My Bike and I

David Lyons , motorcycle instructor, Easy Rider Training

David Lyons, motorcycle instructor, Easy Rider Training

Your bike? A BMW R1100R.

Why this particular bike? It's a naked bike with no faring that's fun to ride.

Why two rather than four wheels? It's the best fun you can have with your clothes on.

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Did you take any rider training course before you took to two wheels? No, when I started riding a bike in 1985 in Cork no rider training courses were available.

How did you become involved in rider training? I moved to the UK and took the bike test for my full licence - it was compulsory. I then went on to do a two-week training course which is similar to compulsory basic training in Ireland. I took the RoSPA diploma then and became a trainer.

Do you drive a car? Yes, I have a van for transporting my school bikes.

Any family resistance to you riding a bike? My father refused to allow me park my bike outside the house when I was younger, so I had to park it at a mate's and walk home. I'm riding bikes 20 years so nowadays my parents know I'm a safe rider.

Do you worry about your survival as a biker? If I was worried about my riding I wouldn't ride.

What do you use your bike for? Work and pleasure.

Any accidents? Yes, 12 years ago while couriering in London on a Friday evening, a courteous bus driver let a car pull out of a junction. He didn't see me on the bike and I collided with the car. I went straight into the side of the car. I didn't break any bones but my ego was badly damaged and so was the bike.

Any trips abroad on two wheels? I organise weekend trips to Wales once a month with a maximum of five riders. We take to the glorious Welsh roads - not a pothole in sight.

Do you think there's a bond between bikers? Yes, freedom! Motorists ride in warm tin boxes, bikers ride with an engine between their legs.

Any bad experiences with motorists? One of my pet hates is car drivers who intimidate you by driving too close behind you. They don't realise how vulnerable bikers are. Also, drivers who swing into u-turns cause a lot of accidents - they get impatient waiting in traffic so they just do a u-turn anywhere on the road with no consideration for bikers riding up on the inside lane.

Any issues you think the Minister for Transport should address for bikers? Compulsory training - and remove the VAT from helmets and safety equipment.

Any tips for survival on two wheels? Do a training course with me.

If you won the lotto, what would be your dream bike? A BMW R1150R Rockster.