Fit & Fun in Fingal - Designed by Story Rory

WALKING / RUNNING / CYCLING

WIN Competition Inside

CONTENTS Live Life to the Full............

Walking & Running in Fingal............

Get Motivated with Derval O’Rourke...... parkrun & MarathonKids............

Why Cycle............

Out & About in Fingal Map..........

Safe Cycling Tips, School Streets..........

Gearing up for Training...........

Teaching Kids to Cycle.....

On Your Bike.....

Round & About Fingal...........

Explore Fingal’s Parks & Open Spaces....

Kids Corner.............

Competition............

Message from mayor

This magazine was printed on FSC Certified paper. FSC certification follows the wood from the forest to the final product, providing a guarantee to consumers that the timber or paperboard used came from responsibly managed forests.

Disclaimer: Any photos featuring groups of people not observing social distancing were taken prior to the setting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Message from chief executive

Fingal has an amazing variety of walking, running and cycling routes and clubs across the county and the Fit & Fun in Fingal booklet is a great way for the people of Fingal to find out about all these amazing activities, groups and routes available to them. During these unprecedented times I would encourage everyone in Fingal to get involved to keep up their physical and mental wellbeing.

The importance of Mental and Physical Health is something we have all become acutely aware of in recent months as we have dealt with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to get out for a walk, a run or a cycle has proven to be very important to everyone over these past months. We want to promote the development of physical activity in the County with an emphasis on promoting direct, comfortable, and convenient ways to get involved.

The COVID-19 restrictions have been difficult for everyone over the past few months, so it is imperative to support our residents in continuing to get back to sport, physical exercise and communal fun activities. We have seen higher numbers of people walking and cycling in our communities over the summer and we wish to continue promoting this trend by helping everyone in Fingal to get involved.

This booklet, Fit & Fun in Fingal, which has been compiled by Fingal County Council, will showcase the importance and benefits of physical activity and the great amenities available to the residents of Fingal. Fingal County Council continues to invest in cycling and walking infrastructure and this magazine is an excellent guide to what is available across the county.

Cllr David Healy Mayor of Fingal

AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive, Fingal County Council

STAY IN TOUCH

A Production of Fingal County Council in conjunction with:

Designed by www.StoryRory.com

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WALKING RUNNING IN FINGAL TOP 7 TIPS

COASTAL WALKWAYS With 88km of coastline, Fingal offers some beautiful coastal walks:

Get a good night’s sleep Drink plenty of water

MORE IDEAS

Laugh every day

Loughshinny boasts 3 routes, each 3.5km in length, for those who love walking by the coast.

For more great fitness activities for all ages, including workouts, Skills Bingo and Marathon Families visit:

30 min of activity 5 days a week Eat lots of fresh fruit and veg Take time to relax Talk: don’t bottle it up

The Skerries coastal walk includes views of the iconic Martello Tower and friendly local seals.

Walk from Portmarnock to Malahide alongside Low Rock, High Rock and Silver Strand.

LEARNING.FINGAL.IE

CUT DOWN ON

The Donabate - Portrane Cliff Walk takes in amazing views of the Irish Sea and Lambay Island.

Love to get out walking and cycling? Fingal offers beautiful Greenways: Baldoyle-Portmarnock Greenway Royal Canal Greenway Fingal County Council are also working on new Greenway routes:

TV Watching

• Plans are in place for the existing BaldoylePortmarnock Greenway to be extended into a Sutton-Malahide Greenway

Video Games Sitting more than 30 minutes at a time

• The Broadmeadow Greenway, linking Malahide and Donabate, has now secured planning permission and construction will commence in 2021.

2-3 TIMES A WEEK Pushups/pullups, Martial Arts, Yoga / Stretching, Dancing, Rope Climbing Brisk Walk, Pitch & Putt

SLÍ NA SLÁINTE / PATH TO HEALTH The Irish Heart Foundation encourages everyone to get out walking for heart health.

