The Tennisyclist

See you in (tennis) court!

Cycling isn't necessarily the only physical activity most cyclists do. Yet, most of the time it's hard to tell what other sports a cyclist likes to do just by looking at him or her on bike. In this case, however, it was quite easy to infer what she likes to do while not cycling. Personally I love tennis, though I haven't played it for the last six years or so. Currently I'm more into ping pong.

The photo was taken on 17 November 2012 in Richmond Street South, Portobello.

The Pedalling British Guard

Ein zwei polizei, drei vier grenadier

Cycling doesn't mean one must sacrifice fashion. You can wear virtually everything while cycling, though some clothes are considered more appropriate than others. When I saw this cyclist, I thought it's quite cool she wears a red jacket and fluffy furry dark hat, a yellow purse, zebra tights and chinchilla boots, yet pedalling along.

Perhaps the fact that the week before I had paid a short visit to London made me imagining her marching past Buckingham Palace with the Queen's Royal Guard.

I took the picture on 10 December 2012 on South Circular Road, not far from Camden Street (we're still talking about the fair city on the Liffey, not the big smoke on the Thames).

The Boot Cyclist

Bicycle heading to heaven

Christmas is here. This long weekend is the climax of two months of preparations and a mad shopping spree. Yesterday, for instance, was nuts. Within five minutes I experienced two near misses in Terenure area. First, I was nearly knocked off my bike by an SUV driver who decided to overtake a car from the left, which happened to be my cycle track, without checking his mirror. His wife seemed to scream at him immediately so he stopped a few inches before he gave me the kiss of death. Farther down the road, I was calmly passing a traffic congestion, but then I saw a cyclist pedalling towards me. She didn't cycle in the wrong direction though, but rather turned to her right, cutting my path off, without yielding. She said 'sorry' all right, but we were a foot away from a head-on collision!

Cycling in busy times isn't fun (remember The Rush Hourers?). It can also mean danger, for other road users, occupied by their Christmas preparation amok, don't pay attention to the rules of the road. In this respect, Xmas drivers are totally mad!

Having said that, there is still light in the gloom of Christmas road madness. On the way back home I noticed the bicycle above poking out of the boot of that Mercedes. The first thing that came to my mind was that someone is coming back from a cycling trip. I wanted to call it "the boot cyclist", ie a cyclist who sits behind the wheel and keeps his bike in car. But when I examined the picture I took, it stroke me. This pair of bikes was a Christmas present!

Indeed, Christmas is a wonderful time when kids get presents. The lucky ones get bicycle and join so many other cyclists. The gift giving is not limited to kids, also many adults may get a two-wheeled present. No wonder that the recent census reported (PDF) a huge increase in cycling around Dublin.

The photo was taken yesterday, 21 December 2012, on Harold's Cross Road.

Wishing a happy Christmas to you all!

The Pirate Sitter

Aye aye captain!

The Jolly Roger has made a skull and crossbones a pirates' trademark. Thus when I came across the cyclist above and noticed his jolly seat cover, I couldn't help imagining him ruling the high seas rather than cycling in Dublin.

I took the picture on 14 November 2012 on Rathgar Road.

The Handbagger

Hold the meeting, I'm there in no time

Not so long ago we introduced the bag holder who uses one hand to hold an Aldi reusable bag while cycling. The guy above does pretty much the same, but with style. With a mobile phone in his left hand and a leather handbag in his right it doesn't seem that holding the bag is a necessity for this chap but rather a matter of choice.

I took the picture on 14 September 2012 on Aungier Street.

The Wide-Leg-Opener

 Keep legs wide-open

It was probably the suit he wore that was too stiff or his frame's top tube that was too high. Whatever the reason was, I found the cyclist with the green backpack on the right pretty amusing. Who knows, in previous life he might have been a ballerina rather than a cyclist.

The photo was taken on 7 August 2012 where N11 meets the Grand Canal.

The Catalan Photographer

Love, bicycle & camera

On a cold winter evening I was walking along Barcelona seaside when suddenly I saw a couple on Bicing (the Catalan version of Dublin Bike, Boris Bike and similar bicycle hire schemes) approaching from behind. My camera was in standby already, so I was prepared to capture the scene. As they were progressing, I realised that the girl isn't just hugging the guy, but also holding a camera. That means that your humble cyclist features in some photo/video somewhere, possibly in Spain.

