Rally for action on cycling

fat bloke

http://www.thebikecomesfirst.com/rally-for-action-on-cycling-to-take-place-in-dublin-this-wednesday/


Timing is a bit nuts. One o clock on a Wednesday?

I'd go and bring my kids, but it's on at one o clock. On Wednesday.

Wonder what kind of turnout they'll get.

fat bloke

fat bloke wrote: »

Wonder what kind of turnout they'll get.

Well, I guess I can stop wondering

*insert tumbleweed smiley*

Rogue-Trooper

fat bloke wrote: »

http://www.thebikecomesfirst.com/rally-for-action-on-cycling-to-take-place-in-dublin-this-wednesday/


Timing is a bit nuts. One o clock on a Wednesday?

I'd go and bring my kids, but it's on at one o clock. On Wednesday.

Wonder what kind of turnout they'll get.

I guess they're trying to get city centre-based people on their lunch break.

I might head over if I can get free at that time. Anyone else on here heading over?

Will have to see if I can get a pitchfork somewhere........

mr spuckler

yeah i think i probably will. i always say i should support these things but rarely do!

tomasrojo

I'll try and get along, but I won't be able to get there before a little after two (picking up kids from school), and I suspect it'll be over by then.

fat bloke

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

Will have to see if I can get a pitchfork somewhere........

You've given the word mob a bad name

Chuchote

I'm hoping to be there. And I think Tomasrojo said s/he would too.

Firedance

Yep will try and attend too.

tomasrojo

https://twitter.com/CiaranCuffe/status/778344949339348993

The route, with timings.

tomasrojo

That's a bit of an odd map actually, in that the cycle is supposed to end at the Department of Transport (and Sport or whatever), but that's on Kildare Street, not south-east of Stephen's Green.

Kurtosis

It's actually located on Leeson Lane off Leeson Street, so the map looks correct.

I would love to attend but have a lunchtime meeting tomorrow so won't be able to go.

tomasrojo

Ah really? The official website said 44 Kildare Street. Good stuff.

I might be able to get to Leeson Lane by ten past two. I'll try that.

Chuchote

I assume this is the first rally of many; next one will be on a Saturday at 5 and people will grumble because no one would cycle into town on a Saturday!

Be there at City Hall today at 1pm, Dail at 1.30 or Department of Transport at Leeson Lane at 1.45, or be square (-wheeled).

We could have Dublin like Vancouver

https://vimeo.com/183441272

(though with less rain; Vancouver has double our rain).

Rogue-Trooper

Chuchote wrote: »

https://vimeo.com/183441272

Wow - that is impressive.

Still hoping to get over to this today - trying to drag a couple of cycling colleagues with me but we are very busy in work so not getting much enthusiasm from them.

I'm rockin' the Boards kit today so do say hi if you see me.

Chuchote

I look like an ambulant Battenburg cake, so say hi if you see me

poochiem

Critical M(iddle cl)ass?

cdaly_

I'll be wearing this (though slightly curvier)...



Then again, looking at the Rain Radar, I might be wearing this over it...

magicbastarder

poochiem wrote: »

Critical M(iddle cl)ass?

ah dear, that's irish times letters territory there.

Chuchote

It would be great to get a good mass of cyclists on this first rally, get the movement for proper cycleways off to a good start.

jon1981

Any updates/pics from the rally? I couldn't make it

Firedance

jon1981 wrote: »

Any updates/pics from the rally? I couldn't make it

A reasonable turnout I think, no idea of numbers, I had to leave after the first stop on Dawson St though, would have been better if we just continued on to the final destination rather than stopping for speeches that were preaching to the converted! Have just had a work colleague tell me that I don't have the same rights on the road as cars do because I don't pay road tax....:(:(:( Oh and a taxi driver cut me off on the way over. :rolleyes:

check_six

Spotted this at lunchtime. Seemed a bit smiley and happy for an angry mob to be honest.

I saw someone in full Boards.ie kit on a black Cube chatting to someone in a hi-vis jacket just behind the breakaway group. Just chatting, not flailing at, or swinging at, just chatting. Weird!

I wasn't able to take part this afternoon as I didn't fancy the pan flat sprint finish. I prefer a bit of a ramp, to be honest.

robyntmorton

check_six wrote: »

I wasn't able to take part this afternoon as I didn't fancy the pan flat sprint finish. I prefer a bit of a ramp, to be honest.

And herein lies the problem. The CX'ers want cycle infrastructure to include mud banks. The MTB'ers want it to include winding paths with a few tree roots. The roadies want beautifully smooth tarmac with no bus stops, driveways or joggers to break the rhythm.

We don't know what we want!

CramCycle

Couldn't get over due to work commitments. Glad to hear the mob was civilised. Will try to get to the next one.

L'Enfer du Nord

Missed today's one because I had a driving lesson, (in case I have to go under cover and infiltrate the motor lobby at a later stage in the struggle).

An other one on 3 October
https://twitter.com/kruddock/status/778575285243478016

Definitely think this should become a regular thing, after all Shane Ross's constituency is mostly suitable for bicycle commuting, so he probably has quite a few voters who cycle to work.