Fingal has 4 routes:

3-5 TIMES A WEEK (at least 20 minutes)

Roller Blading, Biking, Skateboarding, Swimming, Running

GREENWAYS

Football, GAA, Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby, Athletics

EVERYDAY

(as often as possible)

Play Outside, Take Stairs Instead of Lift, Help Around the House, Pick Up Your Toys, Walk to the Shop, Go For A Walk or Cycle

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• The Fingal Coastal Way, a 32km route, will take in Donabate, Newbridge House, Rush, Rogerstown Park, Skerries, Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan and end at Bremore Castle. It will also connect with the new Broadmeadow Greenway.

BENEFITS OF WALKING / RUNNING Happier heart

The East Coast Route (Malahide to Howth)

Improved endurance

Skerries Route

Better balance & coordination

St. Cuthberts, Swords – 4 different routes

Boost your mood

Whitestown Park, Blanchardstown

Immerse yourself in nature

Visit www.irishheart.ie 04

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1 Take The First Step – Just get started and embrace the benefits.

HOWTH LOOPED WALK

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Howth offers 4 looped walks including Black Linn, Bog of Frogs, Lower Cliff and the Tramline Loop. Walks range from 6-12km and all enjoy stunning views.

The Bog of Frogs loop is the longest, at 12km. This walk starts at Howth Station and goes along the coastline, passing the Martello Tower. It continues along the cliffs of Howth, which make for amazing photos and a very enjoyable walk. This is a very scenic walk perfect for families, couples or even by yourself.

Stretch - Be sure to stretch and warm up appropriately to avoid any potential injury.

Wear suitable clothing and comfy footwear and don’t forget your high viz when out in the dark.

For more information see: www.visithowth.ie/things-to-see/

ROYAL CANAL WAY

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Hydrate - Stay well hydrated throughout your exercise session.

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The Royal Canal Way is a delightful 2.5km walk that runs from the 10th Lock at Ashtown, to the 12th Lock at Castleknock and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This wonderful route continues along the tranquil canal to Leixlip and weaves its way on to Meath, Westmeath and Longford.

5 Go At Your Own Pace – The great thing about walking and running is you can do it at a pace that suits you.

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Get Out & Explore – Keep it interesting and explore all that Fingal has to offer.

RESOURCES FOR WARM UPS STRETCHING Operation Transformation:

Three equal routes of 3.5 kilometres each are on offer in this charming village. The first walk commences at Thomastown and goes around the village itself, taking in the Copper Mines, Flag Quarry, and Smugglers Cave. The second route brings the intrepid walker to Rush, where you can see a fine 18th century thatched farmhouse and Martello Tower. The third route takes in Drumanagh, a very important site housing the remains of the largest promontory fort in Ireland, and the walk ends at Beldungan Castle which dates back to the time of the Knights Templars.

Fingal Digifit:

Get Out Often – Just a 30 minute walk or run every day can have incredible health benefits, both mental and physical, so try to get out often.

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LOUGHSHINNY COASTAL WALKS

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DERVAL’S QUICK COCONUT

BASIL CHICKEN:

This recipe combines lovely flavours. You can make it really quickly, so it’s perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend too long cooking but still want to eat something healthy and tasty.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 15-20 mins

Serves 2

Eat

Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4 shallots, finely sliced • 2 leeks, trimmed and finely sliced • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (optional if cooking for kids) • 2 skinless chicken breast fillets, cubed • 1 tbsp fish sauce • 1 tsp agave syrup/honey/maple syrup • a handful of basil leaves, torn • 300ml coconut milk • brown or basmati rice, to serve

healthy

Method: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat.

2. Add the shallots, leeks and chilli and cook for about 10 minutes.

3. If the pan gets too dry, add a dash of water.

4. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

5. Add the fish sauce, agave syrup, basil and coconut milk to the chicken in the pan. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes.

6. Serve piping hot in warmed serving bowls along with some brown or basmati rice.

We caught up with 3 time Olympian and star of Ireland’s Fittest Family Derval O’Rourke to discover her top tips for staying fit and having fun. She’s also shared some delicious healthy recipes to give you some food for thought.

