Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Using a bike is an efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to the bus, or taxis when getting around Limerick. In this article Cosmos Omoregie gives some tips and tricks to cycling around UL

In Limerick, transportation is not restricted to buses or taxis. Bicycles are a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for students to commute. It is a sustainable form of exercise. Also, the use of e-scooters has recently increased in Limerick. 

This article discusses how to get a bike, the rules of the road, and how to secure a bike.

Getting a Bike

As a student on a tight budget, buying a secondhand bike may seem ideal; nevertheless, there are some drawbacks. periodic repairs may be a requirement on a used bike. Cycling students may find it useful to get repairs from the bicycle repair shop which has a tent on campus on Tuesdays outside the Student Life Building. There would almost certainly be no warranty on used bikes as well.

The biggest advantage of used bikes is their price. Furthermore, purchasing a used bike encourages environmental sustainability. Some sources to buy a used bike include Facebook Marketplace, bike stores, and charity shops. When purchasing a used bike, it is also important to be watchful that you are not purchasing a stolen bike.

New bikes, on the other hand, may last longer and will most likely come with a warranty. Limerick has a number of stores where new bikes can be acquired.

Disclaimer: UL is not responsible for the purchase of bicycles from the sources listed above and will not be held liable for any issues that may arise.

Rules of the Road

Cyclists, as vulnerable road users, must be cautious and follow the rules of the road when on the road. Cyclists should try to adhere to traffic laws and never run red lights. Cycling gear, such as helmets and high-visibility jackets, is recommended for cyclists. When possible, ride in the cycle lane and stay on the left side of the road. Look behind you before turning to prevent colliding with other bikes or e-scooter users. Over speeding is especially dangerous on crowded streets and downhill slopes. When riding at night, make sure the bike has sufficient lights. For more information visit rsa.ie

Securing your Bike

In order to avoid bike theft, you should be very cautious with your bikes. The first step is to select a lock. Bike locks come in a variety of sizes and styles, and some examples include the cable, chain, and D-lock. Ideally you would choose a very high-grade lock, but this comes at a high cost. Your choice of a good lock will be determined by its security and convenience, especially if you use it on a daily basis. As a student, you may not require a high-end bike, but if you own one, you will need a high-quality lock. It is generally recommended that you use two locks to secure your bike. Additionally, avoid locking your bike in dark, secluded places.

On the UL campus, there is a secure Bike Hub in the Foundation Building car park where bikes can be parked. There are also several bike stands positioned across campus, including at the Glucksman Library, the Kemmy Business School, and the Robert Schuman Building. In the on-campus residential areas, there are also well-secured bike shelters. Maps of bike parking locations, as well as other maps can be found on the UL website

Registering Your Bike

To combat bike theft, new bikes can be registered on Bike Register. Bike Register is a national online bicycle registration scheme that attempts to provide a system for restoring discovered stolen bikes to their rightful owners. Bike Register works with the Gardaí (Irish Police) to recover stolen bikes.

The registration process needs you to enter your basic personal information as well as information about your bike. This is a free registration, and your information is safely stored on their database. More information is available at www.bikeregister.ie 

Cycling for pleasure

along with being a form of transport, many people cycle for pleasure, excercise, or just to see the great outdoors. In Limerick there are many cycling paths and trails that you can explore. Examples include the Limerick Greenway and the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail. More info can be found on the limerick website