The Musical Cyclist

 When my guitar gently weeps

One often sees cyclists with those pannier bags or a small backpack. It is more rare, however, to spot those cyclists who carry their guitar on their back.

I took this picture on 22 May 2012 in Pearse Street. I saw him shortly after playing on Grafton Street.

The Law Enforcers

Police bicycle is better than any police car

Cities full of pistols require many revolvers for the police to overcome criminals. Cities full of motor-vehicles need many police cars to patrol the town. And cities full of cyclists, like Dublin, require many Garda Bicycles...

It is always nice to spot the Gardai on their bikes. When law enforcement is done at the level of your eyes (rather than on horseback or from within a moving metal cage) it feels more humane, more safe. No wonder the Irish officers are amongst the nicest in the world. They always smile!

I took this picture on 28 April 2012 in Grafton Street, next to Stephen's Green Shopping Centre.

The Armrest Cyclist

A shoulder to lean on

When they stop on red lights (those who do), most cyclists relax and enjoy the short break. Some take the relaxation a step further and call friends to lean on their shoulder...

I came across this armrest cyclist on 22 May 2012 by the Grand Canal, near N11.

The Pavement Cyclists

 Cycling on the pavement

Although cyclist are supposed to ride on the road, occasionally you would see them on the pavement. In this case, the teenagers accompanied a pedestrian friend. They probably made him happy, though it was probably not the case for other bystanders.

I encountered the young lads on 26 May 2012 in Westland Row, not far from Pearse Station.

The Camouflager

Assimilation in the surrounding

Some cyclists try to be seen in any price. Others try to assimilate in their surrounding and disappear. It's called camouflage and deception.

I spotted this military-style guy on 8 May 2012 in Rathmines. I'm still wondering why would a civilian dress up like a soldier and even purchase a matching backpack.

The Mid-Road Fixer

I'm losing Air!

There's no doubt it's highly important to check the bicycle before getting on. It increases safety. However, doing it on the middle of the road is not necessarily the best spot to perform the checks...

I came across this lady cyclist on 4 May 2012 in Rathfarnham road, not far from the river Dodder. I believe she experienced a problem with her mud guards.

The Heeler

 Fashion before comfortability

Cycling is great because you can use your daily apparel without any problem (even though some buy a special gear for cycling). Some cyclists even don't mind to wear their high-heeled shoes.

I took this picture on 22 May 2012 in Haddington Road. I saw some girls cycling with higher heels, but never had the chance to catch them in time.

The Dog Walker

Walk The Dog

Some people love dogs and walk them out. Others enjoy cycling in the open air. However, some like to combine both activities at the same time. I understand that some lads find walking more difficult and tiring than cycling, but it seem a bit unfair to let the dog run so quickly for a long distance. It would be kinder to carry the dog in the basket...

I took this picture on 22 May 2012 in Rathfarnham Road, Terenure. As the guy was on the move, it was hard to position him in the middle of the photograph.

The Side Bagger

Keeping Balance

It is not unusual to observe cyclists doing so many things that can make them lose control over their bike. Amongst these activities, hanging their backpack is quite popular. After all, the handlebars are not much different than a hook.

As you can see, the cyclist above also rolled a newspaper and pushed it into his pocket. I took this photo on 2 April 2012 in Leeson Street (N11).

The Convoy

A convoy of cyclists

I usually take pictures of cyclists secretly, not because I'm afraid for my life, but because, as every social scientist knows, people behave differently when they are aware of the presence of a camera. Nonetheless, sometimes they notice me and the result is amusing.

I spotted this group of advertiser-cyclists, a popular job in recession-hit Ireland, and thought to myself the group can make a nice photo for Dublin's Cyclists, especially because of the covered face of the leading cyclist. However, he saw me, raised his left hand and showed me the finger, not in the rude way, but as if he was the victor of a war. The photo was taken on 19 May 2012 in Exchequer Street.