OATY FRUIT CRUMBLE:

As a busy mum and businesswoman, I love living a healthy lifestyle and feeling my best. While it might be tempting to stay snuggled up by the fire during the winter, it’s actually more important than ever to get up and out to exercise. Exercise helps boost your immune system and improve your mood and we could all do with that these days. I also feel better knowing that I’m helping my kids develop good habits by building activity and exercise into their everyday lives.

This is a delicious dessert, and is super handy, as you can work with whatever fruit filling you have at home!

So Derval, if you were coaching our readers, what advice would you give them?

Prep Time 15 mins

Whether you’re getting back into fitness after a break or you’re a total newbie and don’t know where to begin, these tips will help.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: I aim for 15 minutes minimum a day. This might seem short, but if you are in a fitness slump, committing to 15 minutes a day is a great starting point. A short burst, done consistently, will really help you form a brilliant new habit. And being outdoors is so good for your mood. There’s something about fresh air that’s so invigorating and really helps to put all my worries at bay.

Stay Connected: This has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone. Finding new ways to keep ourselves moving is really important. Reach out to others and stay connected, invite a neighbour or friend to join you for a walk. You’ll both enjoy the walk and talk and feel better for it.

Finally, Be Open To Change: it’s quite possible that you’ve developed bad habits over many years. And it may take time to change them. But be kind to yourself and stick at it. Remember, you’re never too old or too unfit to get moving. Start today … your body will thank you!

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Cook Time 50 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients: • 2 cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped • 100g mixed frozen berries (blackberries, cherries, blueberries and blackcurrants work well) • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 4 tbsp Greek yoghurt, to serve

Firstly, Get Back To Basics! Think about your fitness level right now and what your body is able for. Focus on a few simple exercises that will get you moving, your muscles working and your heart pumping. Try a 20 minute walk, run or cycle. Stop for a quick stretch. Find a park bench and do a few squats by sitting on it and standing up repeatedly.

Turn Your Limitations Into Opportunities: We all have day-to-day commitments in our lives. Acknowledging them is a really helpful way to find opportunities for change and activity. Examine your routine and find ways to add movement into it. Take a short walk on your lunch break. Walk to the shop for milk or a paper. Consider walking or cycling to and from work. If you are caring for kids, think of activities that increase your movement as well as theirs.

QUICK COCONUT & BASIL CHICKEN

OATY FRUIT CRUMBLE

FIND OUT MORE Check out Derval’s website: for a free 7 day trial of her home workouts and plans, recipes.

DERVAL.IE

For the Topping: • 50g jumbo porridge oats • 40g butter, diced • 50g pecans, roughly chopped • 25g sunflower seeds • 25g pumpkin seeds Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.

2. Place the apples and berries in a large pan over a medium heat.

3. Add water to just cover the fruit.

4. Cook for about 15 minutes, until the fruit is soft.

5. Stir in the maple syrup and set aside.

6. Meanwhile make the topping. Place the oats & butter in a large bowl.

7. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the oats, until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs and mix in the pecans and seeds. Pour the fruit into a large ovenproof dish.

8. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the fruit.

9. Bake for about 35 minutes, until the crumble is golden and the fruit syrup begins to ooze up the sides of the dish.

10.Spoon the crumble into warmed serving bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

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parkrun

MarathonKids CYCLING MAKE YOU STRONGER Be it your organs, muscles or even bones cycling regularly is sure to make you stronger

parkrun are free weekly timed events, across the world, organised by local volunteers. It’s a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no-one finishes last. With 5km runs for adults and 2km for children, it’s a great way to get active and stay motivated.

Fingal have 7 parkrun courses and 4 junior parkrun courses.

Find out more here: www.parkrun.ie

MarathonKids Ireland is an 8-week educational sports programme that piloted in Fingal in 2014 with 800 kids and now has over 10,000 participants in over 100 schools.

