Debbie Ward, liaison specialist nurse
Rides: Honda CB500
Why the CB500? My partner thought it would be a good first bike for me, and it was one of the shortest bikes I could get my leg over. It was also an easy bike to restrict. We originally bought a Honda CB350S privately which he rode home for me. Then we realised that I couldn't put my foot to the ground, hence the CB500.
What was your motivation for getting in the saddle? I rode a Vespa scooter for two years in London to weave in and out of the traffic, and when it came to getting the L-plates off I realised that I had to do a proper test after training to get them taken off. I was up for learning something new, so I did it on a geared bike instead. The twist and go scooter was immediately sold off in favour of my current bike. I definitely think more women should give motorbikes a go; it's something a bit different and we're as able-bodied as any of the lads. My only grumble is that a crash helmet plays havoc with your make-up and hair.
What sort of mileage do you clock up on your bike? I commute daily from Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, to St James's Hospital on the N4, clocking up 600 miles a week. If I were to do the same journey in the car or on the train, I could easily double my commuting time.
What does your family think of your biking? My partner is very supportive and keeps my bike in tiptop condition, although he complains that I go too fast sometimes and that I'm rubbish at cornering. In my defence his biker mates have commented that there aren't many corners on the new N4! My brothers and my Dad in particular just want me to buy 'a nice little car for myself'. They think I'm mad, especially when it's freezing cold or lashing rain.
Have you encountered any sexism as a female biker? Generally no. Most bikers give me a nod or some sort of acknowledgement and are courteous when filtering through traffic, often giving me the right of way. Occasionally however, you get the odd bloke on a bike that feels the need to show off at traffic lights by speeding off or pulling wheelies after blocking me to the front when the lights are red. Also, I'm often ignored in bike shops in favour of my partner even if I've asked the question. I must grumble too about the poor choice of suitable bike clothing available for women, it's non-existent if you're not a standard size 10.
Tell us about your accidents? Fortunately, I haven't had any on the bike, but I did fall off once whilst waiting for the Woolwich ferry in London. I was stationary when I had a coughing fit. It took the waiting lorry drivers a long time to realise that I couldn't pick the bike up myself.
From your experience in London what suggestions would you make to improve biking in this country? I think every body in Ireland should do the bike training I had to do in London. It was worth it but expensive and hard work. It involved a theory test as well as the examiner following you around for the practical. Also, no car drivers in Ireland seem to understand roundabouts or the fact that it's actually dangerous to overtake on bends. I also resent paying toll charges on the N4 every day; I think bikes should be free. A congestion charge to enter Dublin in a car would increase our profile favourably and get those car drivers out of their vehicles. When they initiated it in London the amount of two wheel transport doubled because they were exempt from paying and I noticed how quieter the roads were in rush hour.
If you could have any bike what would it be? Because I'm short my choice is severely restricted but I would love a yellow - because colour is very important - BMW F800S. I can just about put my toes to the ground on that one.
- PATRICIA WESTON