The Can't-Waiters

Me first, me first!

Once again, another example of cyclists in Dublin who cannot wait behind the line, but have to proceed up to the point where they can kiss drivers who pass by.

The photo was taken on 22 May 2012 by the river Dodder, in Rathfarnham.

The Line-Crossers

 Ready, set, go!

Rules are made to be broken and lines are drawn to be crossed. Or so it feels in Dublin, where cyclists tend to cross the line while they are waiting on red, even if it means they increase the chance of being hit by passing cars.
See for example The Red Light Proceeders,  The Mid-Junction Waiters and a few other examples here, here, here and also here.

In the case of the photo above, I like the arrowhead shape the cyclists created unintentionally. I honestly don't understand why the cyclist in the middle bothers to wear a reflective jacket and put a helmet on. Stopping two metres behind would raise her survival chances far better.

I took this picture on 24 April 2012 in Ringsend.

The Dancer

Put your hands up in the air!

Cycling isn't just for getting around. It's also for fun and pleasure. Most people enjoy the pedalling, but others take a break and simply dance while still on their bike!

I came across this jigging gentleman near Bord Gais Energy Theatre, during the Tall Ships Festival on 23 August 2012. It wasn't a moment of weakness, he was dancing with the rappers on stage for a long time...

The Double Biker

Push Mammy, Push!

Normally, one pair of bike is more than enough for one person at a time. However, once in a while I come across cyclists who ride on bicycle while holding another. They usually cycle very slowly and obstruct traffic.

In the case of the lady depicted above, she doesn't ride but rather leads two bicycles. In this case, unlike in other occasions when I spotted double bikers all by themselves, it's clear that the bike on the left is her son's. I just wonder why could the little boy not push it himself.

The picture is from 9 May 2012, taken in Rathgar Road.

The Backpackager

Horizontally challenged

When their bag is not big enough, some cyclists have to find a creative way to move their stuff around Dublin city.

For example, this guy, who I call "the backpackager" (not to confuse with the backpacker), found an adorable way to keep that parcel on his back.

I took this picture in South Great George's Street on 8 August 2012. If you need an inexpensive courier, he's your man!

The Uprighter

Vertical

Many cyclists believe that handbags are not suitable for cycling. But some, not only take their laptop handbag with them, but manage to put it upright on the carrier. I found it a bit peculiar, but well done!

I came across this guy on 20 July 2012 in Rathfarnham.

The Saddle-Socks Matcher

Matching socks to the saddle

It's not uncommon to encounter cyclists who cover their saddle with a plastic bag, either to protect it from a potential damage from the Irish harsh weather or to cover a mutilated seat that has been destroyed already.

I haven't checked, but I presume that in some cases replacing the saddle can be disproportionately expensive, so it makes no sense to change it, especially whence the damage can happen again.

Usually, however, the cyclists who ride on plastic bag don't try to match their socks to the improvised saddle cover, as this gentleman did.

I took this photo on 20 July 2012 at the Junction of Wexford/Aungier Street and Kevin Street.

The Backpacker

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go

I love backpacking trips. They enable one to tour and discover the world on a shoestring budget. In my opinion it's much more fun to explore our home planet this way than other "more comfortable" alternatives.

The same can be told about cycling. Although one can spend a handsome sum on a super-duper bike, in general bicycles allow people with tight budget to travel around. Once again, it's not only an alternative to the more costly car, on bicycle you get to witness things you'd never see through the windshield.

Needless to say, it is great to combine both activities. Taking a bike tour while on backpacking sojourn is a wonderful experience.
But not at the same time...

I took this picture on 2 August 2012 in Pearse Street. Whilst I was impressed by the willingness to carry such a huge rucksack while cycling, the heavy load looked awfully uncomfortable and dangerous to me.
And I guess also to the other cyclist next to him.

What's the story buddy?

The Balancer

Can stay like this all day long

Usually, cyclists put a leg or two on the ground while stopping. However, a small portion of cyclists challenge gravity and can stand motionless on the pedals for a long time.

I came across the cyclist in the photos below in Terenure. As I realised that standing on the pedals is a habit for this fellow cyclist, I decided to make a video as well in the next junction in Rathfarnham (see above).
All videos and photos were taken on 25 July 2012.

The Balancer near Bushy Park Road

The Balancer near Dodder Park Road