Navan is planned to grow to a population 60,000 by 2050, from about 34,000 now. But we are already seeing traffic gridlock. How on earth is this going to work??

But we’ll get to that. It’s National Bike Week 2025 and events are happening all across the county – from cycles on the greenway, to bike maintenance classes, and the ever-popular family cycle organised by Navan Cycling Initiative, supported by local businesses Feel Good Bicycles and Leon’s cafe.

Now in it’s sixth year, the Navan Cycling Initiative family cycle welcomed over 90 people of all ages and abilities on a route around Navan. The group set out along the new bike lane on the Trim road, and visited a number of existing bike-friendly areas including Johnstown to Hodgett Road, Convent Lane and the N52 park & ride, before a well-earned rest (and ice cream!) in Leon’s.

The Trim road cycle lane is just one of many projects planned for Navan, which will link together to form the Navan Cycle Network. Navan Cycling Initiative are delighted that the network map will be available to view in Navan Library throughout bike week.

“This isn’t just about bikes—it’s about giving everyone in Navan better transport options and reducing the traffic that affects us all,” said  Ed Moynihan NCI Chairperson. “Research shows that half of car journeys in Navan are under 2km, distances that could easily be cycled if safe routes existed.“

Traffic studies conducted in similar-sized Irish towns show that connected cycling networks can significantly reduce peak-hour traffic – which benefits all road users regardless of their transportation choice.

So how will 60,000 of us be able to get around Navan? By being smart about how we travel. By travelling by bike, on foot, the Navan bus service, and (we hope!) by train, we can beat traffic, together.

Navan Cycling Initiative would like to thank everyone who supported this year”s event: Meath Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána, Leon’s, Feel Good Bicycles, Meath Local Sports Partnership, Meath County Council, Navan Library, and all the volunteers and participants of the Navan 2025 Family Cycle.

The Navan Cycle Network plans will be on display in Navan Library until 18th May 2025.