When Ireland was poorer years ago more people cycled. Does Irish society still regard cycling as the poor man's car?
It will probably come as no surprise to lots of people who cycle in and out of work in Dublin, but when one journalist counted the number of cars she passed on her ride she reached a staggering number.
Elaine Byrne said she rode through Dublin traffic for all of 10 minutes yesterday morning and passed 258 vehicles.
We commend her for being able to get to work in one piece and still continue to count the cars all the way into the office.
She Tweeted the result of her little experiment and got a really great debate going on, with people replying and explaining why they believed more people didn’t cycle.
We felt it was because lots of people still think of cycling as something done by people who can’t afford to buy a car.
Some shared that view but also expressed many other reservations about cycling in Dublin, or at least explained why they felt other commuters didn’t cycling in the capital.
Let us know what you think.
Journalist Elaine Byrne gets debate going
Ten minute cycle this morning on Dublin's north side. Passed 258 cars. None passed me. Why don't more people cycle?
— Elaine Byrne (@ElaineByrne) November 24, 2016
The debate that followed
@ElaineByrne Because they've taken 3 years, and counting, to construct a 1.5km cycle lane on coast rd from Raheny to Dollymount
— ismaithanfear (@ismaithanfear) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne Because it's bloody terrifying! Kudos for your nerve but mine fails when sandwiched between a bus and truck.
— Catherine O'Mahony (@cathomahony) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne Years ago I lived in Germany and cycled everywhere. Cycle lanes actually took you to your destination!
— Catherine O'Mahony (@cathomahony) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne I stopped cos I had 3 bikes stolen in 18 months. @ciarancannon
— Camille Loftus (@CamilleLoftus) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne I think fear of accidents/injuries is the main issue.
— Eoin Madden (@eoinmadden) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne @eoinmadden Because all you need to cycle safely in Dublin is 100% vigilance, strength, and ability to save yourself, fast.??
— Cathal Mac Coille (@CathalMacCoille) November 24, 2016
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@eoinmadden @ElaineByrne There's avoidable risk. The other kind should make us all think.
— Cathal Mac Coille (@CathalMacCoille) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne ....'only losers take the bus' mentality. Outside Dublin and cities cycling seen as socially eccentric when not obv in training
— Gavin Lavelle (@GavinLavelle) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne fumes an issue. I walk my kids past the uphill q of cars idling engines and it's so bad I can tell certain cars by the stink
— Gavin Lavelle (@GavinLavelle) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne @theleggalamb Some routes simply aren't safe, the area needs greater investment, the M50 has reached capacity, no space 2 widen
— Populist Watch Irl (@PopulistwatchIr) November 24, 2016
@theleggalamb @ElaineByrne The Quays and Sutton to Sandycove as segregated cycleways would really mushroom user numbers dramatically.
— Populist Watch Irl (@PopulistwatchIr) November 24, 2016
@PopulistwatchIr @ElaineByrne A lot of streets aren't safe. A lowered speed limit would change this. 20km/h throughout CBD.
— michael logan (@theleggalamb) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne @ccferrie Because of horrid memories of cold, wind, rain & hills in pre-school bus early 60s ( 10mls per day). And punctures.
— Rita Larkin (@Bellitum) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne Because with all the fumes and sweat it's just gross. Cycling to work is a far-left liberal thing!
— Newshub Ireland (@Newshub_Ireland) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne As a Northside cyclist I agree. Passing cars on the Malahide Rd on the way in to town is magic and healthy
— Sports Fan (@willie_peter) November 25, 2016
@ElaineByrne it rains in Dublin
— Martin Sinnott (@Stillorganboy) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne Because they feel superior in their cars. And because it's quite a bit safer. And because they're slow learners.
— hsh (@hughsheehy) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne Been knocked off, soaked, frozen, exhausted...Still love it! Best way to start the day, circulation, fitness, only stop @ stops
— Robbie Bowen (@RobbieBowen121) November 24, 2016
@ElaineByrne @SSbike because they are zombies
— Dave_on_a_bike (@Daveonabike1) November 24, 2016
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