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.