The Newsreader

I read the news today oh boy

Cycling is fun, but some people complain it leaves them no time to do other activities, like reading. The short answer is that one can compensate the lost reading time by the time saved on commuting. Moreover, one car read a newspaper while on bike...

The guy might look busy for a long time, but in fact he holds an issue of Metro Herald he had got two metres from there. And don't forget, the people who give Metro also love cycling. A win-win situation.

I took the photo on the 15th of March 2013 on the junction of Leeson Street and the Grand Canal cycle route. There's a slightly different version of the very same occasion:

Cycle, read & recycle

The Cyclist Wannabe (2)

Buggies got FOUR wheels so they ain't BIcycles

We've already discussed how the Grand Canal cycle route is being used by road users other than cyclists (for example skateboarders). There are also plenty of joggers and other jokers without wheels at all who block the bicycle track. As you can see there are many other wheelers who don't fall into the cyclist category, yet use the cycle track, for instance parents who push a buggy.

However, it is hard to blame the poor young mother for risking her toddler or obstructing the bicycle traffic. The alternative route to the one she chose is to walk up and down a few steps and push the buggy along a rough narrow surface.  It's barely a pedestrian-friendly option and it's certainly hostile towards people with a buggy or on a wheelchair. In other words, the council didn't leave her a wheel-friendly choice, as you can see from the photo below:

Pavement is merely a few steps which lead to rough path

It's great the council improves the cycling infrastructure, but so long as pedestrians aren't taken into account, it's not a sustainable solution. Compare the pedestrian path above to the cycle path next to it:

Wide well-paved cycle track

I took the photo of the cyclists and the aspiring cyclist next to them (and the other two photos as well) on the 4th of April 2013 near Baggot Street.

Young Woody Allen On Bike

Young Woody Allen cycling in Dublin?

You might be familiar with the German term Doppelgänger or the double of a living person. Some say I look a lot like a Swedish rock star, but this post isn't about your faithful cyclist, but rather about the legendary comedian and filmmaker, Woody Allen. Cycling to work (in Dublin) the other day I found myself looking at Woody Allen riding a bike. I knew something ain't right in this mirage, for although it was 2013, this cyclist looked a lot like Woody Allen in the early 1970s. As thoughts unfolded in my head, I realised there are no time machines and it isn't NYC, so it can't be Woody. But who knows... :)

To understand how similar they look, have a check out this hilarious Subway scene from Allen's movie Bananas (1971. Featuring young Sylvester Stallone as one of the two thugs):

Alternatively, watch the following interview:

I took the picture along the Grand Canal on April 18th 2013. About a week later, on the 24th, I saw the same guy nearby again. After a closer examination, I ruled out the Woody Allen option. I guess they look the same only from a certain angle. Good enough for me...

Not so Woody Allen after all

The Hare Krishna Cyclist

Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna

As I was eating a very affordable and tasty meal in Govinda, a cyclist came in with his folding bike. He also had a darbouka (goblet drum) for chanting and dancing happy Hare Krishna songs. He seemed to be a regular customer (after all, it is a Hare Krishna venue). Thumb up for yet another business supporting cycling in Dublin :)

I took the picture on 20 April 2013 in Govinda, Abbey Street.

The Bray Beach Sitter

The Beach Boys

Cycling is not permitted on the promenade at Bray. Nevertheless, there are no restrictions on sitting there next to one's bike and look at the Irish Sea.

I shot the photo on 27 April 2013 at Bray beach, Co Wicklow (to the south of Dublin). For cyclists at the seaside in Howth (north of Dublin) see this cyclist.

The Wellington Archer

A cyclist at Wellington Arch

In Hyde Park Corner, London, not far from Buckingham Palace, stands a triumphal arch called Wellington Arch. As you can see, it's popular amongst cyclists. Its proximity to the royal palace determines that cyclists aren't the only riders around, but also many horseback riders use the very same infrastructure (All the King's Horses and all that). As a result, the traffic lights in this area are dedicated to both bicycle and horse riders, as you can see in the photo below:

Green light for bicycle and horse riders only

Additionally, quite high on the pole, there is a button for people to indicate they want to cross the road. It's hard to reach though. Normally, they place this type of buttons much lower, however, this isn't a standard button. As you can see it's meant for equestrians...

