In the 1980s, when the buses we used to get around were branded as CIÉ, we used to say that it stood for “Cycling is Easier” and in many ways cycling is easy. For a few years after getting a job I fell out of the habit, for various reasons, but at the age of 40 I got back on my bike.

Even though I have liked cars ever since getting a 1908s “Top Trumps” card game as a small child, and poring over my dad’s copy of “Private Motorist” newspaper from the PMPA every month at the same time, after doing a Young Scientist project on lead pollution in city air I became aware that motoring was one of those things that was useful, but didn’t have to be my only form of transport. Moving back to Dublin in 2001, I was able to get a job that was accessible by bus, and then later when I ended up getting a job in a rural town, I moved into an apartment near Heuston Station where I was able to commute to work by train.

I probably felt I didn’t need to cycle, or own a car, but when the Dublin Bikes scheme was launched, it was handy for getting around the city centre. This also got me back to being on 2 wheels, and as they are fairly sturdy bicycles, they can be easy enough to cycle and there is no expectation of speed.

Bike sharing has become much more popular, and if Dublin Bikes aren’t in your area there are many other bike share schemes, like the bleeper bikes that can be great for the occasional cyclist, and mean that you don’t have to own a bike.

Eventually, my family outgrew the small single aspect apartment, and so I signed up for the bike to work scheme, then just newly introduced thanks to the Green Party having been in government, and bought myself a folding bike which meant that I could live further from the station. This also had the bonus that I no longer needed to walk 2km at the other end.

The bike to work scheme is a great way to get yourself a bicycle, as you can spread the cost of the bicycle over a year, and you pay for the bicycle in what is called a “salary sacrifice” which basically means that it is deducted from your wages. As it comes from the before tax part of your wages, you avoid paying Income tax or PRSI on it, which means that you can save about half of the value of the bike (if you are on the 40% PAYE rate).

If you work for a small employer, you might think that it is hard to convince them, as basically they are loaning you the cost of the bike over a year. However, they save the employer PRSI part of that payment, which is about 9-11%, so significantly more than that money would cost to borrow – so it’s a win-win. As I was saying yesterday, the science also says that cyclists are sick less often – so they win better productivity that way too!

There is more information on the bike to work scheme here at citizens info: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/cycling/cycle-to-work-scheme/

If you are only thinking of trying cycling, you can pick up a second hand or reconditioned bike from about €200 from places like Frontline Bikes in Inchicore or the Rediscovery centre in Ballymun. We’ve gone to these places as our children have outgrown their bikes. These are both social enterprises so are worth supporting, but there are many bike shops around Dublin also which can get you on wheels, even if you don’t want to go the bike-to-work scheme route (but why wouldn’t you?)

Another great thing about cycling is that it is very democratic, in that almost anyone can get cycling. It’s an advantage if you learned as a child, as it all comes back to you, but even if it hasn’t, it pretty simple to pick up. You can build your confidence by cycling around some of the greenways or parks – all my nephews used the canal towpath in Drimnagh. We had one school parent tag along with the school bike bus for a while, just to build confidence.

In terms of equipment, literally all you need is a bicycle! There is no need for special clothes, unless you are going to go on epic long distance cycles. I will leave the helmet debate to others, but they are available from as little as €50. I also wear gloves, or just because my hands feel the cold in winter, but also because sometimes I need to small repairs etc., and as you are cycling on roads there can be dirt.

Rain gear can be useful, if you are cycling to work. I don’t think you need a special cycling rain jacket – mine came from a hiking shop. I did by rain leggings from Decathlon – these are particularly useful as they cover my shoes. It is possible to get shoe covers, but as I figured I would need both leggings and shoe covers at the same time, the 2-in-1 suits me fine.

By law if you are cycling after dark you must have lights and reflectors. I favour the flashing lights, as you are more noticeable to other Road users, but when cycling through the Phoenix Park in pitch black, I use a beam so that I can see the deer if they decide to cross in front of me,

It’s also important to have a lock on your bike, if you are planning to leave it in a public place. It is recommended that you spend 10% of what you spend on a bike on your lock, so if you just spend €200 a chain and padlock will work. However, sturdy Kryptonite locks cost from €80-150 most places, and are definitely worth the peace of mind (you might need 2 if your bike is worth €2,500!)

We invested in a steel door for our shed (€1000) and a “Sheffield Stand” to lock our bike to, after being victims of the bike harvesters about 10 years back, and we haven’t been trouble since. However, just so long as you have a secure place, unless you have multiple expensive bicycles you should be ok.

And that is all you need! I like to dress for the destination, so for work that means a suit when I am cycling. As it gets colder or wetter I just add layers, the rain jacket I mentioned, with a fleece under that in the depths of winter. A scared if I feel I need it and a snood that my brother gave me. On very cold days, the old ski gloves come out.

Also, for commuting, panniers on a back (or front) carrier work much better than lugging things on your back in a rucksack – by these are just the optional extras. Just get out there and have a go, and have fun!