Gary Clare, consulting manager, Accenture
What do you ride? A Yamaha Fazer 600 and a Yamaha RD350YPVS. I chose the Fazer for its all-round ability and looks - I rented one in Belgium some years ago for 24 hours, and was reluctant to give it back. So the writing was on the wall.
Why two rather than four wheels? I had a two-hour each-way bus commute to UCD in the early 1990s. My first motorcycle paid dividends and freed up 15 hours per week in free (study!) time.
Did you take any training course? Yes, a two-day intensive course.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence for your bike? Full.
Any family objections to your riding a bike? Initially yes. The best response to a nervous mother, or father, is to ask her to put on warm clothes and hand her a snug fitting helmet! It's fear of the unknown more than anything else. The fact that I'm 10 years in the saddle without any scratches have relaxed those fears somewhat.
Any two-wheel trips abroad? A college friend and I spent five weeks touring Europe in 1997. We went to France, Italy, Greece, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. I've also toured through the US and Canada. Last summer I spent a week in England touring the Cotswolds - fantastic A roads, beautiful scenery, splendid weather and plenty to see and do when you're not riding around. For bikers who have yet to venture beyond these shores, I'd strongly recommend it.
Your worst experience with motorists? I remember it all quite vividly although it was about nine years ago. A motorist pulled directly out in front of me. It was wet and I reacted by grabbing the front brake lever. I almost went down and I could have slid into oncoming traffic. The driver looked directly at me, but didn't acknowledge me - a blank stare. I was inexperienced at the time. The first six months on the road is when you're at most risk of injuring yourself. Motorists have pulled out in front of me many times since, but I ride defensively now and anticipate their actions. While riding you're constantly thinking about what could go wrong. Anticipation is the name of the game.
Any issues you think the Minister for Transport should address for bikers? Improve the quality of road surfaces - they're a discomfort for motorists, but they represent a serious health hazard for motorcyclists.
On parking, adopt a similar approach to London where bike parks are available in the city centre.
Legislate for the elimination of age discrimination in relation to motor insurance. My premium is now falling, but I wouldn't like to see the next generation of young people pay anything like what I've paid over the years. Premiums should be based on claims history rather than age. Bikers should be hit for higher premiums once they process a claim, not before they engage first gear.