This horsey button is pretty high

No doubt London is a great place to visit. And it's wonderful for cycling too. Ask the Boris Bikers or the Tower Bridger. You can even leave your bicycle unattended (it's not recommended though). With this outstanding cycling repertoire, are you surprised some cyclists in Dublin try to look like the royal British guard? :)

I took all the pictures above on 6 December 2012.

The Shoe Coverer

Who needs Gore-Tex?

Cyclists in Dublin don't really know what does an outbreak of rain mean, for it never really stops raining. Just kidding. Nonetheless it rains in Dublin quite often, so most cyclists opt for a showerproof gear, which includes Gore-Tex or a similar solution to keep their feet dry. The guy above, however, solved the watery conundrum with two plastic bags, each covers a shoe. The raindrops certainly have a hard time making his shoes wet, but sweat can't evaporate either thus this solution stinks. Literally.

I took the picture on 25 April 2013 in Rathfarnham.

The Seaside Cyclist

Into the sea, you and me

Sadly (or not), about 70 per cent of our earth is covered by water, thus cyclists cannot use it (unless you reckon that Pedalo is the bicycle equivalent on water). Nevertheless, some cyclists still try to get as close as possible.

I took the picture on 28 May 2012 on the pier at Howth harbour. I shot two more photos when he reached the edge of the pier:

Blue, red & yellow

Ireland's EyePhone

The Music Lover

Cycling and all that jazz

With a guitar on his back and headphones on his head, this guy does not miss a minute of minuet or at least cycling to the beat.

I took the picture on January 7th 2013 on Wexford Street. It's just down the road from The Rainbow Cyclist and if you look carefully you will see a rainbow in this photograph too.

The Trafic Blocker

Don't mind cars

It's fascinating to see how one person on Dublin Bike can force a driver manoeuvre around him. Most drivers are skillful enough to do so, but I wouldn't want to be in this guy's place if a lorry was to take the same turn.

A moment later, the very same lad progressed a bit, still on red light, just in case a cyclist coming from Ranelagh would like to be obstructed. And why to go through all these troubles you ask? The answer lies in the docking station on the left...

Took the pictures along the Grand Canal cycle route on 23 April 2013.

Don't mind other cyclists either

The Traveller

Four-wheeled bicycle

As I was cycling down Terenure Road East, I saw this guy towing a huge trolley bag. I wondered whether he was on his way to Dublin Airport in the cheapest way possible.

It must have been some sort of a joke since I took the picture on April 1st 2013. In any case, I'm not quite sure he did actually drag this suitcase for himself. In the following photohraph you can see he was accompanied by his other half. It seems as if he helped her to carry the heavy bag in an unorthodox way.

Excess baggage

The Flower Girl

Cycling is a bunch of flowers

Non-cyclists sometimes refer to cyclists as a bunch of stinky people who come in to office sweaty and smelly. I have personally known some motorists and bus commuters who smell like rubbish as well, but that's not the point. The point is that one can definitely not say that about the cyclist above. She smelled like flowers :)

I was unlocking my bike in Rathmines when I noticed this woman cycling southbound while holding a big bouquet of flowers. She passed me and I was disappointed for I didn't manage to take a picture. I was happy to discover she was cycling very slowly when I caught up with her and cycled behind her up Rathgar Road. I then took a few more pictures (this one and that one). It was 25 March 2013.

Special delivery

Flowers & bicycle

The On-Line Stopper

I cycle the line

Considering the usual position cyclists choose to halt (see the cyclist on the left for example), stopping just on the pedestrian crossing line ain't that bad. He should have stopped on the line two or three metres behind though. This position might feel a little bit intimidating for the pedestrians.

I guess Johnny Cash could have written a song about this.

I took the picture in Richmond Street on 7 January 2013.

The Slovak Tricyclist

Reliant Regal Bicycle

For people who are afraid of two-wheeled rides, someone came up with the tricycle. It's pretty much like a bicycle, but it curbs manoeuvrability in favour of stability. A fair-trade off for some, unthinkable for others. Personally, I recognise the benefits, but I wouldn't use one myself.

I came across these two chatty girls in Namestovo, a small town in Northern Slovakia on 3 September 2012.