Monday 15^th September

European Mobility Week

Tuesday 16^th September marks the beginning of European Mobility Week 2008. Clean Air for All is the theme chosen for this years campaign. The week will finish on 22nd September, designated as IN TOWN WITHOUT MY CAR day.

Hundreds of European Cities are taking part in the seventh edition of European Mobility Week and South Dublin County Council is one of only 8 areas in the Country that have registered for participation. The aim of the week is to invite citizens to take part in a wide range of activities dedicated to the promotion of sustainable mobility. Today, the increasing reliance on fossil fuels to meet growing energy demand, combined with the dramatic rise in road traffic contributes to air pollution in out towns and cities which, in turn can lead to serious health problems. If citizens think about changing their day-to-day mobility behaviour and switch to more sustainable modes of transport, it will have a dramatic effect on the air quality in a locality as well as cutting CO2 emissions.

The following are the main activities which will take place during the week:

Tuesday 16th September

• Commencement of a Walking Bus at St PiusX National School, Terenure. The Walking Bus is a healthy, fun, safe and environmentally friendly way of travelling to school. The idea is that children walk together as a group along a set route and there is a driver at the front of the bus and a conductor at the rear. The Walking Bus is an ideal mode of transport for younger children who are not skilled enough to travel to school independently. It will commence at 8.20am from the church car park on CollegeDrive.

Launch of Outer Ring Road cycle track

On line Quiz Launch.South Dublin County Council residents will have a chance to test their cycling knowledge and win prizes into the bargain! The quiz will run for the week.

Thursday 18th September

Mobility Managers Meeting. A meeting will take place with all the Mobility Managers from employers within the SDCC area in order to encourage and enforce the message.

Friday 19th September

Tours of the Traffic Management Centre.The public are cordially invited to attend tours of the Traffic Management Centre at 11am and 3pm, meeting in the Foyer. This tour will provide an insight into how the traffic section works and gives the public the chance to ask the questions they have always wanted to know!

Saturday 20th September

If you have not already done so why not take part in our exciting online quiz - just click on our website for more details

Sunday 21st September

Have you registered for the Pedometer Challenge? If not why not sign up today and start today to increase your activity

Monday 22nd September

Change your way today festival.

Climate Change and Know your Number Roadshow.The team will be on hand to show people how to calculate their carbon count number, to advise on how to reduce their number, and to discuss what impact our daily activities such as how we live, work and travel are having on climate change.

Smoothie Bicycle Demonstration. The bicycle has been adapted so that it is static, and when the pedals are turned, a blender attached to the back wheel starts blending, making tasty smoothie drinks!

• Health Clinic. A Mobile Health Clinic will operate outside the library providing a free fully equipped Health Screening Service to the public. The Screening will consist of the following:

? Consultation with a Health Professional

? Body Mass Index (Height & Weight ratio)

? Blood Pressure evaluation

? Heart rate measurement

? Lung Function Test

? Lifestyle Counselling

• ECOs Carbon Footprint workshop.ECO-UNESCOs ECO-Footprint Workshop aims to tackle the issue of Climate Change specifically from the angle of the individual and of our every day lives. This workshop has a strong focus on the positive choices we can make every day, and therefore aims to help people contribute to the solution, with a strong positive attitude regarding the issue of Climate Change. The Workshop explores this concept through a multimedia presentation and interactive activities.

• ECOs Global Change workshop.ECO-UNESCOs Global Change Workshop aims to tackle the issue of Climate Change from different angles, like the environmental impact of Climate Change, our social responsibility towards this problems and its impacts on human societies, and at a personal level, regarding the choices we can do to improve this situation, thus empowering the individual. Our workshop does so, through fun games and activities and as well structured debates and discussions.

• Cycling Safety & Skills School.The event will be targeted at adults and will involve the completion of a skills course on Tunesgate Rd from 12noon to 2.30pm. Each participant will be timed over the course which they will complete individually. Penalty points will apply for foot down to encourage skill rather than all out speed. The course will include the following elements: slalom, funnel, stopbox etc. If numbers support, there will also be a slow bicycle race. All equipment will be supplied.

So. start practising!!

In addition the Councils I.T Department is piloting an e-working option which results in a zero commute.