Saddle up in Dublin

BY B. TROPE 

Newly arrived international students to DCU can find deciphering the public transport system in Dublin a maddingly frustrating experience.  If you have arrived to Ireland from a home which can boast sleek modes of public transport which invariably arrive on time, brace yourself.

Looking for a greener option? by B. Trope

The primary mode of public transportation utilized by Dubliners and students of DCU alike is Dublin Bus.  Travelling by Dublin Bus is a minefield of near misses, long waits, and double (indeed sometimes triple) arrivals of the same bus number, all the while orchestrated over by a timetable which at best works under the principle of ‘guesstimation’ and at worst seems to invoke the principle of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

The Dublin Bike Scheme offers another viable alternative and one which is gathering momentum with the passing of time.  Overlooking the obvious environmental benefit accrued, students will be attracted by the triumvirate of its ease of use, affordability and speed.

The Long Term Hire Card comes in at an attractive ten euro for one whole year subscription while a short term possibility is also available with a three day ticket costing two euro.  Significantly, the first thirty minutes of use is free, as Dublin is a compact city you should reach your destination within this time period.  After this initial free period a charge of approximately fifty cent per hour is charged to your account.

Dublin Bikes are relatively uncomplicated to use, simply log in at the bike station terminal with your pin number (given to you when you purchase both long term, and short term tickets), select your bike, remove it and you are ready to go!

Terminal and Bike by B. Trope

There are currently forty four bike stations scattered across the city centre, which raises the issue of its suitability for DCU students as there are no stations located within the hinterlands of the campus.  Nevertheless it is just a matter of time before this concern is rectified as the National Transport Authority has awarded the Dublin City Council half a million euro to further the network after its initial success.  As result the City Council has aimed to increase the number of stations to three hundred.

In its current guise perhaps Dublin Bikes best serves DCU students who live near the campus with a means of exploring roaming places of interest such as Phoenix Park or, for students who reside within the confines of the city centre it offer a viable alternative to the dreaded Dublin Bus! 

If saddling up with Dublin Bikes sounds like it might be up your street then you should bear the following details in mind before you take the plunge. You should take the time to adjust your saddle before you begin your journey ensuring that your feet can reach the ground with ease when you are slowing or stopping, while simultaneously making certain that your legs are not going to be fully extended while cycling. While this might seem to be stating the obvious, taking that extra moment from the outset can prevent backache and a stop-start journey as you pause to adjust and re-adjust your saddle.    

In today’s media and technological ubiquitous society resisting the temptation to cycle with your earphones in could save you from serious injury as drowning out the hum of passing traffic comes at a great risk.  As the cycle lanes of Dublin do not quite match up to the high standards of say our Dutch neighbours, you will need to keep your wits about you as you navigate your way around the city. Indeed, if you are an inexperienced cyclist, or just inexperienced cycling on the ‘opposite side’ of the road, it’s probably a good idea to get to grips with your new bicycle on the less busy roads of the capital first. 

Perhaps the most essential issue is the use of a cycling helmet. While it is not strictly a legal requirement to wear a safety helmet in Ireland you are strongly advised to do so. Splashing out a little extra on this vital piece of equipment will give you peace of mind, and who knows your new look may even grow you and become a fashion statement! 

Dublin Bikes Station by B. Trope

If you would like to explore the greater beyonds of the city boundary, or indeed if you would just like the increased flexibility of your own personal bicycle you could pick one up for under the two hundred euro mark second hand.  Some retailers offer to repurchase bicycles from Erasmus students for fifty per cent of what the student paid for it.  You can view some of these offers online here , while alternatively if you would rather drop in to a shop and view your bicycle ‘in the flesh’ before you make the purchase, Rothar located on the North side of the city offers a wide range to chose from.  Just don’t forget to purchase another cycling essential needed for Dublin....a solid lock!