15th June - Áine's Best Day yet!

Day 5: Lunchtime Cycle to Fitzgeralds Park! 

I had an early cycle today – I headed along to the lunchtime cycle in Fitzgerald’s Park.




 If you look close enough at Darrens 'Selfie' on the left you can see me in the back wearing my high vis vest!









I was a bit apprehensive as I’ve never cycled in the city. Today was going to decide whether I’m going to be able to keep this going after Operation Transportation. I admit I was a bit nervous, but set out with my colleague Anita. Anita has been cycling for years, so I was very glad to have her today. She gave me a few tips on junctions and the dreaded right turn.

Tips for the dreaded right turn! TIPS

 

The route out was fine. It was 11.45 so traffic was quiet, the sun was shining and drivers gave us plenty of room. We took the quieter route – Anglesea, Copley, by St. Finbarres and onto Washington St. This gave me a chance to get comfortable with the passing cars. I didn’t think drivers would be so polite and cautious.

Áine's route out to Fitzgeralds Park.

 

We had a great time at Fitzgerald’s Park – would definitely recommend it for next year. I got a little lesson in how to properly work the gears to ensure that my bike stays in the best condition  - it pays to mingle with other cyclists!

 

Left see Cork Academy of Music set up in the bandstand in the park!

Right see my bike parked up for lunch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the trip back I was thrown in the deep end. Anita decided to let me go in front, not listening to any of my excuses (I tried a good few). The cycle lane on Washington street was great, more of these throughout the city would definitely encourage me to cycle more. South Mall was another story! Definitely the scariest part of the week. There were cars stopped everywhere. Without a cycle lane it meant weaving out into another lane to get around those double parked – really needs to be adjusted to facilitate cyclists!

Áine's route back home from Fitzgeralds Park

 

Final Word: 'All in all, best day yet! Think it has me hooked!!'

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13th June 2016 - Euro 2016 Fever

MICHAEL CYCLES THE CITY TO SOAK UP SOME OF THE ATMOSPHERE:

Michael writes..

Euro 2016 fever has well & truly hit Ireland with when national team played their first game of the tournament against Sweden today. I'm sure most of us at this point have seen some of the photos & videos of Irish fans enjoying themselves in France.

If you havent seen any of the videos, check out this local French resident getting the irish crowds going HERE

Following the conclusion of today's draw with Sweden I decided to cycle around Cork City to see if people here were enjoying themselves as much as our fellow country people in France.

Despite Ireland failing to get the win it was nice to see all the people out and about wearing green and in great spirits! It made the cycle an enjoyable experience seeing the city so busy at that time on a Monday evening.

Brilliant image taken from RedFm Facebook page showing the crowds at The Courtyard on Sober Lane

 

However, with the volume of people in the city it created a problem for me. As people may have had a few too many drinks their balance wasn't the best and with the cycling paths right next to the footpaths it required me to be more alert of my surroundings in case anyone accidentally stumbled out of a pub in front of me.

 

 

Cork has newly installed contraflow lanes to make the city access easier for cyclists. Many lanes are adjacent to the cities most popular pubs as Michael may have passed on his cycle! For your own interest check out where they are HERE .

 

 

Thankfully my cycle passed without incident and I was able to soak in the atmosphere when passing crowds of Irish fans.

 

 

Hopefully just like Ireland in the Euros, my cycling experiences will continue on an upward curve and bring great enjoyment.

 

 

 



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16th June Maria Braves Main Road Traffic for the First Time

Maria Wonders

What else she is Capable of!

 Maria writes:

Just back from my first proper cycle ON THE MAIN ROADS (GULP!).

My good friend Mary led the way. She is a cycling fiend, so I was in good hands.

Maria is lucky enough to live on a "green route"

   with Advanced Stop Lines and Cycle Lanes

most of the  way from Ballincollig to UCC.

We cycled from Ballincollig to UCC and it was really good.

 

It's quite safe and easy actually. I w...ill attempt to do this cycle route twice more during the week, by myself. I am quite proud of myself.

I never thought I'd feel so comfortable on the bike after just a few days- jeez I wonder what else I'm potentially capable of that I don't know about?-skiing, mountain climbing, white water rafting? who knows!!

Also I completely forgot to take a photo so instead here's a picture of the future me (lol)

 

14th June John Shares the Pro's and Cons of Cyling

How to get more Bodies on Bikes

John writes:

My wife Margaret encouraged me to buy a bicycle after she purchased her  own bike recently.  I’m glad I did as it opens up new possibilities I’d forgotten about — like being able to cross the city without worrying about parking or traffic jams, and going places where it would be difficult or impossible to drive cars. 

Millstreet Country Park Cycle trails are prime examples of  routes too long to walk and off-limits to cars.
See: http://dayout.ie/millstreet-country-park-launches-its-cycling-resort/

Take the Cycle Lane Shortcut and
see how great it feels to whizz past the traffic jams



Some Cork Cycle Lanes



In our former address I dismantled Margaret’s old bike and put it away in the attic to discourage her from cycling through a roundabout near our previous address. 

Now that we have moved away from that roundabout and because of the new cycle lanes being rolled out by Cork City Council, we are both back cycling and enjoying it.  I hope the Council continues to roll out new cycle lanes.  It really encourages cycling. 

 I also hope that places of employment will construct lockable bike shelters for employees to further encourage cycling to work. 

Well done to all concerned with Operation Transportation!