The Cyclescheme Seven: what's your commute really like?

It's not often we get to hear, first-hand, how cycling to work can make a difference to your lifestyle. We all know that it's good for you and that it's environmentally responsible, but it’s always encouraging to hear a personal account from someone who has made the change from four wheels to two.

Each month we'll be featuring one Cyclescheme participant and hearing their story. We’ll ask the same seven questions (hence the name, The Cyclescheme Seven) in a bid to build up a picture of cycle commuters across Ireland. We're scouring the country for the real cycle commuters who take to their bike each morning. We want to share the inspiring and, sometimes funny, stories that people have. If you'd like to feature on our website, just drop us a line on: info@cyclescheme.ie with "Share my story' in the subject line.

This month we caught up with Ciaran from Ballyboughal to see how his commute has changed his life.

CS: Where in the Ireland are you?

Ciaran: I live in Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin.

CS: What was your main motivation for getting a bike through Cyclescheme?

Ciaran: I have a young family and as such it can be difficult to find time to exercise. I felt that getting a bike through Cyclescheme and commuting to and from work would help me to get fit and wouldn't impact on time with my family too much.

CS: What bike did you get and why?

Ciaran: I bought a Ridley Orion with an Ultegra groupset. At the time I felt it was the right choice of bike to allow me commute and to take part in a couple of races that were on my radar.

CS: How much did you spend with your Cyclescheme certificate?

Ciaran:I spent the full €1000 plus a little extra!

CS: How often do you commute to work by bike?

Ciaran: I cycle to and from work everyday from spring to late Autumn. During the winter it can be hard to get out, so my indoor trainer gets a lot of use.

CS: Where do you commute from and to?  

Ciaran:I work for the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter and we have bases in Dublin, Sligo, Shannon and Waterford. I work at the Dublin base but as part of my training for the Race Around Ireland I cycled to some of the other bases.

CS: How has cycling affected your daily life - do you feel healthier? Have you saved money?

Ciaran: I definitely feel fitter and healthier since I started cycling. Unfortunately, any money I've saved on fuel, motor tax etc. has probably been spent on the shiniest wheels, kit etc..:-)

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The Cyclescheme Seven: what's your commute really like?

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