MarathonKids Ireland with its ambassador, Irish Olympic athlete David Gillick, and the sports officers of the various councils work with the schools to deliver the 8-week programme.

The MarathonKids Ireland booklet teaches the kids all the benefits of sport from what to eat, to mental health and the value of hydration. Alongside the booklet the kids run various distances each week and build up to complete 25.2 miles. The programme culminates in the Final Mile Event where all the kids come together to get their t-shirt, complete the marathon and receive their very special MarathonKids Medal.

IMPROVES YOUR MOOD Cycling releases happy chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins in your body, making you happier and reducing stress

REDUCES CARBON FOOTPRINT

REDUCES TRAFFIC

Cycling regularly significantly reduces your carbon footprint in comparison to commuting by car

With a car taking up the same amount of space as 5 people on bicycles, cycling significantly reduces traffic congestion

CHEAPER THAN A CAR

STIMULATES LOCAL ECONOMY

The annual cost of commuting just 8km to and from work by car can be upwards of €800, whereas the equivalent commute via bike would be closer to €50

Cycling regularly encourages you to spend more time out and about in the local community, enabling you to do your bit in supporting local businesses and to #ShopLocal

I’ve taught PE in our school for 20+ years. Of all the hundreds of events I’ve attended MarathonKids is hands down the best run. It’s just incredible.

MORE INFO Discover more about the joys of cycling:

CYCLINGIRELAND.IE

JOIN IN...

RUNNING CLUBS

• • • • • • •

CHECK OUT...

Fingal has a variety of walking, running, hiking and trekking clubs:

ALSAA Athletics Club Balbriggan & District Ballyboughal A.C. Clongriffin A.C Clonliffe Harriers A.C (Santry) Fingallians A.C Garristown Flyers A.C

WALKING GROUPS • • • • • •

Lambay Sports Academy Lusk A.C Mid Sutton A.C Polish Runners Club Ireland Portmarnock A.C Skerries A.C

• • • • • • •

Ardgillan CC Balbriggan Walking Club Get Corduff Walking Howth Ramblers Huntstown Walking Club Skerries Harps GAA Walk & Talk Group Skerries Men’s Shed

For information on hiking and trekking clubs visit: Mountaineeringireland.ie

Feeling more adventurous? Discover Mountain Running. Check out imra.ie

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CYCLING CLUBS RUNNING CLUBS

• • • • • • • •

Balbriggan CC Velo Club Balrothery Blanch Wheelies CC Castleknock Cycling Club Usher Irish Road Club - Castleknock Smartlamp-Aviation Display - Donabate Garristown Cyclones Cycling Club Naomh Barróg Cycling Club - Kilbarrack

Fingal has a variety of cycling and triathlon clubs: TRIATHLON CLUBS • • • • • • • •

Lusk Freewheelers Irish Centre for Cycling - Malahide One4all CC - Malahide Naul Cycling Club Dublin Wheelers Cycling Club - Santry Rockabill Roadies - Skerries McNally Swords CC - Swords MTB Assoc of Dublin - Swords

• Portmarnock Triathlon Club Pormarnocktriathlonclub.com • Fingal Triathlon Club - FingalTri.ie Find out more TriathlonIreland.ie

CYCLING TOURISM • Shane’s Howth Hiking Walking & Bike Tours - shaneshowthadventures.com • Irish Centre For Cycling irishcentreforcycling.ie

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EXPLORE ENJOY...

Blanchardstown

A

Royal Canal Greenway

B

Huntstown Hartstown Link Road

C

Swords

D

The Hole In The Wall

E

Baldoyle

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Donabate

F

Baldoyle To Portmarnock Greenway

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Lusk

G

Blake’s Cross to Minister’s Road, Lusk

Skerries

H

Skerries – Balbriggan Road

Busy Blanchardstown has plenty of cycling lanes and tracks to keep you out and about on your bike. Use them to take you to the many parks and open spaces as well as the shops and cafés in local villages. Don’t miss the stunning St. Catherine’s Park with so much to see and do. Watch for canoesists on the river, herons perched on the rocks, the playground and forest walks.

