Cycle + Ride (C+R) is when you cycle to a Luas stop, park your bike at one of the free Luas Cycle Racks provided and use Luas to complete your journey. Then on the way home you take Luas back to your stop and hop on your bike.
We want you to give C+R a try so we answered the top ten questions we get asked about it for you. Read on or jump straight to Question 10 How do I get started?
1 – Will it be a hassle?
Everything in life is a bit of hassle but C+R is less hassle than other journey’s and here’s why:
- It’s quick. It can be just as quick as going by car if not quicker and it is a lot quicker than walking to the Luas stop. You can skip the gym too.
- It’s convenient. You can cycle from your door to the stop, there is bike parking at most Luas stops and trams running every few minutes.
- You will feel better. It has lots of health benefits and reduces stress.
- You will save money. For most people it is cheaper than running a car.
- It helps the planet. No CO2 from your car !
2 – Will it take too long?
It won't take as long as you think. It can be just as quick as driving, once you factor in traffic and parking. And it's much faster than walking to the Luas stop.
Try timing your own door-to-door journey using these simple steps:
- Cycle to the Luas stop. Measure the distance and multiply by 3.75 minutes per km (e.g. a 2km cycle takes about 7.5 minutes). Use the Luas Cycling Map or Google Maps to check.
- Add 1–2 minutes to park your bike and wait for the tram.
- Check your Luas journey time using the Point-to-Point table.
- Walk to your final destination. Measure the distance and multiply by 12.5 minutes per km.
- Add it all up — that's your total journey time.
3 – Will I save money?
One size doesn't fit all, but cycling and Luas is usually cheaper than the same commute by car. Add up your costs below to see what you could save.
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C+R costs: |
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4 – Will I feel good?
Yes, cycling is aerobic exercise and regardless of your age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. According to the Mayo Clinic 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity (i.e. 11.25min / 3km cycle and 5 min /400m walk twice a day) can:
- Make you lose weight and keep it off.
- Increase your stamina and over time reduce fatigue.
- Ward off viral illnesses such as colds and flu.
- Reduce health risks including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer.
- Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Strengthen your heart and improve blood flow to all parts of your body.
- Keep your arteries clear boosting “good” cholesterol and reducing “bad” cholesterol.
- Boost your mood reducing tension or anxiety.
- Keep you active and independent as you get older in body and mind.
- Make you live longer.
5 – Will I need any special equipment?
You will need a few things to make sure you are comfortable and safe. As well as your bike you will need:
- A cycling helmet
- Comfortable shoes such as runners; waterproof is a good idea
- A bicycle light
- High visibility clothing (vest, armbands etc.)
- A fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof jacket and leggings with vents
- A strong bike lock
- A shower cap and elastic band
- A backpack (with High visibility strips)
6 – How will I deal with the rain?
You just need to have the right kit for the weather and stay safe.
- Wear your helmet.
- Wear comfortable waterproof shoes.
- Always have high visibility clothing so other road users can see you easily.
- Wear a waterproof jacket and leggings with vents so you don’t sweat.
- Exercise extra caution on the roads.
- Put a shower cap over to saddle to keep it dry.
7 – How do I carry my stuff?
If you have a light load use a backpack (with high visibility strips) or a basket. If you have a heavier load consider getting panniers, bags that can be fastened to the bike frame. Remember don’t leave things on display when parking your bike; take everything with you.
8 – How do I plan my trip?
Here are a few easy steps to planning the best route;
- Check out the safest route with the best cycle lanes www.dublincitycycling.ie
- Check out the quickest routes; www.dublincitycycling.ie or http://maps.google.ie
- Check out if you are eligible for the bike to work scheme
- Find out the nearest Luas bike parking to you.
- Ask an expert; talk to people in your area that cycle and get their tips.
- Ask HR about facilities like storing your helmet and waterproofs.
- Walk or drive your route to check it out; avoid narrow roads and busy traffic.
- Time it; consider doing a weekend trial to see how long it takes.
9 – How do I stay safe?
Most of cycling safety is common sense but we have highlighted the key points below;
- Take care of your bike and make sure it is good condition.
- Read the Rules of the Road, especially the section dedicated to cycling.
- Obey traffic signs – red lights mean stop for cyclists as well!
- Be alert to what’s happening around you; don’t wear headphones while cycling.
- Have a white front light, a red back light and a rear reflector; a legal requirement.
- Wear high-visibility clothing and make sure backpacks and other equipments. have high-visibility strips.
- Use cycle lanes at all times when available.
Around Luas:
- Be alert in wet and icy weather. Tram tracks are slippery.
- Watch out for the groove of the track.
- Look and listen for trams.
- Prepare to cross tracks well in advance.
- Cross tracks using hand signals.
- Take time to cross.
Do a bit of online reading for more information:
10 – How do I get started?
Step 1 Get your kit sorted
Dust off your bike and spruce it up making sure the tires are ok and that the chain is oiled. Consider getting it checked out with a local bike shop. If you don’t have a bike get some tips online about how to pick a bike, check out if your eligible for the Bike to Work scheme and talk to a bike shop. Make sure you have comfortable clothing and safety gear; helmet, lights and reflectors and high visibility clothing.
Step 2 Go for a cruise
Hop on your bike with your friends or family. Check and see that your bike is working ok and that your helmet, clothing and safety clothing fit comfortably. See how fit you are, cycling should be no more strenuous than walking; if it is difficult take it easy for the first while. Trial your route; is it safe and how long does it take.
Step 3 Do your research
Do your online research and talk to people. Check out the route on dublincitycycling.ie or http://maps.google.ie. Find out the nearest Luas bike parking to you. Talk to people in your area that cycle and get their tips. Talk to people at work and ask HR about facilities for storing your helmet and waterproofs.
Step 4 Take it easy
Before doing it every day do a trial run at the weekend. Time your journey so you give yourself plenty of time. For the first while give yourself a bit of extra time to cycler slower and get your bearings. Consider starting slow, C+R one day a week first.
Step 5 Become a C+R Expert
Enjoy your new routine and congratulate yourself on turning a boring commute into your daily exercise routine, a money saving trick and your bit to save the planet. Then send us an email with all your trips and tricks so we can pass them on.
