Oireachtas Cyclists Group

Iwannahurl

Oireachtas Cyclists Group

Senator Ivana Bacik got on her bike today to launch a new All-Party Oireachtas Cyclists Group. The group will encourage all parliamentarians to leave their cars at home and cycle to work.

In tandem with the Government's Smarter Travel policy which aims to have 10% of all commuting trips carried out by bike nationally in Ireland by 2020, the All-Party Oireachtas Cyclists Group hopes to encourage people to cycle, by tackling issues which may prevent nervous cyclists from making the journey.

Senator Bacik said, "The reason why many people do not cycle is because they are concerned about the experience of cycling in congested traffic and do not have the cycling skills to cycle safely in urban areas."

To mark the launch today, Cyclist.ie trainers offered TDs and Senators a special 'taster' session in developing cycling skills and safety.

"I hope that through initiatives like this, an Oireachtas Cyclists Group can encourage and promote the use of cycling more widely."

I can't find a link, but AFAIK today's Irish Independent didn't pass up the opportunity to get in a dig at the unhelmeted OCG members and their alleged death wish.

vektarman

If the indo doesn't get them that guy in the white shirt on the left will with that noose in his hand.:)

monkeypants

Will never catch on unless they introduce mileage expenses.

Zen0

I think it's great. The more of our public representatives who ride bikes the more likely we are to have enlightened policies on cycling.

galwaycyclist

Iwannahurl wrote: »

Oireachtas Cyclists Group

I can't find a link, but AFAIK today's Irish Independent didn't pass up the opportunity to get in a dig at the unhelmeted OCG members and their alleged death wish.

Only hve this second hand but I understand is that what may have happened is whoever was doing RTEs it "says in the papers slot" used it as an opportunity to have a personal go at people who choose to cycle in their ordinary clothes (ie without helmets).

The indo today actually has quite a good piece by Karen Coleman on cycling in rural areas. Doesnt seem to be linked from their website.

Jawgap

.....and not a stitch of hi-vis to be seen, what kind of example is that to be setting?

Gaybo and Noel Brett will have been spluttering cornflakes when they saw that this morning:)

Iwannahurl

galwaycyclist wrote: »

Only hve this second hand but I understand is that what may have happened is whoever was doing RTEs it "says in the papers slot" used it as an opportunity to have a personal go at people who choose to cycle in their ordinary clothes (ie without helmets).

The indo today actually has quite a good piece by Karen Coleman on cycling in rural areas. Doesnt seem to be linked from their website.

It was 'It Says in the Papers' and I think the reader was Valerie Cox.

When I heard it I did wonder whether she was quoting, paraphrasing or making an opportunistic personal comment, as that wasn't clear IMO.

tomasrojo

Jawgap wrote: »

.....and not a stitch of hi-vis to be seen, what kind of example is that to be setting?

Gaybo and Noel Brett will have been spluttering cornflakes when they saw that this morning:)

Ah, that's better.

Iwannahurl

tomasrojo wrote: »

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/8/27/1251370493773/Bike-Blog-Bike-Paramedics-001.jpg

Ah, that's better.

Are dem Gardee?

To be fair, though, police officers have to look the part.

I prefer the Dutch version though, as seen by Copenhagenize.

tomasrojo

Is that Feargal Quinn on the right? Contender for most poorly fitting helmet of the year. Though it is on the right way round.

tomasrojo

Iwannahurl wrote: »

Are dem Gardee?

To be fair, though, police officers have to look the part.

I prefer the Dutch version though, as seen by Copenhagenize.

Yes, to be fair, they're rapid-response medical personnel. Yorkshire, I think.

Undercover Elephant

tomasrojo wrote: »

Is that Feargal Quinn on the right? Contender for most poorly fitting helmet of the year. Though it is on the right way round.

And covers his forehead, unlike Senator Bandwagon.

coolbeans

No, it's Alex White of Labour. He's a decent enough cyclist, commanding the lane unlike the other shrinking violets hugging the gutter. We were doing a bit of cycle training as part of the photo shoot. Cycling skills varied widely especially with all the busses on Kildare St and some were fairly intimidated.

Tenzor07

Related article in today's Sindo...

www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/karen-coleman-why-we-need-to-get-on-our-bikes-and-finish-the-job-3167974.html

So true!

But despite cycling's popularity, neither the local authority nor the gardai appear to have done anything to protect cyclists from the demonic drivers who seem to regard bikers as enemies of the State.

Sean02

Its a great idea.... but is there any truth in the rumor that Eamon O´Cuiv is insisting that all irish speaking politians are entitled to double mileage allowance.

Iwannahurl

Sean02 wrote: »

Its a great idea.... but is there any truth in the rumor that Eamon O´Cuiv is insisting that all irish speaking politians are entitled to double mileage allowance.

A haxpayer, tá áthas mór orm an wileage seo a ghlacadh ar son mé féin.

Iwannahurl

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Related article in today's Sindo...

www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/karen-coleman-why-we-need-to-get-on-our-bikes-and-finish-the-job-3167974.html

So true!

First comment on that webpage: "A senator and a TD promoting cycling in a busy city without a cycling helmet. Are these people for real?"

Dermot Illogical

Iwannahurl wrote: »

First comment on that webpage: "A senator and a TD promoting cycling in a busy city without a cycling helmet. Are these people for real?"

The helmetard invasion continues.

galwaycyclist

RT66 wrote: »

The helmetard invasion continues.

This should probably go in the political action thread but I think it is important that the representatives who appeared for this event should get messages tweets etc of thanks for showing up. Also maybe messages of support on the helmets issue - maybe something like "you may get flak from some helmet advocates - don't take them too seriously there is more to cycling safety than helmets - that was the whole point of holding a cycling skills event"

High Nellie

Ya, it's ridiculous that they don't wear helmets.
They should also have high vis jackets on too.
And if they are new to cycling they should do a certified training course.
Knee and wrist protectors should also be compulsory.
And they should have someone walk in front waving a red flag.
And ......

Jawgap

I see the Oireachtas Cycling Group has added to its membership and gone for it's first group spin.......:D

hardCopy

Iwannahurl wrote: »

First comment on that webpage: "A senator and a TD promoting cycling in a busy city without a cycling helmet. Are these people for real?"

Do the Indo remove comments after a certain time? Can't see any there now

MB Lacey

For the record, I often see Ivana Bacik cycling around, wearing a helmet.
I think she's ace.

QueensGael

MB Lacey wrote: »

For the record, I often see Ivana Bacik cycling around, wearing a helmet.
I think she's ace.

Yep, I've seen her on the bike too, with her little kid on board, kinda cool

kincsem

Only on of them has a proper bike. Other than that, thumbs up.

Iwannahurl

kincsem wrote: »

Only on of them has a proper bike. Other than that, thumbs up.

What's a "proper bike"?

galwaycyclist

Iwannahurl wrote: »

What's a "proper bike"?

See Miss Piggy above. Basket, step through frame, mudguards. Should also have a chain guard and hub gears.