

James Kirby of Cork Sports Partnership said this year’s festival was set to be the most ambitious yet.

“Whether it’s a family fun cycle, a maintenance workshop, or a scenic tour, we have tailored this year’s programme to ensure there is an event for every person in every community across the County,” he said.

For details of all Bike Week events taking place in Cork County this year, visit www.corkbikeweek.ie.