Disqus - Latest Comments for lehommeauvelo

Re: Fietsmaandag

lehommeauvelo — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:44:56 -0000

So the last Picture is of a Man from the Local Chapter of the Fitzers Hells Angels of Amsterdam is it, He looks annoyed with you. The Woman with the Flowers not an easy thing to do keeping them intact from Disintegrating while trying to Steer at the same time.

The Old Lady on the Bike is great Cycling along. Those Cycle Paths are Terrific being able to Cycle along without having to keep watching over your Shoulder in case you get hit by a Car. We have so few of these and they are not sited where we really need them in the Centre of the City of Dublin.

Re: Around The Market

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:22:17 -0000

That is a great Picture of the Heron going in the Doorway of a House. That House with the Red Brick is on the Style of those Cottages in Ringsend.

Re: Around The Market

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:07:27 -0000

Marc I forgot to say this Man would sit on a Chair outside his House in Stella Gardens Ringsend and Feed the Herons,they were used to him and stay about a Metre away and he would throw them Morsels of Food. I have never seen anybody else doing this.

Re: Around The Market

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:47:14 -0000

Fritz. Our Black Headed Gulls stay mainly out on Islands but you get the odd one in the Fishing Ports. Most of the Gulls that come into the Ports and the City of Dublin are the ordinary Grey and White type ,the Large ones and small type. Our Herons stay at the Seaside and on the Rivers in the Cities and Towns but do not visit Markets.

There was one Old Man who lived in Cottages beside the Dodder River in Ringsend Dublin who liked to Feed the Herons with bits of Meat and Fish,this was around Ten Years ago. There was a Bank in Ballsbridge near the Dodder River which had a Pond Stocked with Fish and the Herons soon got Rid of them.

Re: Around The Market

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:53:18 -0000

As always a lovely set of Pictures,are those Seagulls they do not look like them. Over here in Dublin in the Fishing Port of Howth People buy Fish to feed the Harbour Seals .When the Seal catches the Fish in its Mouth the Gulls swoop down to Rob it off them ,a lot of the time they are successful .

I like all the Bikes at the Market it is only just getting like that here although People with Children a lot of them are fixated by the Helmet Syndrome for their Children.

The Dutch Bike is starting to become more Prevalent on the Streets of Dublin with a few different makes in the Bike Shops getting sold.

Like Gazelle,BSp, Batavus and now Bear Bikes together with Pashlys and a lot of Old Raleighs from the 1960ties getting done up and Sold. We have a very long way to go to have it like the Netherlands with everything being very Relaxed and Safe but we are slowly getting there, The Infrastructure is still terrible however.

Re: Cycle Overload

lehommeauvelo — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:09:28 -0000

A great run of interesting Pictures,the Colours of the Clothing are spectacular. A few Men on Oma Fiets,while you will get a couple of Men sometime on Women's Bikes in Dublin it is not the done thing only when nothing else is available.You sometimes see Old Men on Women's Bike's as they are easier to get on.

Re: The Pedal Project – Three Cycling Cities

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:33:49 -0000

Thanks Marc, This Film came at the right time,a lot of People are taking more notice of Cycling. Our Newspapers were always very Conservative and Pro Car Orientated with loads of Advertisements about Cars but now they have occasional Articles about Cycling but still while they are congratulating People for Cycling on the one hand .They always have to say something Derogatory like more People are using Cars this Year while going through Dublin.

While around 1,000 more Cars passed through the two Canals Cordon The Grand and the Royal to enter the City this Year,in actual fact it is 9,000 less since 2003 which is still very good.

In 1997 there was something like 3 - 4,000 Cyclists who passed through the City on their Commute in the Morning now there is over 6,500.

Back in 1995 there were over 74,000 Cars going through the City ,then through various measures by 2006 it had been brought down to 64,000 Cars. Last Year there was an increase of Cars but it goes up and down the Numbers,what is most important there are still 9,000 less Cars to worry about. The HGV Ban was terrific ,I think this was most important some are still able to pass through the City but not like before.