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Swords

3

Howth

4

Baldoyle

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8 LATEST NEWS

GOOGLE MAPS

For the latest news on Cycle Paths and Greenways in Fingal visit:

Don’t forget Google Maps when planning your Cycle Route. Maps will be updated regularly as new routes are completed.

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GREENWAYS.FINGAL.IE

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WATCH OUT FOR...

Swords was the first location for our pilot Gearing up for Training cycle training programme at St. Finian’s GAA Club and there are great walks in the Ward River Valley Regional Park and Town Park which is beside Swords Castle.

The popular small fishing village of Howth is a fantastic place to explore. Follow the cycle lane along the Howth road and enjoy the many things to do in Howth – visit Howth Market, explore Howth Castle or go for a walk along the famous Howth cliff walk.

Grab your bike and enjoy spectacular coastal views along the new Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway.

No matter what your ability, this Greenway is a mustvisit for all cyclists.

Malahide

Explore the beautiful trails by bike around Malahide Castle and Gardens. Visit the Irish Centre for Cycling where you can rent bikes or build confidence on one of their cycling training courses. While exploring Malahide, don’t miss the beautifully restored Malahide Casino and Ireland’s only Butterfly House - guaranteed to set your heart a flutter.

Walk the beautiful footpath along the coast that connects Donabate Beach and Tower Bay Beach Portrane. The track leads past impressive cliffs and offers magnificent views over the Irish Sea and Lambay Island.

The charming little village of Lusk is a bustling community with a bright future ahead. You can follow the looped cycle track around the town and experience its history by visiting its many heritage sites.

Cycle the picturesque seaside town of Skerries, enjoy the sea views along Skerries South Beach on its coastal cycle and walking route. Continue around Skerries Head to Skerries Harbour and visit some of Skerries buzzing cafés and restaurants.

Balbriggan

The most famous cyclist from Balbriggan, Harry Reynolds, was the first Irishman to win a world championship in cycling at 1896 ICA Track Cycling World Championships in Copenhagen. Known as the Balbriggan Flyer, there is a cycle scheme and local street named after him.

I

Once completed this public amenity will offer a firstclass off-road walking and cycling link from the river Liffey in Dublin City, through Fingal, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford to Cloondara on the River Shannon.

Work has commenced on the segregation of protected cycle lanes along the Huntstown/Hartstown Link road. This will facilitate safer cycling and walking in Dublin 15 and serve many of the local schools.

Addition of protected cycle lanes and upgraded footpaths along St. Cronan’s, Ardcian Park, Murrough Road, River Valley and Rathingle to improve cycling and pedestrian safety.

This upgrade scheme will create a much safer road layout for all road users by providing improved sightlines and new signalised crossing facilities, as well as new footpaths and cycleways.

New segregated cycle lanes and footpath improvements to enhance cycling and walking safety along Warren House Road and Grange Road.

Completed in June 2020 this 1.8km greenway is a vital first phase of the overall Sutton to Malahide Greenway Scheme. Design and planning work on the next phase of this project is already underway.

Traffic calming measures to reduce speed and redesign the R132, formerly a national road, improving cycling safety.

Creation of a new coastal cycle route along the R127, Balbriggan to Skerries road, with stunning sea views and dedicated rest areas.

The Fingal Coastal Way

The Fingal Coastal Way will provide a high quality, safe, attractive and environmentally sympathetic coastal walking and cycling route to serve Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Rush, Loughshinny, Skerries and Balbriggan

Naul, Oldtown, Ballyboughal & Garristown

An ideal route for seasoned cyclists with hilly terrain and specactular views of the coast and the city. This route takes in the pictureseque villages of Naul, Oldtown, Ballyboughal, Garristown

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RESULTS OF PILOT SCHEME

WEAR A HELMET & HIGH VIS

FOLLOW RULES OF THE ROAD

BE ALERT: PAY ATTENTION TO VEHICLES

DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES

DRIVERS !

