They drive the whole way up the bike/pedestrian path, and then take a sharp right up to the pedestrian flyover over the Con Colbert Road 🤣 I didn't stick around as I was on the school run but I imagine they they had to reverse back the entire way again
Not much to say, just ignorant. A single buggy couldn't get through never mind a double or a wheelchair.
I cycle daily, a regular commuter bike. Never ever in the last 5 years of doing so in Dublin have I seen an illegal e bike get stopped or checked.
Gardaí:
Today as an example there are about 9 Gardaí at the top of Parliament street, and about 6 more groups of 6 guards apiece scattered all up and down Dame street. The illegal e bikes are zipping up and down at their usual speeds, with total impunity. I don't really expect the Guards to be stopping etc today as they're all stationed there for the European visits taking place at Dublin Castle, but it just kinda shows that these "cyclists" have no expectations of being stopped when they see guards (I use the word for want of another, although I don't consider them cyclists).
I actually stopped and asked if they have any policy or guidance on stopping those bikes, but the guard just got super defensive about why they're not doing it today, which I tried to explain was not my expectation. I wonder have they been trained to recognise them and is there a mandate to be stopping and sieving? Does anyone know?
Govt/ policy:
Second question, why don't we go after Deliveroo, Uber Eats etc and demand they don't use drivers who use these vehicles? Surely there has to be some onus on them to ensure their branded service providers aren't on illegal vehicles and putting people at risk?
I just found out someone close to me is being abused at home by her partner, financially , emotionally and verbally. She has had to leave with the children (3 under 5 y.o) on numerous occasions late at night. He comes home drunk and shouts an roars the place down, calling her all the names under the sun. She has no access to their money and is being slowly isolated from family and friends. She couldn't return to work after maternity leave as he wouldn't contribute towards childcare and her salary wouldn't cover it alone, so now she has no money and is expected to beg for anything even for the childen. I am so so shocked and sad. This lad is a family man, rugby player, farming, dinner each week with his extended family.. all that jazz. I'm probably quite naive but I am shook and don't know what to do. Just wanted a place to vent as I can't tell friends or family to respect her wishes. Words of wisdom welcome.
Today he even had a bucket of soapy water and was washing the bloody bus he was so comfy in the bus lane// double yellow lines. I've taken a pic of this particular bus 4 times now in the last few weeks, among other coaches too. So dangerous as it's where the cycle lane merges from a minor road into a busier road so you try to merge while also having to immediately have to swerve the bus. I reported it and got a call back from Gardai a few weeks ago who said they'd solve the problem by being around in person on that day/ time but obviously were just robbing me off. If I could tell what bus company it was I could ring or complain but I don't think I can tell just with the number plate? He was there when I passed at 4.40pm and again when I headed the other way at 5.15pm.