The photo was taken on a chilly winter day on Barcelona beach on 9 January 2010.

As you have probably noticed already, this is the first post to feature a none-Dublin cyclist. This blog is still "Dublin's Cyclists" and aims to show the world some of Dublin's most peculiar cyclists. However, as cycling is a global phenomenon, it would be beneficial to include cyclists elsewhere. What guides me in choosing photos is that the photos should be taken by myself and be interesting or introduce a "type of cyclist". Hope you'll all enjoy from the global cyclists to come.

The Folks In Socks

Dr Seuess

Who doesn't know The Fox In Socks (by Dr Seuss)? There are quite many foxes roaming around Dublin, but none of them wears socks. Nor rides on bike. Nonetheless, I've seen quite many people in suit wearing lovely colourful socks. I call them The Folks In Socks, after the famous children book.

I saw the guy above on 6 June 2012 by the Grand Canal near Ranelagh suited up. Yet he wore a nice pair of socks. The right sock even protected his trousers from the greasy chain.

That's all folks.

The Bag Holder

Try to go straight

It ain't easy to keep cycling straight when you hold a heavy plastic bag in one hand. So this cyclist was doing pretty well. Yet a small pothole or some other obstacles (and this road has got plenty of them, though a few months ago the council repaved some roads in the area) could have resulted in an unpleasant consequence. Unfortunately, this unsafe practice is common (see for instance this cyclist).

I took this picture in Rathmines on 25 June 2012.

The Sun-Dazzled Young Cyclist

Is it green already?

Cycling against the wind can be tough, but cycling against direct sunlight is simply annoying. Therefore, kudos to the young fella who managed to do it!

The Photo was taken on 24 May 2012 by the Grand Canal.

The Multi-Cyclists

So where are we heading to?

It's wonderful to cycle solo. It's even better to find a partner and cycle in tandem. But how about 6-7 cyclists on the same bike at once, each pedals in a different direction, put together to create a monstrous bike?

Sounds like a great attraction to me and apparently it works!

The photo of the young lads above was taken on 6 October 2012 at Stephen's Green. The same day I also spotted another group on the very same bike, this time in action in Church Lane. This resulted in two more photos:

Only the leader allowed to enjoy sunshine

Off we go

The Bicycle Repairman

Fixing Anywhere

I tend to think of bicycles as something you buy in a bicycle shop or at least order online. That's why I was surprised to see this mobile bike sales and repair service in Grand Canal Dock. But hey, a pop up bicycle shop sounds like a brilliant idea.

I came across this service on 4 September 2012 just off the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (formerly known as the Grand Canal Theatre).

The Ad Dragger

Knuckle-Dragger

Bicycles can be a good method for advertising. Companies that send cyclists around town to advertise are more environment-friendly than those that pollute the air with car for the same purpose. It's also better for their brand. Well done O2.

I took the picture above on 20 July 2012 in Wicklow Street.

The Leg Exposer

 Sexy legs and I know it

Some people like to wear cycling gear while cycling, whereas others don't mind do cycle in their day-to-day clothes. I know some cyclists find tights very useful and even comfortable, but I rather keep my body shape private.

The guy above, a friend of our good old friend, the Tight-Arse, was spotted in a cold rainy day on 27 April 2012 in Camden Street. I liked the contrast between the short-dressed cyclist and the guy in yellow raincoat from Metro Herald next to him.

The High-Sitter

Riding a tall bike

A key element of cycling safety is that the rider can put his or her feet on the ground safely at any time. Having this in mind, when I saw this cyclist pedalling down Harold's Cross I was concerned. It looked awfully dangerous to me. I cycled behind the guy for some time, but lost him about a mile down the road when he broke the red light in Leonard's Corner (South Circular Road). I doubt he could have actually stopped abruptly, if he had wanted to.