LOOK BEFORE ENTERING LANES

BE VISIBLE AT NIGHT

SCHOOL STREETS PILOT PROGRAMME

1M IN ZONES UNDER 50KM & 1.5M IN ZONES OVER 50KM

The School Streets initiative encourages sustainable travel to reduce pollution and get children more active. The first School Street in Ireland was launched in Malahide in November 2019 on Grove Road and services two schools, St. Oliver Plunkett’s NS and St. Andrews NS. School Streets has become a haven for safe walking and cycling to and from school. It also aids outdoor play and safe social distancing. The School Streets initiative has been shortlisted for an Excellence in Local Government Award.

For more information or to talk to us about introducing School Streets in your area contact road.safety@fingal.ie

BIKE SHOP

WEB ADDRESS

• AdertoCycles.ie

adertocycles.wordpress.com

• Cycle & Angling Store

www.cycleangling.ie

• Cyclezone Bicycles

www.facebook.com/cyclezonedublin

• DME Bikes

www.dmebikes.ie

• Eurocyles Eurobaby

www.eurocycleseurobaby.com

• Halfords

www.halfords.ie

• Jimmy’s Bike Shop

www.immysbikeshop.ie

• Richie’s Bike Store

www.richiesbikestore.com

• Swords Cycle Centre

www.swordscyclecentre.com

• TMG Cycles Bike Shop

www.facebook.com/tmg.cycles

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Shift from car travel to active modes

School drop offs can be a nightmare. Congestion and traffic jams. Blocked footpaths. Children trying to cross busy roads. Generally a pretty stressful experience first thing in the morning. In 2019, Fingal County Council developed a pilot programme called “School Streets” that aims to improve the safety and well-being of local children.

Research tells us that children are exposed to excessive air pollution from vehicles. We also know that car dependent children are less physically active. By 2018, 79% of primary school children were being driven to school. This figure was just 50% in 2011.

GIVE CYCLISTS SPACE !

Decrease in school related traffic on surrounding roads

NO 2

20%

Reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide outside school

It is helping to develop independence and confidence as the children are no longer dropped at the gate by their parents. They are more alert and ready to learn, having had fresh air and exercise.

Clare O’Connor Principal, St. Oliver Plunkett’s N.S.

Before School Streets, cars were parked all over the footpath, so I had to walk carefully but blindly onto the road to cross the children.

Breda Crawford, School Traffic Warden

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Did You Know?

The average car only carries 1.56 people

GEARING UP FOR TRAINING We all recognise the scene. Cars lining the roads around sports grounds when clubs have training or matches.

“Gearing up for Training” is a new Fingal County Council initiative designed for sports clubs throughout the region. The programme provides professional theory and practical cycle training to children and parents.

The training is provided by the Irish Centre for Cycling (which is approved

by Cycle Right) in partnership with Fingal County Council. This training gives children the necessary skills, road safety awareness and gives them confidence on their bikes.

Equipped with these new skills and confidence, they are now encouraged to cycle to and from training and matches in their club.

This eliminates much of the congestion around clubs and will, hopefully, build a life-long love of cycling for both travel and leisure.

The “Gearing up for Training” initiative was launched at St. Finian’s GAA club in Swords in August. The Road Safety Section plan to roll this cycle training out to other clubs throughout the county. To find out more, contact:

road.safety@fingal.ie

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LOCATION

AVOID STABILISERS

While it might be tempting to choose a soft, grassy area for cycling practice, this will actually be more challenging to pedal on. A smooth, tarmac surface that is relatively open and away from traffic is ideal as it helps the child to pick up some rolling momentum and gauge how the bike responds to their body movements.

BIKE SETUP

The assumption is that early stage riding must be done with stabilisers.

This isn’t recommended as the child will learn the wrong weight distribution and begin exaggerated handlebar movements instead of leaning when they are turning the bike.

Make sure the bike fits, rather than buying them a bike to grow into.

