Tag Archives: cycling

NEWSLETTER NOTES for OCTOBER 2024

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Dáil Bike Shed

There has been a lot of comment in the media about the extraordinary cost of a new bike shed at the Dáil which cost approximately 336,000 euros. The Minister for Finance was quoted as describing it “as a total waste of money”. The Minister should recognise that cyclists as well as car drivers, require parking facilities for their chosen mode of transport. The issue is not that people require cycle parking but whether what was provided was value for money.

The bike shed was designed to cater for some 36 bikes which amounts to 9,333 euros for each bike. TDs are looking for the Office of Public Works to appear before a Dáil committee to account for this expenditure. In contrast, five years ago Utrecht built a state of the art multi storey bike parking facility for 12,500 bikes at a cost of 30 million euros which works out at a cost of 2,400 euro for each bike space.

Cycling Without Age

Despite the wet weather over the summer months, the Cycling Without Age trishaw has had good usage over the summer months thanks to Genil Training/St. John of God. However, the objective was that pilots would volunteer at weekends to offer rides to members of the public who could not cycle for whatever reason. While Cycling Without Age has received broad public recognition and support, it has turned out to be a case of “Cycling Without Passengers”. Maynooth Cycling Campaign proposes to hold a public meeting in the near future to discuss where we go from here.

Trans Atlantic Way

Everyone has heard about the Wild Atlantic Way which links Donegal to Cork along some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. While the Wild Atlantic Route was designed primarily for car drivers, most people are not aware that there is also a 2,400km cycle race called the TransAtlanticWay which follows the same route. It consists of a single self supported stage between Derry and Cork. The race is not aimed at the common cyclist – rather the focus is on endurance cyclists. The race for individual riders was recently won by Benny Cassidy who completed the longer Cu Chulainn route in 6 days. While road racing is not within the general focus of Maynooth Cycling Campaign, we have to admire the stamina of the cyclists who not only race but also have to carry their own gear.

Maynooth and Environs Local Area Plan (LAP) 2025-2031

Everyone in Maynooth is now aware that the Chief Executive of Kildare County Council has published her response to the LAP public consultation. It must be said that any changes accepted appear to be fairly minor.

After a briefing to advise councillors, councillors can agree motions in the next number of weeks to vary the report. Approving planning policy is a reserved function for elected councillors rather than elected officials but changes have to be agreed bya majority of councillors.

Dublin Traffic Management Plan

Dublin City Council has implemented the first stage of their traffic management plan which seeks to restrict traffic rat-running through Dublin City Centre. Despite alarms expressed by various car park operators, the sky has not fallen in.

The City Council published their first report into its operation and according to the IrishCycle.com website the findings include:

● Bus journey times have reduced by over 20%

● Footfall in Dublin City Centre is up

● Traffic levels in the centre section of the quays are down by more than 60%.

This is not a surprise to Campaign members as it follows similar experiences elsewhere.

Maynooth Cycling Campaign is an non-party political cycling advocacy group.

The Cargo Bike Life in Maynooth: Why You Need One Today

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If you live in Maynooth you may have seen me trundling around town on my big blue cargo bike. We bought it a couple of years ago and since then it’s replaced 90% of my car journeys. Let me tell you about it, and why I have found it to be a far more useful urban vehicle than any car I ever owned.

Our town has a wealth of amenities, but accessing them can be difficult in a car since the town centre is often congested with traffic. A bicycle cuts through the traffic with ease, but how then do you carry your purchases, kids, or raincoats? That’s where a cargo bike comes in, being a bicycle with room for shopping, passengers, and even cover against the rain!

Cargo bikes are fun for all the family
Two cargo bicycles parked beside each other. One is a LvH Bullitt, the other an An Post trike.
Even An Post are wise to the utility of cargo bikes
Awkward loads are no problem
A pair of cargo bikes obstructed by a kissing gate at Deey Bridge (Lock 13) on the Royal Canal
Kissing gates can present an obstacle on the Royal Canal, but these will soon be replaced by Waterways Ireland
If it fits in a car, it will fit in a cargo bike
A full week’s worth of shopping? No problem!

Let’s dive into the top five benefits of cargo bikes, and why you should consider getting one today.

  1. Practicality

One of the most significant advantages of a cargo bike is its practicality. No longer do you need to worry about fitting everything into a small car boot or pannier bags on a regular bike. With a cargo bike, you can easily carry kids, pets, groceries, and even awkward loads like furniture. The versatility of cargo bikes makes them ideal for families in Maynooth, as they provide ample space and support for your daily needs.

  1. Fun and Enjoyable

Who doesn’t love a good bike ride? Cargo bikes add an extra layer of enjoyment to your trips. They beat sitting in Maynooth’s notorious traffic, and kids love them! Whether you’re riding to school, work, or just exploring our lovely town, a cargo bike can turn a mundane trip into a fun, memorable experience. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your family and enjoy the outdoors.

  1. Health Benefits

Incorporating a cargo bike into your daily routine is an excellent way to get regular exercise without even noticing it. Instead of driving, you’ll be actively engaging in physical activity while running errands or commuting in Maynooth. You’ll also be contributing to a cleaner environment by reducing your carbon footprint, which is a win-win situation for both your health and our town.

  1. Fast and Efficient

For short urban journeys in Maynooth, cargo bikes are often faster than driving, as they can navigate traffic more easily. With a cargo bike, you’ll never have to worry about finding a parking spot, which can be a real time-saver in our busy town. Additionally, cargo bikes allow you to explore Maynooth in a whole new way, discovering shortcuts and hidden gems along the way.

  1. Affordability

While the initial investment in a cargo bike can be pricey, there are ways to offset the cost, such as the €3000 Bike to Work scheme. Furthermore, cargo bikes are far cheaper to maintain and run than a car. There’s no need for fuel, insurance, or parking fees, and they require minimal maintenance. Over time, the savings can add up, making cargo bikes a cost-effective and practical alternative to using a car in Maynooth.

Models To Choose From

Mine is a Larry vs Harry Bullitt, made in Copenhagen and imported by Thinkbike of Ranelagh. The Bullitt is a type of “bakfiets” (box bike), with the cargo area situated low and in front of the rider – think MTB with a shopping trolley out front. It’s an arrangement that enormously versatile and surprisingly graceful, but it can be difficult to store.

For those with less space, or who prefer a more traditional riding style, there also exist rear-loading “longtail” cargo bikes like the Tern GSD.

To Electrify Or Not ⚡️

Most all cargo bikes are available with an electric motor. I opted for a non-electric model, and in the flatlands of Kildare that’s been enough for me. If you anticipate regularly carrying heavy loads or commuting to neighbouring towns, an electric motor would be a worthwhile upgrade, flattening hills and shortening journey times.

Conclusion

The cargo bike life has provided me with countless benefits and transformed my daily routines in ways I never imagined. From the practicality and versatility they offer to the fun, healthy, and efficient nature of their use, cargo bikes are truly an investment worth considering for Maynooth residents. If you’re looking for a more enjoyable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to navigate our charming town, it’s time to take a closer look at the world of cargo bikes. Who knows, you might just fall in love with the cargo bike life as much as I have!