Kevin McAteer, Business development manager, Novell
Your current bike? A Triumph Speed Triple 900 and a Vespa ET4.
Why these particular bikes? Looks, riding position, sound, reliability - the Speed Triple is a fantastic all-round bike. A friend had one and I had to have one after having a blast on his. I picked up the scooter recently to get around my meetings in Dublin.
Why do you need both? I have to wear a suit for work so it's very handy to just step onto the scooter in a suit, whereas with the bike I have to wear all the gear.
Why were you drawn to two rather than four wheels? I always loved bikes, probably from watching Barry Sheen on TV as a kid!
Did you take any training course before you took to two wheels? I took a three-day course when I lived in Scotland before buying my first bike. I passed my test first time after an excellent course.
Do you hold a full or provisional motorcycle licence? A full bike licence - not that it matters to insurance companies.
Do you drive a car? Yes, a Nissan Xtrail Jeep. I bought it to allow us to reach the good surf spots at home in Donegal. It's a great all-rounder.
Any family objections to your riding a bike? I think they all worry but they understand my passion for bikes.
Motorcycle fatalities are on the increase - do you worry about survival? Yes, you have to on Irish roads. Bad surfaces and poor drivers are a major threat but the condition of your bike, the quality of your clothing and common sense are the most important aspects of motorcycling.
What do you use your bike for? I travelled back and forward from Scotland for weekends when I worked there, but now I use the Speed Triple only for pleasure. I will use the little Vespa a lot more after January next year.
Ever had an accident on the bike? No . . . well, I did drop it once. It was the first day I had it - I forgot I'd put a disc lock on the front wheel. Very embarrassing when a group of friends are standing watching!
Any two-wheel trips abroad? The roads in Scotland are absolutely fantastic, I would highly recommend a tour along Loch Lomond and up through Glencoe.
What's the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? As a biker, you're never stressed on a bike. You need to look after your bike and you love to talk about bikes. A lot of motorists don't have that attitude to cars.
What's been your worst experience with motorists? Nothing serious. Some need to be made aware that bikes do actually exist on the roads.
Any issues the Minister for Transport should address for bikers? Insurance is a rip-off due to the high level of theft supposedly. I'd like to see more gardaí on the streets and more severe penalties for anyone caught stealing bikes.
Any survival tips? Always ride with your lights on - and anyone getting on a bike should have to do a training course to help you ride better. I guarantee you'll enjoy it.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? The Senna limited edition Ducati 916. ...