[jimmyn]

Hello people.

I register here because I need it some opinion from people in ireland using bikes, I'm from Latin America but living in Dublin, I have used bikes in my old country for weekend trips and stuff, but I'm thinking of getting a vespa for a commute inside the city, but I'm really worried about the rain and windy situation of Dublin. anybody has any opinions about it?. is the rain really that bad for a biker here?

also, one question regarding parking and bikes in Ireland, can you park legally in the sidewalk or you have to get parking spot like a car? (my experience of driving is in countries with really sihtty police departments)


Thanks!

[proinnsias]

Rain and wind aren't too bad, get some waterproof gear and you'll be fine on that score.

As for parking - LEGALLY, paths (sidewalks) are off the menu - but custom says they're fair game as long as you don't cause an obstruction.

Technically, you're required to pay and display if you use an on-street space, but bikes are strictly excluded. Some car parks allow bikes (take a full space if they require payment - you're entitled as much as anyone)

Check out where others are parking near your destination - maybe ask here for recommendations. Get a good lock if you're parking on street though (depending on desirability and value of bike)

P

[Pagan]

Actually its illegal for a bike to take up a car parking space in Dublin City. Look up the Dublin City Council website.

Linky
Section 13 on that link

Doesnt tell ya where ya can park the bike tho..just where ya can't!

This post has been edited by Pagan: 20 November 2011 - 04:13 PM

[wesifumi]

Wind and Rain

same everywhere innit? Not too bad.

Parking on paths, inner city or pedestrianised ares is where you would have most probs but just use common sense and you should have no hassles.

Vespa..moped twist and go or geared?

[Grrrr]

You will get used to the rain, eventually. Wind is only really a problem on the motorways, in the city it never gets too bad. I recommend getting your visor pinlocked. Safe riding!

[Darkcloud]

To be honest wind and rain aren't really an issue...although it does seem to rain a lot in Ireland, IMO the amount of times you are actually caught out on bike in rain is a lot less than one would think...and once you have proper rain gear it matters not...

Cold and frost/ice are a different issue altogether.......

[Ogmios]

Darkcloud, on 20 November 2011 - 08:03 PM, said:

To be honest wind and rain aren't really an issue...although it does seem to rain a lot in Ireland, IMO the amount of times you are actually caught out on bike in rain is a lot less than one would think...and once you have proper rain gear it matters not...

Cold and frost/ice are a different issue altogether.......

True.
can't remember where the figure comes from but apparently,
out of 365 days - if you ride your Bike for commuting, you get approx. 300 journeys of dry travel and 65 wet.
Yes, it rains a lot here - but as DC points out - it aint so bad.

as already said - the amount of times you are actually caught out on bike in rain is a lot less than one would think.

Parking,
is a matter of common sense / consideration more than textbook legality.

I know you're not a novice rider but as you note; Riding a Bike here is a 'different' set of problems.

Anyhow - Get trained properly and no hazard will worry you.

[jimmyn]

Thanks everybody!!!

I think this make me decide to get the vespa then, Is just that I have not seen a city with so little amount of bikers like dublin, I don't get it, but yeah, I suppose that with a good rain gear all the problems will be solved then.


ice and snow, I will not be driving even a 4x4 in dublin, people here don't know how to drive in snow and they are too reckless and crazy, and the city is not prepare for this at all (last year was madness).

because I have to take the training for my license (if I get the irish one, the insurance is cheaper), I will be getting an official answer on the parking issue, so I'm not worried about that.

Thanks again, for everything.

wesifume, on 20 November 2011 - 05:01 PM, said:

Wind and Rain

same everywhere innit? Not too bad.

Parking on paths, inner city or pedestrianised ares is where you would have most probs but just use common sense and you should have no hassles.

Vespa..moped twist and go or geared?

I still don't know, I think it will be twist and go to make it cheaper, I just want something to take me home for a cheap price (dart prices are crazy)

[heiner69]

It’s not the wind and rain that you have to worry about, its cars trying to run you off the road. Parking should be no problem, as a moped won’t take much room. But get at least a 125cc, so you got a bit more power to get out of trouble if need to be. But if you have to commute into Dublin, for me it’s the only way to get around.

[jimmyn]

heiner69, on 21 November 2011 - 11:40 AM, said:

It’s not the wind and rain that you have to worry about, its cars trying to run you off the road. Parking should be no problem, as a moped won’t take much room. But get at least a 125cc, so you got a bit more power to get out of trouble if need to be. But if you have to commute into Dublin, for me it’s the only way to get around.

I'm sorry, get out of trouble? is this an expression or there could be a problem that I will need to run?

and the car running biker off, I know the problem, but I don't know if it is a big problem in dublin

[Blade RR]

Be sure to buy a decent lock and chain, never leave it without being locked anywhere.

[jimmyn]

Blade RR, on 21 November 2011 - 02:02 PM, said:

Be sure to buy a decent lock and chain, never leave it without being locked anywhere.

yeah you are right, Dublin is a safe city but you never know

[spikeo]

There is more than bike riding lessons to be learnt here me thinks !

[John Bulleteer]

Hi Jimmy,

Get some textile bike clothing and the wind and rain will be bearable.

Here are some links to help you find a Vespa.

http://www.donedeal....orbikes/2608550

http://www.donedeal....orbikes/1177373

http://www.google.ie...odjd47w0K6ZOFyg

http://www.google.ie...276Dx7bjXAllyhQ

[jimmyn]

wow, thank you people, I will be getting this for christmas then, I need to wait for my sweet bonus , I will let you know what will I get

[dmflorin]

If the opinion of another newcomer will boost your confidence, here is my two pence.
I have arrived in Ireland at the beginning of 2011 and I've been living in Dublin since.
I am commuting on 2 wheels every day, whether it is on the motorbike or the bike.
I find the drivers in Dublin/Ireland very decent, it just is miles away (in the good sense) from what I was used to at home.
And my origins are latin too, but not from the Americas
I noticed for instance that drivers are generally very careful when giving way.
As long as you keep your wits about you, you will be fine.

If you owned a proper motorbike then you might consider something bigger. Ireland is a beautiful country and you have plenty of locations where to escape near Dublin.
The only problem is indeed the wind, especially on the motorways. I've rarely been able to go over 100 km/h on my bike riding in an upright position. I just find it to hazardous in the wind.
But then you don't need to speed too much, it is a small country, just cruse and enjoy the scenery

Take care and good luck.