Dublin

Went for a day trip to Dublin yesterday and noticed a big increase in cycle lanes since the last time I was there, didnt stop people riding on the pavement though or riding through red lights with their child sitting on the crossbar. Not surprisingly there were plenty of wrecked bikes attached to lamp posts and cycle stands.
When you ride in a city I think its important to dominate the traffic and stake your claim on the stretch of road you are using, but for me this doesnt include taking stupid risks - especially going through red lights.
Back to the commute this morning and someone pulled right in front of me without indicating, so I hammered on the window. Even when its blatantly their fault why do some motorists always assume its the cyclists fault. Maybe hammering on the window isnt the best option but what else can you do to make someone understand how dangerous a 2 tonne piece of metal can be. I think i'll hammer on the roof next time this happens - I think it'll make a more satisfying bang.

Fancy a bit of direct action, fed up of SUV's blocking your cycling route - why not give them a thinking ticket. Cant promise that it'll make them change their car but you never know - it might plant a seed of an idea in their head, maybe.
Posted by Dave

Well - how many months since my last post.
Nevermind, autumn is a lovely time to be on the bike - just cool enough to be comfortable and lots of nice trees to look at. People still cutting me up in cars though - i'm going to have to get one of those air horns.
3 other cyclists on my way in the other day, and not one of them stopped for red lights - sad.
I sent a couple of e-mails at work trying to find out wether we are running the tax break scheme for buying a bike through work and someone is looking in to it for me - so a new bike might be up for grabs, cant decide between the adaptability of a Brompton, the comfort of a hybrid, the speed of a racer or a recumbant. I think the recumbant can wait till i'm a bit better off.
I should really try and post more often.