Sir, – Having just read “‘The car shouldn’t be the default choice’: Cycling campaigners visit Leinster House” (May 13th), I can most certainly agree with this statement, but as a “non-driver” using cycling and public transport to get about, I can honestly say that I would sell my soul for a car.
If I had the privilege, as a cyclist, to live in urban areas, I suspect my opinion would be vastly different, but I’m not. I feel us country folk are massively overlooked in discussions and debates where cycling is concerned.
For example, I frequent Wexford regularly for business and by car that would take me just under four hours for a round trip. Unfortunately, without said car, to be in Wexford for 1pm I would need to leave with my bicycle at 06:50am to catch the first of many buses. If I’m lucky, on my return I will cross my threshold at roughly 9pm.
These timescales are unrealistic to maintain and so I have had to reconsider using a vehicle. As I have been an unnamed driver for over two years, I have lost all my no-claims bonuses, technically reverting me back to being 18 years of age in insurance quotes.
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I considered electric bicycles, but they’ll neither fit, nor are they allowed on most public transport. So, I came up with the bright idea to get a scooter.
Unfortunately, this is also untenable, as I have to do another theory test, get a new provisional licence and I have to complete 16 hours of initial basic training.
All these options are out of my financial means, leaving me to consider being a named driver under my husband’s policy. At 42 years old, this is, for me, lacking in independence and freedom.
I can, however, if all else fails get a tractor. Apparently I am gifted that on my licence, and in light of that fact I can’t help but appraise just how lacking in sense Ireland’s policies can be at times.
SARAH ROBERTS,
Youghal,
Co Cork.
