Alan Tyrrell, account director, Slattery Communications
Your current machine - and what did you pay? It's a monster MBK 49cc moped. It cost around 00 and that included helmet, gloves, lock and quality raingear that is essential for daily use.
What attracted you to this bike? Comfort, reliability in all circumstances and flexibility around town. It's also a practical and rider-friendly design that includes plenty of storage both under the seat and in the rear helmet box.
Why two rather than four wheels? A 12-minute commute versus anything up to an hour and a half to do just over five miles. Easy parking and getting from office to office for client meetings in a matter of minutes rather than relying on taxi lanes or good luck.
Do you drive a car? Yes. On evenings and weekends I drive a classic Mercedes 200 saloon that has relatively low mileage combined with high comfort and a great history.
Your dream bike if you won the lottery? I don't really need a bigger bike, but I'd probably go for a Buell 1200 - a bit of a beauty-and-a-beast in one magnificent package. I might even get a custom job done with the moniker "Born to be Mild".
Do you get strange looks when you arrive for meetings in your bike gear? Actually they don't really notice the difference because I store the gear in the bike during meetings. Also, once clients hear the time savings they quickly realise the advantages of two wheels over four for city driving. Some have even converted.
Ever consider becoming a biker and buying a motorbike? I am a biker! Seriously though, I wouldn't really consider getting a bigger bike unless I was to move beyond the Pale and needed something with a bit more power. The fact that two wheels are better than four is a given and, for me, ot's about practicality at the moment. I would like to do a trek across the US on a large tourer - maybe that's what retirement is for because my golf is beyond redemption no matter how many hours I put into it. For me the moped is the best mode of transport available - it's flexible, reliable, easy to handle and efficient. For those on bigger bikes I believe it's much more to do with the driving experience and the freedom to glide over long distances with the roar of a pussy cat or the purr of a lion depending on the choice of bike.
What do you use your bike for? Improving my quality of life, saving time going to and from client meetings and beating the awful traffic chaos of Dublin from morning to evening.
How much do you spend on bike gear? It came free with the bike, although I did invest in a quality helmet and some extra wet gear and helmet for my girlfriend - I collect and deliver her to and from work most days.
Ever had an accident on the bike? No. In my six years I've been both very careful and very lucky.
More people than ever are now taking to two wheels - why do you think this is? Why not? There's no better alternative.
What's the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? We have unlocked the secret to a better quality of life.
If you were Minister for Transport what changes would you make? I'd allow bikes and mopeds to use bus lanes unhindered - it makes no sense to hinder us. We've made the decision to leave our cars at home and help ease gridlock, so help us to help everyone else and let us use the bus lanes. I'd also improve training for riders and car drivers - it's a two-way thing and driver training can only lead to improvements in the accident statistics involving motorbikes and mopeds.