Ireland, see also NI
ANNE BEDOS, the founder of Dublin not-for-profit bicycle business Rothar, has won the 2011 David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Award.
A community-based business, Rothar (meaning bicycle) recycles and sells discarded bicycles and offers training to young people wishing to learn bicycle repairs. Continue reading Cycling or recycling? Founder’s award for bike business
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
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
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
Dublin cyclists who break traffic lights or who cycle on paths could soon be subject to ‘on-the spot’ fines, under new plans from Dublin City Council to crack down on offenders.
It has written to transport minister Noel Dempsey asking him to consider introducing a new system of fines after a meeting of one of its key policing committees sanctioned the move.
Minister for Sustainable Transport and Planning Ciarán Cuffe TD has announced that all local authorities will now be required to include specific policies and objectives in their development plans to encourage travel by bicycle and to enable the creation of safe, efficient and attractive networks of cycle routes, especially within urban areas. Continue reading Cycle friendly policies made mandatory for all Local Authorities – Cuffe
Me & my money: Are you a saver or a spender? I rarely have enough money to save but when I do I think buying quality products always saves you money in the long run.
Do you shop around for better value? These days, all the time. But I do worry about eating food that’s cheaply produced, so I spend a bit more on that.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost? £120 on a top hat. It’s collapsible.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? My bike. It’s the fastest and cheapest way of getting around town, and it’s my site of inspiration. I usually come up with all my ideas for songs when I’m cycling.
Press Release from ‘Cyclist.ie’
In a pre-Budget submission, Cyclist.ie wishes to stress the importance of prioritising transport investment in cycling as a value-for-money spend. Much better outcomes are achieved for modest expenditures than continuing to fund incorrectly conceived roads infrastructure. Continue reading Pre-budget Press Release from ‘Cyclist.ie’
IRISH motorists spent €360m last year on car parking fees, with a large part of the money being paid to local authorities for on-street parking. Full article – Independent.ie
Cyclist.ie argue that the excessive reliance by councils on parking revenue creates an incentive to remove road space for cyclists – and that local councils should be properly funded – by local taxation