Chuchote

Weepsie wrote: »

Don't get me wrong, i fully want better infrastructure for cyclists, I think for a fairly small country, with relatively small cities and travelling distance more should be done to have people commute by bike at the very least....

but, I'd feel like an @rse going along and taking part in this when I've done nothing for what are presently far more important causes before this becomes a bleak cesspit of a country (if it is not already). I'll have to merely vocally support it from where I am and when in conversation with skeptics.

Chapeau to those in attendance all the same, as I imagine they give their time over for several causes and this is just another worthy one in a long list.

OK, you're allowed to join the demo as long as you join the Repeal the 8th demo too, and donate to McVerry

I'd say there were about 70 there. Won't be able to make the next one, but hopefully more will. And for those who are Ross constituents, maybe unroll a banner saying so.

Rogue-Trooper

jon1981 wrote: »

Any updates/pics from the rally? I couldn't make it

A very civilised affair it has to be said. I forgot the pitchfork which was probably a good thing as it wasn't that kind of gathering. The numbers seemed to fluctuate but I reckoned just over a hundred by the time we were on Kildare Street for the first of the speeches but we seemed to loose a few between there and the Dept of Transport offices.

I managed to drag a fellow roadie from the office - we were the only lycra-clad representatives. Was a bit like Rodney & Delboy turning up to the funeral dressed as Batman & Robin. When I attempted some humour by asking when the first food stop was or where the hell my domestique was, they just stared blankly at me. Lesson learned. Know your audience.

cdaly_ was there under-cover in his civvies and Chucote came dressed as a battenburg (very nice to meet you by the way young lady).

Pic from outside the DoT offices:




Am I glad I went? Yes. Would I go again? Yes. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.

check_six wrote: »

I saw someone in full Boards.ie kit on a black Cube chatting to someone in a hi-vis jacket just behind the breakaway group. Just chatting, not flailing at, or swinging at, just chatting. Weird!

That was me. I felt duty-bound to bridge the divide. I might try talking to motorists next.

check_six wrote: »

I wasn't able to take part this afternoon as I didn't fancy the pan flat sprint finish. I prefer a bit of a ramp, to be honest.

We made up for it on the way back to the office. Managed to get back sweaty & panting. I won. Obviously.

Obligatory stats from the ride:

7.5km with a moving time of 29:41 (including the run out and back from work). A vertigo-inducing 22m climbed. Forgot my heart rate strap so no HR stats I'm afraid.

smacl

check_six wrote: »

I saw someone in full Boards.ie kit on a black Cube chatting to someone in a hi-vis jacket just behind the breakaway group.

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

When I attempted some humour by asking when the first food stop was or where the hell my domestique was, they just stared blankly at me. Lesson learned. Know your audience.

You clearly should have tried to bridge over to the breakaway group, that would have shown them

Firedance

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I managed to drag a fellow roadie from the office - we were the only lycra-clad representatives. Was a bit like Rodney & Delboy turning up to the funeral dressed as Batman & Robin. When I attempted some humour by asking when the first food stop was or where the hell my domestique was, they just stared blankly at me. Lesson learned. Know your audience.

Ha ha you weren't alone, I spotted 3 other lycra clad dudes I didn't bother to change back into my cycling gear so went in office gear with high viz jacket. I did speak to you but didn't introduce myself ('Hey I'm firedance' ) Hopefully we can get a few more of these going in the coming weeks and months, you never know, some actual good might come of it!

Rogue-Trooper

Firedance wrote: »

Ha ha you weren't alone, I spotted 3 other lycra clad dudes I didn't bother to change back into my cycling gear so went in office gear with high viz jacket. I did speak to you but didn't introduce myself ('Hey I'm firedance' ) Hopefully we can get a few more of these going in the coming weeks and months, you never know, some actual good might come of it!

Ah, were you the chap in civvies on the (other) Cube road bike that I had the conversation about taking the KOM?!

Firedance

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

Ah, were you the chap in civvies on the (other) Cube road bike that I had the conversation about taking the KOM?!

But I'm a lady :P nope, the conversation about 'pedestrians' and us not being a homogeneous group...short n sweet!

Firedance

First stop (kildare St)

L'Enfer du Nord

Chuchote wrote: »

OK, you're allowed to join the demo as long as you join the Repeal the 8th demo too, and donate to McVerry

I'd say there were about 70 there. Won't be able to make the next one, but hopefully more will. And for those who are Ross constituents, maybe unroll a banner saying so.

I'm not one, but I think I could pass for one.

Rogue-Trooper

Firedance wrote: »

But I'm a lady :P nope, the conversation about 'pedestrians' and us not being a homogeneous group...short n sweet!

Oops - sorry! I do remember our conversation - you are most definitely not a chap!

Nice to meet you too!

average_runner

Chuchote wrote: »

I assume this is the first rally of many; next one will be on a Saturday at 5 and people will grumble because no one would cycle into town on a Saturday!

