Dublin - Cycling

How do you like cycling in Dublin?

Dublinbikes is coming!

Access map of bike stations here.

Cycling in Dublin

Expatriats often opt for the bicycle as first choice of transport. No need to bother about complicated public transport network and fare system, no big investment in a car, faster than by foot and cheaper than taxis. Espacially when looking for a flat in Dublin, it can be more than useful to go by bike.

First of all, some good news: not so much hills within the city itself! Now the less convenient facts: Dublin is not the most cyclist-friendly city in Europe. In Ireland, the bicycle is defined as a vehicle and therefore often put on streets and bus lanes instead of individual cycleways.
This is a disputatious approach. Some may find that one can speed quite a lot on a bicycle and therefore need to have an appropriate environment which is the road network. Others may feel unsafe and avoid motorized vehicle traffic as much as possible. Dublin will disappoint both positions. On the streets you will find that unevenness of the road surface will detain you from going fast without hurting yourself and your bicycle. Also, after heavy rain, cyclists get stuck in deep and sputtering puddles on the road side.
Always take waterproof jackets! The next rain is sure to come!

Bicycle Racks

... are totally missing! As streets and pavement are generally narrow, there is also not much space to build bicycle racks. Most cyclists would use street lamps and such.

There is some governmental efford to encourage companies to install racks for their staff. However, this is still not helpful for clients of restaurants, pubs and shopping spots.

Cycle Shops in Dublin

Awaycity has mapped them all! It's just too practical! You can access the map here.

Stolen Bicycles

Unfortunately, this happens more often than you will like in Dublin. In case, it happens to you, you report it at the nearest Garda station to where the theft happens (they're strict on that) and keep fingers crossed!

Bikes and public transport

Unfortunately, you can't take a bike on the DART nor busses. Also for trains it can get tricky to take your bike. Some Dubliners have found their solution using foldable bikes.

Cycling tours in and around Dublin

Unlike the inner city area, where it is often unpractical und uncomfortable to cycle, cyclists won't be disappointed by the scenery they can find outside the city cycling along the coast or direction Wicklow Mountains.

Cycling and Politics

The supportive group for cyclists in Dublin is incarnated by the Dublin Cycling Campaign

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Other

Compare cycling in Dublin to other cities!
London
Dresden

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