The City caught up with the ‘Bray Beach Bathers’, who are a group of men and women who all share a common love for swimming in the ocean, as they brave the cold water on a brisk, but beautiful October morning – which made for perfect swimming conditions.
In seaside towns across the country, sea swimming has become a rapidly rising phenomenon – but for many, it’s become much more than just a hobby – it’s become a way of life.
As part of their now daily routines, sea swimmers have formed several groups who come together for their daily dips into the Irish Sea all year round.
While every swimmer has their own respective reasons for being involved in taking part, one thing is for sure – no matter the weather, sea swimming is here to stay.
Since June of last year, popular taxi app ‘Bolt’ has extended their services to provide the people of Bray Co. Wicklow with electric bicycles.
These bikes have been a massive success across the town among people of all ages due to their cheap costs and easy accessibility.
Green Party Councillor for Bray East, Erika Doyle, was one of those involved in getting the scheme up and running in the town.
“With the introduction of the bikes, there has definitely been a modal shift, which is great because in a town like Bray we have a congestion problem. It’s very hilly as well, so with the pedal assist it has become much more accessible for people that otherwise maybe wouldn’t have used a push bike,” Doyle explained.
“It’s been a really positive thing for the town, and data from Bolt shows that these are being used even during winter months, because originally, there was a suspicion that they might only be used during the summer, but people are clearly just dressing for the weather and using them regardless which is great.”
The success of this scheme is partly due to just how easy the bikes are for people to use. Users simply download the Bolt app, scan the barcode on the bike, and they will then be charged 18 cent per minute.
Once the user completes their journey, they park the bike in one of the ‘park zones’ that can be found on the app or can be identified by a green square on the ground and bike racks.
Along with a pay as you use option, there are also a variety of subscription passes available to users too, such as a day pass, weekly passes, monthly passes and ‘unlimited unlocks for 30 days’.
The bikes go up to 25 kilometres per hour, but can be capped at 15 kilometres per hours if users wish.
Bolt Bikes at Little Bray ’Parking Bay’ – Photo Credit: Jamie Ryan
Sinn Féin Councillor for Bray West, Dermot O’Brien, speaks highly of the impact that the bikes have had in Bray.
“I would say overall there has been a very positive impact from the introduction of Bolt bikes in Bray. The user numbers are a good reflection of this, and the feedback from local people who see them as an alternative to the car, or as an easy option for getting around the town,” he said.
“I particularly notice the variety of local users, young and old, as well as tourists and exchange students who benefit from an easy and accessible option to move around the area.”
“On a personal level, I would use Bolt bikes very often, and they are a wonderful asset to someone who lives on the edge of being on time for meetings, as I bounce from one venue to another around the town.”
The bikes are easily maintainable due to there being no shock absorbers in their frames, and the tyres not containing air.
However, although there has been a plethora of extremely positive experiences from Bolt bike users, there have been issues with bikes being damaged, defaced or suffering from wear and tear.
Councillor O’Brien himself has fallen victim to this, he explained.
“In recent weeks, I changed my bike four times because of malfunctioning and ultimately, I just walked home which was frustrating,” he said.
Adam Byrne, 20, regularly uses Bolt bikes to get around the town.
“The bikes have made such a difference for me. Getting to and from work has become so much handier and it only costs me maximum €3 per journey which is much better than spending it on petrol – not to mention not having to sit in traffic the whole time,” Byrne said.
Bolt Bike at Bray Harbour with graffiti at the rear mud guard – Photo Credit: Jamie Ryan
“Of course, like anyone else who uses them regularly I’ve had one or two issues, but nothing crazy, more so just maybe a lack of maintenance with the brakes and minor damage to the pedals, but overall, I really can’t say any bad about them. I hope they stay around for a long time.”
The contract between Bolt and Bray Municipal Council has recently been extended for a further year, for locals to enjoy and utilise.
Her first Home Bout since Bringing Back Olympic Gold, Olympic gold medallist boxer Katie Taylor will not have too far to travel for her next fight.
Katie captured the hearts of the nation after defeating Sofya Ochigava 10-8 The London 2012 Olympic Games.
The 27-year-old amateur boxer will be on her home turf on November 30, where she will face Finland’s Mira Potkonen, whom she has already beaten in the EU semi-finals. Taylor’s decision to stick with her amateur status has been met with a warm response from the Irish public and this bout against Potkonen is all part of her preparations for Brazil in 2016. This is a journey she is hoping will end with a second gold medal. This will be Katie’s first fight since her sell out event in March at the Bord Gais Theatre. Taylor is excited to get back in the ring and to be able to do so in her home town. Having secured a fifth successive European Union title by defeating France’s Estelle Mossely at the European Championships earlier this year, Katie says she is happy the local fans who have been so dedicated now have a chance to support her on a more personal level. Though the Bray native’s year has been relatively quiet, this bout is sure to end 2013 on a high note for her. Katie also launched her new website this week, www.katietaylor.ie. Now fans can stay interactive with Katie as blogs, videos and updates will be posted on the boxer’s training and fights. Tickets for Katie’s ‘Homecoming’ are priced from €40 go on sale from www.afterdark.ie on 1st November at 9am.
On the penultimate weekend of the Airtricity Premier League, there were wins for Bray, Dundalk, Sligo and Shamrock Rovers.
Bray won away to Bohs thanks to a Kieran Waters goal in the 76’ minute. The win was long overdue for the Wicklow men but still might not save them from the drop.
Anto Flood has been terrific for pats. credit goal.com
Dundalk coasted to a 4-0 victory over Cork at Oriel Park. ‘The Town’ opened the scoring through Player of the year Richie Towell in the 33’ Minute. Patrick Hoban doubled the advantage on 45’ minutes with a contender for goal of the season.
A John Kavanagh own goal just after the break confirmed Cork’s misery before John Dillion sealed a fantastic season for the Lilywhites.
League Champions St.Pats stumbled to a draw at home to Derry. The Candy-stripes fell behind to a Mc Namee goal in the 34’ minute but Anto Flood rescued a point with his 81st minute equailiser.
UCD suffered heavily to Rovers at home, the Tallaght men opened the scoring through Robinson in the eight minute before Gary Mc Cabe converted a penalty in the 11th minute.
The excellent Richie Towell. credit goal.com
Robbie Benson pulled one back for the students in the 64th minute before Mc Cabe and Stewart put the result beyond doubt.
On Saturday Sligo beat Drogheda 3-1. Anthony Elding celebrated two fine strikes in the 38th and 66th minute, the latter being a spot kick.
Evan Mc Millan made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute before Gavin Brennan pulled one back for the cup finalists albeit from a penalty.
This weekend sees the final round of games in what has been an excellent season for Irish domestic football.
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