A lighter weight bike will be much easier for the child to learn on.

BRAKING

SUPPORTING

The best way for children to grasp the concept of braking is for them to walk alongside the bike with their hands in position.

The best way to help the child from suffering a fall is to aid their balance.

This should be done from behind and under their armpits or on the chest.

PROGRESS When the child is comfortably pedaling, let them try to pedal the bike in a straight line, stopping at a specific point.

Depending on the progress thus far, this may require a little or a lot of assistance.

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Bleeper Bike

It’s Good To Share: Bike Sharing

Bike sharing facilities across Fingal have been busier than ever this year. Over 18,000 shared bike journeys happened between January and August 2020. By downloading the Bleeper Bike app, you too can acccess the shared bike network. Watch out for them in Baldoyle, Bayside, Blanchardstown, Carpenterstown, Castleknock, Clonsilla, Dublin Airport, Howth, Lanesboro, Malahide, Meakstown, Ongar, Phoenix Park, Portmarnock, St. Margaret’s and Swords.

Royal Canal Greenway

Discover more by visiting www.BleeperBike.ie

Age Friendly Parking Watch out for the purple Age Friendly Parking spots across Fingal. For people aged 55 and over, they are designated parking spaces that are reserved for those might need them.

Please note that parking charges still apply.

One of the most beautiful places to go on a cycle in the whole county is the Royal Canal Greenway. Travel along the canal from the 10th Lock at Ashtown to the 12th Lock at Castleknock.

Community Car

Mobility Hub

Fingal has 2 Electric GoCars for Community use in Howth and Skerries. This pilot scheme is in conjunction with Local Link and GoCar.

Fingal’s Mobility Hub, in Blanchardstown, has:

1st

• an EV charging space • an Age Friendly Car parking space

Go Car

• a wheelchair accessible car parking space

Why buy a car when you can rent one whenever you need one?

Fuel, Tax & Insurance is all included!

• a designated GoCar parking space

• a 10 bike parking port

MORE MOBILITY HUBS TO FOLLOW

Discover more by visiting www.GoCar.ie

Coastal Routes Age Friendly Parking

With 88km of coastline, Fingal has some of the most scenic cycleways in the country. Donabate and Skerries are the perfection destinations for a coastal cycle, filled with vibrant colours and amazing views.

Fingal’s 1st Parklet

Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway This coastal cycle path stretches from Baldoyle to Portmarnock. The scenic route is 1.8km long and enjoys beautiful views.

Community Car

Mobility Hub

Have you seen Fingal’s 1st Parklets in Swords?

Howth Head Howth Head: Howth is an excellent place to visit if you love coastal towns and beaches. One of the nicest parts of Howth to visit is Howth Head which looks over the Irish Sea and has some incredible views, showing off the beauty that Ireland has to offer.

Parklets will be appearing all over Fingal. Features include a bench, planters to add colour and a bike parking rack. If you’d like to suggest a parklet location.

For more info contact road.safety@fingal.ie

Go Car

Run Your Town!

Plan Your Route

Is an initiative of Fingal County Council, Fingal Orienteers Club, the Irish Orienteering Association and is supported by Sport Ireland.

Plan your Route with the Transport for Ireland Cycle Planner App

It provides local people with a short, medium or long running courses around Balbriggan, Castleknock, Lusk. Malahide and Tyrrelstown.

Swords Parklet

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Mobility Hub

400 New Bike Racks This year Fingal County Council are installing 400 new bike racks all over the region. If you’d like to suggest a local school or a good location on public land for one of these new racks, please contact road.safety@fingal.ie. Bike Racks are also available for schools by contacting the same email address.

