Cyclists on all models of bicycles pedal through the streets of Dublin on National Bike Day.
National Bike Day is organised by the Irish Cycling Federation in aid of the Rehabilitation Institute. The day is sponsored by Cospoir, the National Sports Council, the Health Education Bureau and Irish Raleigh Industries.
Following the success of the inaugural National Bike Day, an expanded event is organised for 1979. A series of 134 sponsored cycle rallies take place over supervised routes throughout the country.
The main event, in Dublin, sees 4,500 cyclists setting off from Parnell Square along a route take covers Saint Stephen's Green, the Grand Canal, Clondalkin and Lucan, terminating in the Phoenix Park.
Large scale rallies also take place in Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Other activities on the day include bicycle clinics and fun events such as bicycle polo.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 May 1979. The footage shown here is mute.
