Sir, – In an observant take on modern social trends, Michael O'Loughlin ("How did cycling become a class thing?", August 16th) asks how the perceived status of cycling in Dublin was inverted, moving, as a badge of identity, from working to middle class. It may be a reflection of how one's time is valued, even quite literally. Driving in Dublin is painfully slow, wasting a lot of time in traffic and finding parking. Using a bike is not merely faster, but the time so allocated is not really wasted – categorised as exercise, it is an investment in your own future and wellbeing. The very essence of status in our society is of your time being valuable, to you and your employers. Cycling in the city thus is a clear statement of one's value and importance, paradoxically perhaps. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.
Sir, – Monday’s article points out that cycling is more the preserve of the better-off. Cycling clubs tend to feed into that. At an inter-club race near my home, a spectator commented, “Some of these bikes are more expensive than my car” (not a banger). In Cycling Ireland members’ surveys, I have suggest the promotion of Basic (Bikes Aluminium So Inequalities Cancelled) clubs and races. This would encourage broader participation, particularly of young people, and lead to increased use of bikes in general. – Yours, etc,
PAUL CONNOLLY,
Cavan.