After seeing this extraordinary bike, I read more about Tall Bikes on Wikipedia. As I originally suspected, there are some mounting and dismounting issues with this kind of bicycles. However, Tall Bike cyclists (or as I like to call them: The High Sitters) enjoy an increased visibility and a "wow effect" that supposedly gives them an advantage over "short bikes". Well, it might be true for empty roads, but it's not the case in normal urban commuting that requires an infinite number of sudden breaks.

I saw this guy on the 1st of November 2012 in Harold's Cross. There are two more photos below, the first gives a similar view whereas the second provides a better perspective of how high the rider actually sits.

You can read more if you want to build your own tall bike.

Another glimpse at the high sitter

Notice the height difference

The Third-Wheeler (2)

Testing 1, 2, 3

Not far from where I encountered the last third-wheeler I spotted another cyclist that two wheels were not enough for him, so he held a third wheel in his hand. Although it makes cycling awkward, that seems to be a trend in Dublin.

The picture above was taken on 15 September 2012 in Heytesbury Street, just off South Circular Road. And there's another photo from a wider angle:

Three wheels are faster

The Unicyclist (3)

One man one wheel

We've already met a unicyclist before, in fact more than one unicyclist. But it's always nice to see that this magnificent skill is being maintained by so many cyclists in Dublin. This particular unicyclist was on fire, well, at least his juggling clubs or torches were.

The photo was taken on 14 July 2012 near the entrance to Stephen's Green shopping centre.

The Balloonists

Go mammy!

Seeing families on bike is just splendid (we've already mentioned the family riders and the kid takers). What can be better than that? To add some balloons to make the child's experience even more cheerful...

I came across this happy cycling family on 6 October 2012 at Stephen's Green.

The Postman (2)

Waiting for mail?

In contrast to the previous cycling postman who was as green as Shrek, this one wasn't totally green. He looked tranquil and environment-friendly though, stretching his arms behind his back.

The photo was taken in Terenure on 12 November 2012.

The Heavy Basket User

The full monty

It is lovely indeed to see people use what they buy. Baskets are no exception, so when I spotted this cyclist with a full basket I thought it's great she's using her beautiful wicker basket. I doubt she could use all the items that were in it though. Well, perhaps she could, but I couldn't for sure.

The photo was taken on 12 September 2012 in the junction of Dartmouth Walk, Mespil Road and Leeson Street (N11), by the Grand Canal.

The BMXer (2)

It's showtime

The last BMX rider we had was a bit scary.  The current one wasn't scary at all, just a young lad on a relatively small bike. The cobbled street is just beautiful, although experience shows that cycling on it can feel a bit shaky.

I took the picture above on 21 October 2012 in Temple Bar.

The Rush Hourers

Cycling congestion

By and large cycling is a relaxing activity. Pedalling outdoors is the cardiovascular exercise that the body so desperately needs and modern life has taken away. It also lets the cyclist enjoy fresh air and cool breeze. However, there is one type of cyclists who can barely enjoy cycling, namely commuters.

Whoever cycled in Dublin during the rush hours came across this type of cyclists. In fact, he or she is probably one of them. The stress caused by the need to get to work fast drives many cyclists nuts. Many of them carry on the stressful behaviour on the way back as well, since they want to get home quickly. It's sad to watch them missing the old wisdom: "getting there is half the fun".

And as everyone commutes at the same time, there are even traffic congestions caused by cyclists! Nevertheless, a cycling congestion is far better than the one caused by cars and lorries. It usually fades away as soon as the lights change and in any case, unlike motor vehicles, it causes no air pollution.

The photo above was taken on a busy morning on 18 July 2012 at 8:39 am. This location, where the Grand Canal cycle path meets the N11 at Leeson Street Bridge is a tricky bottleneck. Whoever designed it didn't do a good job and thus pedestrians and cyclists are in a constant conflict, struggling to find space in this narrow pathway.

The Tiny Wheeler

Small wheel, big will

Folding bikes come in handy. They're so tiny so they can be stored virtually anywhere. On the other hand, when in use, they look rather silly, more of a circus bicycle than a serious mean of transportation.

Nonetheless, in Dublin's Cyclists we love all cyclists and welcome everyone on board. Especially cyclists like the one above who was amongst the very few cyclist who stop on red light behind the designated road marks. Well done!

