Fergus O'Carroll, Section Principal French horn, RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
Rides: BMW K1200 RT
Why this bike? I bought this bike after my new R1150 RT was stolen. My wife wanted me to buy something very big, so that I would be clearly seen on the road. It was available at the right price at the right time and in the right condition.
Why did you take to two wheels? As a bike rider, there are 24 hours in every day when you live in Dublin, this is not the case for car owners. Also, I travel regularly, sometimes many times a day, between the National Concert Hall, where the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra rehearses and performs, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. It's really quick on the bike and there are no parking issues. And I wanted to feel young again!
What do you use your BMW for? I use it for maximising the number of working hours in the day. Sunday drives when possible and keeping the bike service trade in business! Also, I use it when I have to take RTÉ NSO tours around Ireland and on educational residencies. I've spent some wonderful hours exploring the scenery in Kerry, Donegal and West Cork.
Did you take any rider training? No, but I want to. I drove a car for a number of years before getting a bike and the experience of the two complement each other. And, as a commuter in Dublin, I am constantly being reminded about how NOT to ride a bike. There are a lot of silly riders out there.
Is your insurance high? Ouch yes! It's top insurance bracket on this bike. I'm 50 years old, I've never had an accident and I pay a lot. The theft of the RT didn't help.
Do you drive a car? Yes, when I have to. I have a 13-year-old car which sits outside my house from one end of the week to the next. It's difficult to do the weekly shopping on the bike, even with three panniers.
Did your wife have any objections to your biking? A little. But, when she is running late she gladly accepts a lift into town. My son is always disappointed if we take the car and I do take the car if I have to travel down the country and back on the same day because it's not fair that my wife worries for hours if I can afford the extra time in the car.
Do you worry about your survival as a biker? No. There are too many other important things to think about when riding. I don't drive fast and I don't take chances. 25 mph down the canal on a sunny day is heaven, and getting to 25 mph really quickly can be fun.
Have you ever come off the bike? I came off once at five miles an hour having used a silicon-based tyre cleaner; it was really stupid in hindsight. The only damage I personally sustained was to my pride and that hurt! In a different incident I forget to remove the disc-lock before driving off.
Are you a fan of road racing? No, I see it as a considered form of suicide.
Have you ever toured on your bike? Yes, I've been to Spain on the ferry to Santander and Britain. I plan to tour in France and further afield in the near future.
Any suggestions on how to improve conditions for bikers? We do use the bus lanes for safety; so we should be allowed legally use them. Most traffic corps police bikers would agree and I have spoken to many of them - socially, I hasten to add.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? If I won the lottery, I would buy a Honda Deauville for commuting, keep my own bike for medium-to-long trips and buy a BMW K1200 LT for touring. Just imagine what my wife would buy given the chance!
What are your survival tips? Drive within your personal limits, not the limits of the machine. Don't be antagonised by other road users no matter what, and watch out for that ever-increasing breed of pedestrian lemmings.