Co Cork Resident Highlights Rural Transport Challenges Despite Cycling Advocacy

Sarah Roberts from Youghal, Co Cork, has expressed agreement with the sentiment that a car should not be the default choice for transport, as articulated in a recent article concerning cycling campaigners at Leinster House on May 13th. However, as a non-driver reliant on cycling and public transport, Roberts states she would readily acquire a car due to the significant challenges faced by rural residents.

Roberts notes that her perspective would likely differ if she lived in an urban area, emphasizing that rural populations are often overlooked in discussions about cycling. She provides a personal example: a business trip to Wexford takes just under four hours for a round trip by car. Without a car, to arrive in Wexford by 1 p.m., she would need to depart with her bicycle at 6:50 a.m. to catch the first of multiple buses, returning home around 9 p.m. These extended travel times are impractical, forcing her to reconsider vehicle use.

Having been an unnamed driver for over two years, Roberts has lost her no-claims bonuses, effectively resetting her insurance status to that of an 18-year-old. She explored electric bicycles, but found them unsuitable for public transport due to size and restrictions. Her idea of acquiring a scooter was also deemed unfeasible, requiring an additional theory test, a new provisional license, and 16 hours of initial basic training. These options are financially prohibitive.

Consequently, Roberts is considering becoming a named driver under her husband’s insurance policy, a situation she finds compromises her independence at 42 years old. She humorously points out that her license permits her to drive a tractor, highlighting what she perceives as inconsistencies and a lack of practical sense in Ireland’s transport policies.