Download MapRunF from the App Store or Google Play to download these courses to your phone

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Park Name Locations

Park Name Locations

Playground

Multi Use Games Areas

Skate Park

Outdoor Gym

Other Facilities

Quay Street Playground

Balbriggan

Race Course Park

Baldoyle

Rathingle Estate Playground

Swords

Red Island Playground Ridgewood Cedar Park

Skerries St. Margaret’s

Riverwood Playground

Castleknock

Balbriggan

Robswall Park Playground

Malahide

Balbriggan Martello Tower Park

Balbriggan

Rush Harbour Playground

Rush

Balbriggan Skate Park

Balbriggan

Santry Regional Park

Santry

Balheary Skate Park & Games Area

Swords

Seabury Park

Malahide

Ballyboughal

Ballyboughal

Seagrange

Baldoyle

Balscadden

Balscadden

Skerries

Bandstand

Balbriggan Skerries

Skerries Skate Park

Skerries Skerries

Barnwell Bayside

Clonsilla Sutton

St Catherine’s Park & Playground Inc. Maze, Fairy Demense, Liffey Walk

Blanchardstown

Sutton Strand

Sutton Swords

Boro Court

Castleknock Swords

Swords Town Park Thornleigh Playground

Swords

Boroimhe Cherry

Swords

Tyrrelstown Park

Tyrrelstown

Brackenstown Road - Swords Manor

Swords

Waterside Playground

Balbriggan Malahide

Whitestown

Swords Blanchardstown

Waterville Park

Blanchardstown

Beech Park

Bremore Pastures Playground Coopers Wood Playground Corduff Park Dun Emer Playground

Corduff Lusk

Dun Saithne Playground

Balbriggan

Fortlawn Community Centre Playground

Clonsilla

Glebe Park

Balrothery Howth

Grace O’Malley Park Hartstown Park Holywell Green / Feltrim

Blanchardstown Swords

Holywell View

Swords

Howth Harbour / Promenade

Howth

Kenure Woods

Rush

Kettles Lane

Swords

Ladyswell Park

Mulhuddart

Lusk Play Trail

Lusk

Millennium Park

Blanchardstown

Malahide Demesne Inc. Butterfly House

Malahide

Moyclare Playground

Baldoyle

Moylaragh Playground

Balbriggan

Mulhuddart Community Ctr. Playground

Mulhuddart

Newbridge Demesne

Donabate

Ongar

Ongar

Park View Boulevard

Tyrrelstown

Parnell Estate

Blanchardstown

Porterstown Park

Castleknock

Portmarnock Sports & Leisure Centre

Portmarnock

Portrane

Portrane

Playground

Multi Use Games Areas

Skate Park

Outdoor Gym

Other Facilities

Swords

Rivermeade

Ardgillan Demesne

Barnageeragh

BMX Park

OH WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE! Don’t forget to get out and about and enjoy Fingal’s fabulous beaches. With 88km of magnificent coastline in Fingal, there’s one near you to explore!

Play Trail

Play Trail

THINK ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY! For shorter commutes of less than 1km, it is recommended you walk, for 1km up to 5km that you cycle if possible and drive or use public transport for any distance further than 5km.

Did You Know?

Millennium Park is Dublin 15’s first pesticide free park.

www.fingal.ie

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WALK

CYCLE

DRIVE

-1KM

1-5KM

5KM+

www.fingal.ie

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CASTLE SHELL PALM BUCKET SHOVEL BALL SUNGLASSES UMBRELLA CRAB LIGHTHOUSE BOAT

www.fingal.ie

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www.fingal.ie

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W IN BIKES FOR A FAMILY OF 4 FANCY A NEW BIKE? How about bikes for all of your family?

Fresh air and family fun for all ages.

Now’s your chance to win in our Fit & Fun Competition.

• Simply visit:

www.fingal.ie/competition

• Closing Date: Thursday 31st December

www.fingal.ie

• The prize package is valued at up to €1,500 for 4 bikes of your choice from a Bicycle Retailer in Fingal. The prize includes two adult bikes and helmets (value up to €500 each) and two kids bikes and helmets (value up to €250 each).

• Prizes as offered and no cash alternative.

• The closing date for entries is Thursday 31st December and the winner will be announced during the week commencing 4th January.

• See full terms & conditions on website.

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