Bike Hub’s smart phone app is free. What more could one ask for?

Some months ago, we reviewed CycleStreets – at the time, the closest thing to satnav for bikes.

It wasn’t quite a TomTom on two wheels, but it was still a revelation for anyone who had spent hours working out the quietest or fastest routes from A to B on paper. And it was free. What more could one reasonably ask for? Continue reading Bike Hub’s smart phone app is free. What more could one ask for?

Learner driver in court over cyclist death

A MARRIED woman out for an early-morning cycle was struck and killed by a learner driver who was overtaking a cattle truck, a court heard. Joseph Hanley, 26, of 5 Sycamore Drive, Bruff, yesterday pleaded not guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Carmel O’Brien, 49, at Uregare, Kilmallock, on August 17, 2007. Continue reading Learner driver in court over cyclist death

Report highlights lack of active travel

Half of all car journeys in the Greater Dublin Area involve trips of less than one mile, according to a report by Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

The institute said the use of private cars for “short and uncomplicated” journeys such as going to work or school had continued to increase in Ireland and highlighted the need to strengthen policies which promoted active travel.

It is calling for more policies to promote active travel, such as walking and cycling. Continue reading Report highlights lack of active travel

Cycling off the tracks

Madam, – I wonder does Richie McCormack (December 31st) have the imprimatur of South County Dublin Council when he calls for cyclists to use segregated cycle tracks when they are provided? If this is the official view of his council then it would be worrying indeed.

The reason many cyclists choose not to ride on segregated tracks but instead use the carriageway is because most of the tracks are poorly maintained (littered with slimy leaf mould or broken glass and gravel), with tree roots protruding through the pavement surface. The tracks are used willy-nilly as a parking place for builders’ skips and cars. In the recent snowy period they were not gritted or cleared of snow and ice, in contrast to most of the major roads to which they run parallel. Continue reading Cycling off the tracks

Bikes on trains – reservations now possible

After much delay there is now an interim solution for booking a bike space on a train.

You must book online and the bike space must be reserved at the same time as you purchase your ticket. If you buy two tickets you get two bike spaces, so if traveling in a group where only one needs a bike space they need to book separately

Flat bike fare is 6 euro single or 12 return this is cheaper than current fares for most medium to long distance journeys

On most trains the name of the bike owner should be displayed electronically at the bike rack

More information and feedback on Dublin Cycling Group’s Facebook page

Articles in Independent.ie and IrishTimes.com

Irish Rail’s announcement page, and their page on cycles and trains