A chara, – My €20 annual subscription for Dublin Bikes is, without question, the best value for money in the city.
I would pay three times as much if they would extend it outside the current boundary rather than increasing the number of stations in areas already served by the scheme. I wait, in hope, with €60 cash. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN CLEERE,
Heytesbury Lane,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – I agree with the sentiments expressed by Simon O’Connor (June 13th) about cyclists on footpaths and their arrogance when confronted by pedestrians about breaking the law. In Cork it is dangerous to walk on a footpath while pedal fanatics are about. Recently I observed a cyclist riding at speed on a footpath alongside a designated cycle lane: put there at great expense by the city council.
I could go on about the danger presented to old people and children by these reckless people, who give cycling a bad name, but instead I appeal to the Garda to uphold the law. – Yours, etc,
MÍCHEAL O’DONNELL,
Ard Bhaile,
Old Youghal Road,
Cork.
Sir, – As a cyclist, may I commend Dublin Bus drivers, specifically the double-deck drivers? When letting people off the bus they hold the doors if a cyclist is coming. They are patient when cyclists do silly things (no horn-blowing) and know how important it is to use indicators. May they continue to be a role model for other road users. – Yours, etc,
TONY HAMILL,
Weirview Drive,
Stillorgan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Speaking as someone who both drives and cycles in Dublin, I believe there has to be a better way. I have just returned from a visit to the university town of Leiden in Holland, where I witnessed a vision of a world where the bicycle is king, and it was balm to the soul.
Virtually everyone cycles there. No-one wears a helmet, because they do not have to share the cycle lanes with buses, motorbikes or other mechanical monsters. People were out celebrating the Dutch win in the World Cup until the wee hours, as sensible cyclists pedalled past, no danger to themselves or others, looking fit and healthy.
No high-vis jackets, no bulging lycra. The motion of the tall Dutch cyclists, in normal clothes, looked like what it was – progress. The only way we could approximate to this exalted state would be to make more room for more bicycles and put the cars in their place. – Yours, etc,
ARTHUR DEENY,
Sion Hill,
Rock Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.