Madam, – I have been cycling a round trip of 25km in Dublin for over a decade. I welcome the Bike to Work tax incentive scheme and the Dublinbikes scheme, and I am delighted to witness such a marked increase in cycling through Dublin’s streets. It makes me feel safer.
However, many “new” cyclists have brought with them habits and ways of thinking from their cars.
It’s fine to listen to the radio when driving, but to wear an iPod while on a bike is really dangerous. It cuts the cyclist off from the important traffic sounds. To those who have bought stripped-down racer-style bikes and dress like they are on trial for the Tour de France, I say: “Slow down; this isn’t a race track. You are commuting, not doing a work-out.” Finally, leave aggression, unsignalled lane-switches and the “amber gamble” to car drivers of a certain style.
Moving from car to bike is not just a simple change of mode – it’s a rewarding change of lifestyle. Slowing down and listening to the sounds of the city as you cycle is a revelation. – Yours, etc,