Commuting by Bike

Commuting to work on your bike offers a myriad of benefits, especially as the brighter days of March signal the impending arrival of spring. In County Dublin, the increasing number of cyclists on the roads is evident, with approximately 55,000 people choosing cycling as their mode of daily commuting. Surprisingly, this still represents just 3% of all commuters in Dublin.

As dedicated commuters ourselves, the Cycletribe team is eager to share insights, tips, and inspiration drawn from our own experiences and preferred routes. In this blog, we'll provide valuable advice for those considering the switch to cycling as a mode of commuting, offering guidance to make your journey to work both enjoyable and efficient. Join us in embracing the cycling lifestyle!


Cycling Routes?

Dublin in recent years has received a lot of funding being put into bike paths which is a great asset for commuters and cyclists alike! Such as along the Clontarf to Howth cycling lane, this is a route that’s mainly flat until you reach the Hill of Howth, it’s 10kms in length and brings you from Clontarf along the lovely coastal route into the iconic fishing village of Howth, this is a favourite for many people due to how scenic it is! The Canal Way Cycle Route Constructed by Dublin City Council with funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the Smarter Travel Initiative, the Canal Way Cycle Route is now used by over 2,000 cyclists on a typical working day.

Opened in March 2012, the 3.6km route links Portobello with Spencer Dock running alongside the Grand Canal. This scenic route passes Leeson Street Bridge, Dublin’s Docklands and across the iconic Samuel Beckett Bridge. The Canal Way Cycle Route is ideal for individual cyclists, families, groups and anyone who wishes to join Dublin’s growing cycling community.

The Grand Canal Way Green Route was formally opened on the 18th June 2010 and provides an 8.5km pedestrian and cycle route along the Grand Canal between the 3rd Lock, Inchicore to the 12th Lock, Lucan. The route is an off road, safe and secure alternative for commuters.

If you are cycling from the South of Dublin, from Dun Laoghaire to Dublin City Centre is a picturesque coastal route, as long as the weather is in your favour! You can depart from Dun Laoghaire and head into Blackrock, soon you’ll see the Poolbeg chimneys and the iconic Sandymount strand before turning left and heading up towards the Grand Canal Dock which has been redeveloped in recent years. It is an easy enough cycle as it is mainly flat the whole way. This route is ideal as you can join in on the coast at any point! 

For those in the Dundrum, Churchtown, and Sandyford areas, consider paying a visit to our showroom. We're excited to welcome you and cater to your cycling needs. Drop by to explore our range of products and receive expert advice to enhance your cycling experience.


Cyclist's Black Spots to Try Avoid

There are a few bad areas for cyclists to try avoid as some roads aren’t designed with the cyclist in mind. Most reported bike accidents occur alongside the 2.6km stretch from Fairview to the IFSC in Dublin. You should also try steer clear from the junction at Kevin Street Upper and Patrick Street, overlooked by St Patrick’s Cathedral, it is one of the worst junctions in the country for serious injuries.


Cycling to Work, What to Wear?

Whilst cycling to work, if you have changing facilities in work, a decent pair of padded bib shorts or undershorts are almost essential if you’re going to be cycling for a while. Along with a breathable long sleeve cycling jersey. A short or long sleeved base layer such as a thermal vest would come in handy for the Irish weather. As the weather in Ireland changes quite a bit a cycling rain jacket will come in handy when the rain comes down!

For early mornings when visibility is paramount, equip yourself with a reflective jacket or attach a back light to your bike to ensure you're visible to motorists. Our top recommendations for weather-resistant and visibility-enhancing gear include the Altura Nevis Nightvision Men's Jacket, Nightvision Waist Tights, and Airstream Long Sleeve Jersey. Don't forget to check out the ladies' versions for a tailored fit and style. Your cycling commute deserves the best, and these options from Altura provide both functionality and flair.

 


Benefits for Commuting by Bike

There are a huge number of health benefits for people who commute via bike to work, such as building your fitness as you’ll get a lot fitter cycling by everyone stuck in rush hour traffic! There are environmental benefits to commuting also as less people in cars means less fuel consumption damaging the environment. Overall if you commute to work there’s more pros than there is cons!


Can I rent a bike?

If you don’t have access to a bike but live around the city there are a number of options available to you. If you'd like to rent a bike in Dublin, you can do so easily using the Dublin Bikes scheme, which is run by Dublin City Council, sponsored by Now TV.  There is also the Bleeper Bike, where you download an app onto your phone which shows you the nearest bikes near you that you can use!


Bike Safety

Like most cities, with a high number of commuters via bike, this comes with the occasional bike theft in the town, the best way to mitigate this is to invest in a good quality bike lock, we stock many on our website from the German brand Abus and they are all of great quality, think of it as an investment to protect your bike during the day! 

For a top-notch recommendation, explore the ABUS Granit 460 and Cable Lock. These locks not only provide robust security but also offer peace of mind for your valuable investment in a reliable and durable manner.


Bike Commuting Luggage

There are many bags you can get that strap onto your bike that makes your life commuting that bit easier, these can be handlebar mounted or frame mounted and will equip you with a lot more storage space during your commute! You can pack in your change of clothing, laptop, lunch and any essentials you may need to store. You’ve two options, you can buy a good quality backpack or attach the bags to the bike.


Upcoming route plans for Dublin

There are many exciting plans for bike routes in Dublin being developed currently such as a 6km segregated cycle track, between Clontarf and Connolly Station which will connect the City Centre with the Dublin Bay cycle path. The project will include 5.4km of bus lanes, 6km of cycle tracks and 8km of footpaths as well as the replacement of 6km of old water mains. The project is being funded by the NTA and Irish Water. A €42 million construction contract has been awarded to Clonmel Enterprises Ltd and work is scheduled for completion.

There has also been approval by An Bord Pleanála giving to begin work on a greenway between Donabate and Malahide across the Broadmeadow Estuary — alongside the northern line railway most of the way between Malahide and Donabate it has been welcomed by local politicians and funding has been secured for the project.

In 2020 a €2.5 million project was officially opened between Baldoyle and Portmarnock which was the first phase of the Sutton to Malahide Greenway Scheme, which is 1.5km in length and it is a wide greenway being 2.4m in width.


We hope you enjoyed our latest instalment in our blog series, if you have any questions don’t be afraid to contact our team who are always on hand to help!

Happy commuting!

1 comment

Joe Nicholson

Hi
I’m enjoying your App contents very much. Can you let me know when the Connolly to Clontarf greenway is due to open? I’m hoping to lead my cycling (retirees) group ( Over the Hill CC – based in Craigavon, Co Armagh) on a day trip to Dublin next Spring so any up to date info would be appreciated.
Regards
Joe

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