Cycling and commuting

Theory and reality

Sir, – As a cyclist commuter, I want to offer an opinion on Eamon Ryan’s ideas of cycling being the main form of transport for Irish people in the near future. Cycling is the most efficient way for me to get to work from a time, money and environmental perspective. I’m 34, enjoy cycling, have a dedicated cycle path for 80 per cent of my journey, don’t have a physical job, I only have to be in the office two to three days a week of my choosing, and my office has secure bike storage and shower facilities. It is only because of these very specific set of circumstances that cycling is a viable option for me, and for many others it is not and will not be a viable option given the Irish weather, low-density city layout and road network. Dublin city centre businesses are struggling already; Dublin needs to be opened up, not closed down. – Yours, etc,

ALISTAIR KISSANE,

Sutton,

Dublin 13.