The photo was taken on the 22nd of May 2012 on the Grand Canal cycle path off the N11.

The Underequipped Shopper

Heavy load

Cycling is great also for shopping. One doesn't need to own a car with a huge boot for carrying shopping bags. Yet, as the space that bikes provide is limited, cyclists are advised to get bike panniers or a bag for their back. Those who don't care much for safety just let their shopping bags hang up loosely on the handlebar.

I spotted this nice fellow in Rathmines on 25 June 2012.

The Music-Listener

Rhythm is a cyclist

Although it is a common knowledge that hearing is a pretty useful sense while cycling, for one needs it to be able to detect a potential hazard (that's common sense as well), far too many cyclists choose to disconnect from their immediate environment for the sound of music. I guess it feels nice, right up to the moment a car knocks you off the bike...

Personally, I enjoy the melody of the wind blowing, but can understand those who prefer their own theme song. Yet, when it comes to safety, I find the heavy headphones awfully obstructing.

I took the photo above on 8 November 2012 at Stephen's Green. And now for something completely different...

OK, the same cyclist, but wanted a Monty Python reference

The Saddle-Shirt Matcher

Black & white & black & white

It seems that using a plastic bag to cover one's saddle isn't just a matter of necessity, but it's also a matter of fashion and quite a popular habit in Dublin. We all remember the Saddle-Socks Matcher. So how about a cyclist who puts a white plastic bag on the saddle to match his elegant blanc shirt?

The picture was taken in the morning of 23 August 2012 in Haddington Road.

The BMXer

Cycling is cool

I'm not quite sure what to tell about this cyclist. Perhaps just that when I saw him, tattooed all over his arms, getting on his bike it felt like a brilliant picture. But he looked a bit cranky, so I was scared of taking a frontal picture of him, thus I sneaked behind his back (chicken me).

The photo was taken on July 1st 2012. You probably recognise Swan Centre in Rathmines on his left.

The Postman

You've got mail

Almost every weekday morning I see a green person on bike. It isn't Shrek or the Hulk, but An Post employee who delivers letters and packages to Dubliners. It's wonderful to see most of them use bike to do their job, for it justifies the green costume they wear.

The particular postman above was cycling in Rathmines on 6 November 2012.

The Coffee-Breaker

Bicycle & Coffee

Cycling and coffee-drinking are two enjoyable activities (or a bad habit, some may say). So why not to combine them?

The photo was taken on 15 July 2012 in Grafton Street.

The Androids

Hip hip hooray!

In past the word android was used to describe a human-like robot. Therefore, it is pretty ironic that Google chose a robot that doesn't look like a human at all to feature the logo of its mobile operating system. Nonetheless, the green robot has become an iconic symbol and it makes a little sense to rebrand it now. Even cyclists love it!

The photo above and the two photos below were taken on 20 June 2012, shortly before the Lunchtime Bike Ride, the highlight of Dublin's Bike Week.

The event was a great fun and it was wonderful to see Googlers that made an effort and dressed up in Green to match their robotic helmet cover.

 iRobot (or is it a trademark of their arch-rival?)

 Android Cycling Operating System

The Kid Taker

After you daddy

Some parents turn themselves into taxi drivers, taking their kids to and fro school and virtually everywhere by car. Their children grow with the belief that that's the only way to get from one place to another. Thus, when I come across cyclists who also take their children on board, I can't help thinking that sooner rather than later a new generation of cyclists is to emerge and join us. Encouraging thoughts in an age of widespread obesity, overweight and lack of activity in general and children in particular.

I took the photo above on 8 May 2012 on the cycle track by the Grand Canal.

The Marathonists

Dublin Marathon observers

So Dublin Marathon is over by now (the photos are awesome). Congratulations to Geoffrey Ndungu and Magdalene Mukunza for their victory!

Marathons are for people who like to run, not for cyclists who use different muscles. For the cyclists who like to combine cycling with running (and swimming) they invented the triathlon. Nevertheless, when the marathon participants run, Dublin's Cyclists pay respect and cheer the runners on.