A bit of News,A new Bike Business in the Capel Street area is going to provide 300 Parking spaces for Bikes with Shower Facilities so Bike Commuters wont have to worry about being Sweaty all Day in their Office Jobs. They will also have the normal Bicycle side of the Business like Selling Bikes and Repairing them,this will come into Operation in a Months time,sounds good.

Re: The Pedal Project – Three Cycling Cities

lehommeauvelo — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:35:46 -0000

Hi Marc . I was on our Critical Mass in Dublin on Friday last and met with Barra of DCTV and he had the DVD's of the Pedal project and so I got one . I have seen it already and it is very good but now I can just pop it in the DVD to view it.
I suppose the best thing about Dublin is it's compact size unlike London and so is far more easier to bring in a good Infrastructure. I think we are slowly getting there bit by bit with more and more Cyclists on the Road and gradual improvement of Infrastructure. But it is still a mad situation at rush Hour in Morning and Evening and other times it can be very pleasant to Cycle in the City.

There is the Realisation from the Authorities that we have to control the amount of Cars going through our City and so a willingness to improve things for Cycling. They still do not want to inconvenience the Motorists to much however and every improvement that is made is hard fought for with the pro Business and Car Organisations getting in their way.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:23:42 -0000

Yes I eventually got all of it and seen youself and Theo Zeegers being Interviewed,various Groups are showing it now in Function Rooms and Pubs throughout Dublin it is very Popular. The People that opened the Community Bike Shop (Rothar )The Irish for Bicycle ,they Fix up Old Bikes and sell them Cheaply they are having a showing of it in a Pub in Smithfield Dublin The Cobblestone. It is also attracting a lot of attention in Britain and is on various Cycle Campaign Blogs like www.spokeseastkentcyclecamp....

There is the Councillor on Dublin City Council Andrew Montague who sometimes turns up for Dublin Cycling Campaign Meetings he supports Cycling in a big way but he has to put up with the Detractors,there is also some others. But because of all the Intrigue and Fighting from Pro Motoring Councillors some Things get Watered down in the End . We have the Green Party in Ireland for some Years now and they are Promoting Cycling and surprisingly we have a Member of the Government Party who are normally Pro Motorist and Big Business interests who Promotes Cycling Martin Dempsy of Fianna Fail. So it is swings and Roundabouts ,but the Government recognises that we have to get rid of our over dependence on the Motorcar.

Because of the New Trams and the Promised Metro we will be getting,Motor Traffic in future will not be able to Dominate any more there will be more restrictions on them.Hopefully more Traffic free areas and better Cycling Infrastrure.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:41:09 -0000

Marc .I tried watching Dctv last Night but it was stopping and starting and did not catch all of it . But I watched it this Morning Sunday and it was great Viewing but a lot of Stuff seems to be Edited out unfortunately. I seen a part with Theo Zeegers of Fietzersbund but not him actually being interviewed and I did not see yourself on it at all.

It was very well made and all the Issues were relevant pertaining to Dublin in particular. But it was very Diplomatic as regards the attitudes of various Politico's and big Business interests,it did not mention the Hostility of some Councilors Politicians and the AA who try to obstruct any improvements that are attempted.

There was a Major Battle over the Implementation of Bus Gate and that 30KPH limit also some opposition to Contraflows for to make shorter Routes for Cyclists. There is a Battle going on in Dublin between The Car Lobby and Pedestrians Cyclists.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:26:28 -0000

Hi Steve ,I have to wear whatever is available at the time,I agree with you Jeans are terrible when Wet and worse if you cannot change out of them if in Work.

