Users of the Dublin Cycling Buddy App can enter the Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge to win amazing prizes during month-long competition

 

27^th October 2021: To promote a healthier and more sustainable way of getting around Dublin, Virgin Media Business has teamed up with Smart Dublin and their Dublin Cycling Buddy app to launch the ‘Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge’ and give users of the app the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes throughout the month-long competition.

 

The challenge, which asks participants to record at least one cycle trip on the app between the 26th of October, and the 21st of November, will result in spot prizes including cycling accessories such as Lazer Compact Helmets, Grip Grab Knitted Waterproof Gloves, Bookman Curve Lights – Front and U lock Kryptonite Keeper - Sold Secure Bronze.

 

There will also be a grand prize of a Tern Link C8 Folding Bike for one lucky winner to be chosen at the end of the month-long campaign, with €250 vouchers for Rothar bike shop for the second and third place winners as well.

Alison Gilliland, Lord Mayor of Dublin said: "I'm delighted to see the continued growth of the Dublin Cycling Buddy app since its summer launch! This Dublin City Council Smart Dublin challenge with Virgin Media Business will help introduce it to a whole new group of current and soon to be cyclists, particularly those returning to offices, schools, and campuses."

 

Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business at Virgin Media Ireland said: “Virgin Media Business is an advocate for cleaner and more sustainable ways for people to get around and partnering with Smart Dublin and their Dublin Cycling Buddy app reinforces our commitment to promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transport, as many of us start returning to our places of work and education.

 

“I’m so excited to see more and more people take up cycling and using the new Dublin Cycling Buddy App and, with great prizes to be won as part of the Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge, there’s never been a better time to start cycling.”

 

Deirdre Kelly, Cycling Officer, Dublin City Council said: "This Virgin Media Cycle Challenge and Dublin Cycling Buddy app really complement our efforts to promote cycling and active travel in Dublin. The app is very helpful for new cyclists looking at bike-friendly routes, which is even more important now as people physically return to offices, campuses, and other indoor environments."

 

The cycling community in Dublin has grown significantly during and throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. When compared to using a private vehicle, cycling contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution and the improvement of air quality.

 

Jan Nykl, Product Lead, Dublin Cycling Buddy app said: "The support of Virgin Media in this challenge would be great in promoting our bike-friendly routing functionality for Dublin residents. Especially those thinking of cycling for the first time. It could be the first step in nudging others to adopt the bicycle in their daily commutes."

 

The Dublin Cycling Buddy app, which was launched by Smart Dublin earlier this year, was created to help Dublin residents and visitors to safely and efficiently plan a cycling route. Thanks to the community feedback aspect and use of artificial intelligence, the recommended routes in the app should have reduced vehicle traffic, greater number of segregated cycle lanes and better road surface quality.

 

Mary Rose Burke, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said: "We're delighted that active travel is being encouraged in this challenge for both climate action and health reasons. Workers returning to the office will be able to take full advantage of Dublin Cycling Buddy to find more convenient routes to take."

 

The community feedback reports also help other users in real time, giving them updates along their routes about potential hazards and things to be aware of.

 

The app allows users to collect virtual badges for carrying out specific tasks as well as participate in larger community-based challenges, including the new Virgin Media Business Cycling Challenge.

 

This particular challenge was set up to highlight the ongoing lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, meaning many more Dublin residents will once again be able to commute to their colleges, workplaces, and other places of interest over the coming weeks and months.

 

The Virgin Media Business Challenge seeks to encourage people to choose cycling as their mode of transportation. Coupled with Dublin Cycling Buddy’s routing function to find more conducive routes, the challenge hopes to engage not only current cyclists, but also, non-cyclists considering using the bike for the first time.

 

To learn more about how you can participate in this challenge and the Dublin Cycling Buddy app, please visit: https://smartdocklands.ie/virginmediacycle/