These cyclists were observing the marathon on Miltown road. This was the marathon of yesteryear, the 32nd Dublin Marathon, which took place on 31 October 2011.

The Colourful Cyclist

Somewhere over the rainbow

There was something very likeable about this guy, but I can't put my finger on what exactly it was. The hat, the short trousers, the sandals, the Peace & Love colourful tee shirt (hence "The Colourful") or perhaps the friendly chat he had with the guy in the wheelchair next to him. Whatever it was, it is one of my favourite Dublin's Cyclists pictures.

The photo was taken at Wicklow Street on 28 May 2011.

The Suit-Woman

Businesswoman On Bike

We've already introduced the Businesscyclist some time ago, but how about his female counterpart?

Unfortunately, for some reason (probably because women's formal dress does not necessarily consist of suit), they tend to be scarcer, but thanks to Dublin Bikes they become more common.

The particular cyclist above was spotted on 26 June 2012 in Aungier Street, just next to The Shopping Bag Protector.

The Shopping Bag Protector

Special delivery

So far we have come across cyclists who protected their arse or didn't protect anything at all. How about cyclists who find their shopping bag so dear that they put a helmet on it?

This unique cyclist was riding along Aungier Street on 26 June 2012.

The Home-Goer

Open Sesame!

After a long day, most cyclists get off their bike and go home. Some of them not just go home but take the bicycle with them.

I took the picture above on  12 May 2012 in Grafton Street, next to Brown Thomas. If I'm not mistaken, he didn't roll into the building eventually.

The Long Orange Umbrella Holder

When cycling with a sword is illegal

We have already had an umbrella holder, have we not? The last one at least used it as a shelter from the pouring rain. When I saw the lady above holding her long orange umbrella, I thought to myself that it is a fine umbrella indeed, but anticipated a disaster a hundred yards ahead when the bushes on her left took over the cycle track. In the last moment, however, she moved the umbrella to the other hand. Folding umbrella would probably be better and safer for her.

I took the picture on 11 September 2012 by the Grand Canal.

The Sandalsyclist

Keep it cool

The Sandalsysclist (Sandals + Cyclists, not to be confused with the Sand Cyclist we have recently mentioned) is a rare breed in Dublin. It is not because Irish don't aspire to walk in sandals but because the wet and chilly climate doesn't really allow it.

True, we met the Blue Sandalist and even the Flip-Flopper before. In spite of the weather, Dubliners always love to dress up as if it was summer. But in Dublin you're more likely to see cyclists in wellies or mukluk (alright, not mukluk, but I just love this word)!

I came across the cyclist above on 15 June 2012 in Ringsend Road.

The Sand Cyclist

And all that sand

There is no substitute for a hard terrain when it comes to cycling. Sandy dunes might look awesome in a Sahara sojourn, but when it comes to pedalling, one would find cycling on dry and soft sand very exhausting.

This explains why the lady above pushed her bike on the sandy beach of Bull Island and chose not to cycle. The picture is from 9 September, one of warmest days of 2012, at least in Dublin, with temperature reaching almost 20 degrees Celsius.

Bond, James Bond

Bond, James Bond on Dublin Bikes

Throughout years, James bond has been using a remarkable number of state-of-the-art cool vehicles. Aircrafts, Choppers, Sports Cars are only few of 007 means of transportation on her majesty's secret service.
Have you ever imagined how would James Bond look like if he were to use Dublin Bikes?
The guy in the picture above, with his James Bond attache case stuck in the basket, made me wonder...

This tribute to Skyfall was spotted on the 7th of September 2012 in St Stephen's Green.

The Treble-Lighter

The more lights the merrier

As the winter has set upon us and the sunset falls early, it is visible that many cyclists are invisible and don't use light at all (thus the Gardaí and the National Transport Authority will give out up to 75oo sets of lights to cyclists). On the other side of the spectrum, there are cyclist who use not one, not two, but three lights, like the cyclist above, who uses three rear lights at once!

On the average, I suppose, the cyclists/lights ratio is 1:1, thanks to cyclists like this extra cautious fella.

I took the picture above in Harold's Cross on 31 July 2012, early in the morning. You can take a closer look at the light in the photo below:

Attention attention!