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.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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!