I like those Hunter Style Hats with the Fold down Flaps,I seen a few People with them. There is a Man in Dublin who likes to wear a former D.D.R.East German Furry Hat and these are great if you have the Nerve to wear one, We still have a few odd Balls left.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:27:02 -0000

Those Peruvian Hats I would look really Stupid wearing one because of the Specs,a real Muppet.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:07:48 -0000

Marc I have seen some of it already at a Dublin Cycling Campaign Meeting,The Dublin bit. I was Interviewed in Shomra Spraoi 10 Belvedere Court along with other Cyclists and my Interview was cut to just Ten Seconds it was for those on Critical Mass,they had a bit about me giving out about Helmets and cut out the rest of 5Minutes Interview. Whether they will include more this time I dont know. It will be very interesting to compare the Three Countries Netherlands Ireland Britain.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:13:46 -0000

Those South American Hats with the Flaps have suddenly gotten very Popular in Dublin because of the Freezing Weather,a lot of People are Sporting them in the City while Cycling around.

Re: Urban Precipitation Protection Systems

lehommeauvelo — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:01:40 -0000

In answer to Kevin about Dublin Weather,I would rather the Cold Frosty Weather instead of that Horrid nasty Rain. It always seems to Rain when you do not bring your Pull ups Rain Gear and your Jeans gets saturated. Saying that,I think we are the Driest part of the Country it does not rain all that much.

Nice set of Pictures of Amsterdam, everybody is so relaxed and not a bit nervous about carrying a Passenger on the back of there Bicycle. I have seen only a couple of People do this in Dublin every so often. Such is the Perception of Safety in Ireland it is just not done.

Re: Dublin’s Schemin’ Wheels

lehommeauvelo — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:54:52 -0000

That happened to me once in a Forest because I was wearing a Helmet. I misjudged the Distance between a Branch overhead and my Head because of the Clunky Helmet. The Branch caught the Helmet Nearly Choking me on the Neck Strap.
I always try to avoid wearing them and have only used them very occasionally in the past on Touring around the Countryside. I absolutely Hate them,they seem to Insulate you from the Real World Deadening your Sensations. I actually think they are very Dangerous to use.

Motorcycle use is a different thing than Cycling it is more High Speed and Dangerous especially when Turning. I would Advocate there use for Car Drivers they are always Crashing and Killing themselves especially in Ireland. Loads of cases of Cars Driving into Walls on Straight Roads in the Early Hours in the City and Countryside and no other Vehicles involved. Inspite of having Airbags it does not seem to be able to Protect them from being Killed.

Re: Dublin’s Schemin’ Wheels

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:12:58 -0000

The Fietsberaad sent me a DVD about Cycling Infrastructure in the Netherlands it is very interesting. I could not use it on my Mac but instead had to put it in an Old Acer PC to view it. I watched some of it about shared space and also Infrastructure in various Cities and Towns ,it is good. Thanks Mr Vorknecker of the Fietsberaad for that.

Re: Dublin’s Schemin’ Wheels

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:03:09 -0000

On the Dublin Cycling Campaign Site, www.cycling.ie I seen a Film on Dublin Community TV ,it was an interview with a Representative from Sustrans in the UK Kuy Hoon I think his Name is and Dublin Cycling Campaign and DC TV about Conditions in Dublin. The DCC took him around the City on a Bike and he said he thought it was worse than London with Traffic milling around Cyclists and he did not like the very narrow Cycling Lanes. I am sure this will be a part of this Series on Dublin Cycling you are Talking about. It was very interesting to watch.

Re: Dublin’s Schemin’ Wheels

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:11:14 -0000

I like what was said about Helmet use,I am glad to see someone was using their Head for once when Talking about this and not giving in to the Hysteria Spread by the Helmet Manufacturers.
We have a Return of Summer for awhile,the Weather People say it will last about 10 Days.So I was not wasting it and going on Spins on my Bike out by Clontarf to Howth on the off Road Coastal Cycleway every Day. So this Sunday I decided to go to Dun Leary/ Dunlaoghaire and Dalky on the other Side of the Bay as a Change. Loads of People Cycling now in Dublin and Yesterday was no Exception,with the Sun Shining I imagined I was on the Cote D'Azure it was so Nice. I seen two of those Dublin Vélib Bikes in Dun Leary at the Pavillons Shopping Centre they look Great very much like the ones in Paris.

