Dear Editor,
I began my journey as a cyclist in the city of Dublin in 1977, a time when any talk of cycling infrastructure was non-existent. I’d like to take this opportunity to engage Rodney Devitt and Dave Mathieson, presumably younger cyclists, in a dialogue about how significantly conditions for cyclists in the city, including the implementation of cycle lanes, bus lanes, and the increased use of helmets and high-visibility vests, have progressed since then. Clearly, riders must always maintain a vigilant outlook towards potential hazards on our city roads.
However, our conversation seems to revolve ever too often around the negative aspects. Instead, I propose we look towards the myriad of enhancements to the cycling infrastructure in Dublin, mostly led by Eamon Ryan and the Green Party. We have a lot to thank them for in overcoming competing interests and creating forward momentum in an often challenging landscape. As cyclists, we are well accustomed to dealing with uphill battles.
Regarding the article titled “Taking the scenic route” in the Magazine (August 4th), I noticed that Mark Graham and Ellie O’Byrne were depicted cycling without helmets. A note to all cyclists, no matter the type or length of your journey, always wear helmets for your safety.
Best regards,
Kathleen Forde,
Whitehall, Dublin 9.
Letter in response:
Dear Editor,
I persistently advise that all cyclists, regardless of the trip, must always have helmets on. This comes after seeing pictures in an article (“Taking the scenic route”, Magazine, August 4th) showing Mark Graham and Ellie O’Byrne riding their bikes without helmets.
Yours Sincerely,
Con Cummins,
Clontarf, Dublin 3.