Be there at City Hall today at 1pm, Dail at 1.30 or Department of Transport at Leeson Lane at 1.45, or be square (-wheeled).

We could have Dublin like Vancouver

https://vimeo.com/183441272

(though with less rain; Vancouver has double our rain).

They are all cycling at a safe speed also, in one line instead of two bikes across a cycle lane, so people can use it both ways!!

poochiem

average_runner wrote: »

They are all cycling at a safe speed also, in one line instead of two bikes across a cycle lane, so people can use it both ways!!

Quite literally the opposite, funnily enough!

average_runner

poochiem wrote: »

Quite literally the opposite, funnily enough!

We wont see this in Ireland for sure. Too much forward thinking!

check_six

smacl wrote: »

You clearly should have tried to bridge over to the breakaway group, that would have shown them

Ah look, if Rogue had dragged a load of them over to the breakaway, someone would have got him in the sprint. Better let the rest of them sweat on how to pull back the break, and if they make the move, then Rogue could concentrate on getting to the line first without being out of gas from a chase. If they leave the break go, well, just go out and win another day! #SeanKellytactics

CramCycle

I am one of his constituents, hopefully get to see him over the next month, might try and hi jack him mid conversation.

tomasrojo

I got to Leeson Lane at a quarter past two and everyone was gone, bar three people from the Dublin Cycling Campaign, who seemed happy enough with the turnout. Guts of a hundred turned up, they told me, which chimes with reports here.

There's another one scheduled for Monday the 3rd of October at five in the evening. I'll try to make that, and probably will, as will have got kid collection out of the way in plenty of time, unlike today.

Eamonnator

Is Raleigh, the bicycle manufacturer, a sponsor of the movement Raleigh-for-action?
If not, why is it spelled Raleigh?

http://irishcycle.com/2016/09/19/lunchtime-cycle-to-raleigh-for-action-at-minister-rosss-office/

robyntmorton

I see there is an article on The Journal about today

Brother of cyclist killed in collision pays tribute to sister at Dublin protest
http://jrnl.ie/2990528

CramCycle

Eamonnator wrote: »

Is Raleigh, the bicycle manufacturer, a sponsor of the movement Raleigh-for-action?
If not, why is it spelled Raleigh?

http://irishcycle.com/2016/09/19/lunchtime-cycle-to-raleigh-for-action-at-minister-rosss-office/

I just presumed it was a pun on words. Alot of cyclists and non cyclists will remember Raleigh as the brand from their youth. Might stir up some positive sentiment. It could also just have been a mistake but I like to think that is was a clever PR idea.

Rogue-Trooper

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

cdaly_ was there under-cover in his civvies and Chucote came dressed as a battenburg.

Look what I found on social media somewhere..........

tomasrojo

robyntmorton wrote: »

I see there is an article on The Journal about today

Brother of cyclist killed in collision pays tribute to sister at Dublin protest
http://jrnl.ie/2990528

The group is calling for a 10% increase in transport funding for walking and cycling.

Isn't the call for 10% of the transport budget to be allocated to walking and cycling? That's a hell of a lot more than a 10% increase on current spending!!

Chuchote

tomasrojo wrote: »

Isn't the call for 10% of the transport budget to be allocated to walking and cycling? That's a hell of a lot more than a 10% increase on current spending!!

Yeah, thats what it is. The government wants 10% of people to walk and cycle rather than sitting in cars or buses; the cycling campaign is therefore asking for 10% of the transport budget to go to walking paths and cycleways.

2RockMountain

It will be interesting to see if the Govt obesity strategy to be launched today picks up on cycling as a huge opportunity to get kids and adults exercising as part of their daily routine. I won't be holding my breath....

jive

2RockMountain wrote: »

It will be interesting to see if the Govt obesity strategy to be launched today picks up on cycling as a huge opportunity to get kids and adults exercising as part of their daily routine. I won't be holding my breath....

Just expect to pay 0.20c more for a can of coke because that's what is making everyone fat, the price of coke.

Schrodingercat

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

Ah, were you the chap in civvies on the (other) Cube road bike that I had the conversation about taking the KOM?!

@City hall?. I think that was me. I didn't think it was the right kind of crowd for cycling gear so went in my shirt.

2RockMountain

2RockMountain wrote: »

It will be interesting to see if the Govt obesity strategy to be launched today picks up on cycling as a huge opportunity to get kids and adults exercising as part of their daily routine. I won't be holding my breath....

Someone's been reading my posts;

https://twitter.com/lorcansirr/status/778875052687290368

So there are just a couple of short references to cycling in the findings within the new policy, and absolutely no actions related to cycling or no actions relating to transport at all, as far as I can see. Shameful.

http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/a-healthy-weight-for-ireland-obesity-policy-and-action-plan-2016-2025/

Rogue-Trooper

Schrodingercat wrote: »

@City hall?. I think that was me. I didn't think it was the right kind of crowd for cycling gear so went in my shirt.

Yep, you were right - it wasn't the right kind of crowd for cycling gear!! That said, I guess I was glad that most cycling 'genres' were represented.