Dubliners from all walks of life gathered at Grand Canal Square recently to participate in the city’s Bike to Work Day.
Sponsored by the Dublin City Council, the event was just one of several associated with this year’s National Bike Week, running from 20-24 June.
While other activities included an electric bike challenge and a seminar on Copenhagen’s “cycling revolution”, the lunchtime ride was perhaps the most leisurely of the week.
Its laid-back, accessible approach to urban cycling grew out of Dublin’s recent public bike initiative, which was launched in September 2009.
Sarah Eftonga, one of the riders, mentioned that it was her first time participating in a Bike to Work Day despite being a member of the Dublin public bike scheme since its inception.
“I think it’s great. It’s a chance to see how many cyclists there are in Dublin,” she said. “It’s good to make our presence known.”
Eftonga was part of a diverse group of old and young cyclists with all levels of experience who showed up in droves on Wednesday, crowding the plaza at Grand Canal Square.
Some of those present, such as volunteer Barbara Mahon, hoped that events like this would bolster public interest in and use of the Grand Canal Dock area, which is slightly isolated from the city centre.
“I ride my bike everywhere, but today I’m just here to support [the event],” said Mahon. “By starting this event in a new area, we’re really highlighting the square.”
From the general hubbub of Bike to Work Day to the patrons in nearby restaurants and shops, all aspects of the day appeared to be a success. Even Dublin’s signature spotty rain held no sway for the ride’s many participants and their almost universal positive outlook.
As Eftonga said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather. Only bad clothing.”