Dublin City Council is putting in a New Cycle Way Next Year from Rathmines Road along the Grand Canal then over the New Sam Beckett Bridge to meet up with the Cycle Path at Fairview Park and it will be a Dedicated Cycle way of 7 K. It sounds great ,hopefully the start of Something that will grow in Years to come. But I would have preferred a more Direct Route through the City Centre instead of a Circuitous one like this. They were Congratulating themselves Yesterday when Announcing it and also moaning about spending 10 Million on it. But when it comes to Cars then they can spend 100s of Millions on M Ways and not get upset. Cycling and putting in Traffic Free Zones always get put on the long Finger as they are Afraid of Putting Car Drivers and Business Peoples Nose out of Joint by Depriving them of Parking and Driving Space.

Re: Cause And Effect

lehommeauvelo — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:20:34 -0000

This seems to be a problem all over the World with High Sided Trucks not being able to see around them.In Dublin we had a Cyclist Fatality last January 12th beside Harolds Cross Road Bridge at the Grand Canal. A Chinese Man Zu Zhang Se I think his Name Was a 24 Year Old ,he was Killed by a Cement Mixer Lorry. Cyclist Groups Put a Ghost Bike Attached to the Railings of the Canal Side in his Memory. We have Largely Eliminated this in Dublin by Building the Port Tunnel to take the HGV's off the Street,but there are still some of the Smaller Type passing Through and those Delivering to the Shops with Permits. One Possibly is Banning them off the Streets and only allowing them through Town with a Permit to Deliver to Shops and very Early in Morning or Late at Night. The Street is very wide Halve the Width to one Carraigeway and have Zebra Crossings .With perhaps if you press a Button on a Pole it will Flash a Red Light high up to warn the Driver that a Person is waiting to Cross like they have already for Cyclists in Denmark or Germany , to warn Lorry Drivers when they are turning Right not to hit a cyclist coming on the inside. It is terrible when this Happens that a Child is knocked down and Killed.

Re: The Extraordinary Ordinary

lehommeauvelo — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:05:16 -0000

Great Photo's everybody is very Laid back and Relaxed and are not worried about the Road condtions, and why would they be with the Excellent Cycling Infrastructure. The Laura Bike Picture is Terriffic and the Photo with the Girl on Her Mobile Phone just casually Cycling along and not even looking at the Track ahead is Brilliant. All the PC brigade over in my Country would be going Mad at that Girl ,Riding a Bike while using a Mobile How Dare she. Although there are Plenty who do use Mobiles on their Bikes but it is frowned upon.

Re: The Extraordinary Ordinary

lehommeauvelo — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:57:07 -0000

Re: Cycling Tricks Were All The Rage In 1899

lehommeauvelo — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:28:13 -0000

The Style of Bikes has not changed much, though in those Days the Bikes were Bigger. They seemed a Bigger Size than the Actual Person that was doing the stunt Cycling, and the Clothes they were using is Heavy Woolen Type with Tails Flailing out the Sides. Which means that they had to Work Harder at those Stunts.
Whereas Today They use Small Little BMX Bikes with Small Wheels also with Helmets on t heir Heads. I think they were more Skillful Those Times back in 1899,with Heavier Bikes also with no Protection added.

Re: Riding With Beau

lehommeauvelo — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:59:59 -0000

Hi Marc ,Nice Pictures Beau is really Enjoying Herself.The Picture of your Dad he is extremely Tall, He must be 2 Mt or 6ft 7''.

Re: Slow Bicycle Race - Copenhagenize vs Amsterdamize [Redux]

lehommeauvelo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:57:33 -0000

That was very Funny, not an easy thing to do.It reminds me of People where I live ,when they are Approaching a Traffic Light on Red. They dont want to stop but Sidle up to the Lights in this way. Some of them are very good at it and even when stopped at the Lights they manage to keep from putting their Feet on the Ground. Mikael had the worst Position being closest to the Water. I would just get Vertigo and fall in.
Years ago I would see People Cycling along the Harbour Wall in Dublin only a few Inches from the Edge, I tried it myself a few Times but it was Scary. Particulary with the Danger of the Metal Anchors for Tieing up the Ships getting in the way of your Bike Wheels.