THERE IS little evidence to prove the benefits of wearing a helmet while cycling, the councillor who initiated the capital’s new bike rental scheme has said.

After the launch of Dublinbikes yesterday morning, Labour councillor Andrew Montague said it was not essential that those hiring bikes in the capital wear safety helmets.

“We don’t have compulsory helmets in Dublin and I would not be overly concerned about cycling without a helmet,” he said.

Blue skies and warm sunshine contributed to what was a perfect day for the launch of the scheme.

Hundreds took advantage of the good weather to try out the 450 bikes now available to rent from 40 stations between the Royal and the Grand canals.

 THE DEPARTMENT of Transport is to spend €10 million next year on a new cycle route linking Rathmines to Fairview Park in Dublin, which will be largely off the road and segregated from traffic.

The 7km route will provide a safer environment for commuters accessing the main employment areas of the city, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said. However, it will result in the loss of on-street parking.

 FASHION: As Dublin takes to the wheels, with 450 bikes available on the streets from the middle of this month – from 40 rental locations around the city – we spoke to some hardcore cyclists, including cool cats for whom high heels and two wheels are perfect partners . . .

Westmoreland Street and O'Connell Bridge in 1954.

No picnic for cyclists, then, either!

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/health-fitness/bac...

It's convenient, cost-efficient and healthy, so are we about to swap four wheels for two, asks Pól Ó Conghaile

Monday August 24 2009

It's three years since I last rode a bike in Dublin. I moved from the city in 2006, and my memories of cycling in it are mixed -- it was a fast, cheap and healthy way of getting around, sure. But it was also prone to filthy weather, unthinking drivers, agile thieves and thundering, bone-crushing HGVs. 

In those three years, much has changed. The Port Tunnel has opened. Dublin City Council has appointed its first dedicated Cycling Officer. A National Cycling Plan has been signed off on and the government Bike Scheme has been launched.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0817/1224252679134.html

OLIVIA KELLY

MINISTER FOR Transport Noel Dempsey is to provide almost €500,000 for cycle parking facilities in schools and businesses including €120,000 to 30 private companies.

The money, which will be used to provide cycle stands, and shelters where necessary, is being provided to encourage more people to cycle to work or to school. The €500,000 is being provided this year on a pilot basis and may be increased next year, depending on the success of the scheme.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2009/0801/1224251826738.html

OLIVIA KELLY

SPACE RESTRICTIONS: CYCLISTS HOPING to set off by train for holidays around Ireland are being turned away from stations because of a lack of bicycle spaces on Iarnród Eireann’s new intercity trains.

Iarnród Éireann is reducing the number of spaces on its trains as part of the renewal of its fleet. Some intercity trains to and from major tourist destinations, such as Galway, provide as few as three spaces.