John Bushe, EMT with Eastern Regional Health Board
Your bike? A BMW 650 GS - I like touring bikes and the saddle on this one can be lowered. I'm only 5 foot 6 inches so it's important to have a bike where I can put my foot down. I like touring bikes because I like riding in the upright position - you can see more, it's more comfortable and it doesn't strain your neck.
How did you become a biker? My father was in the biking business. He probably had one of the first bike shops in Dublin - in Pearse Street during the 1950s. He loved motorbikes and loved working with engines. I developed a love of bikes from an early age.
Your first bike? A Jawa 50cc, from Czeckslovakia - my Dad gave it to me. I also had a BSA Bantum 175. The first bike I bought myself was a 50cc Garelli, an Italian bike a bit like the Jawa. I've been on and off bikes ever since, except for a short break when my children were young. My wife doesn't share my love of bikes - I took her on the back of my Suzuki once and it frightened the life out of her. I also took her home from hospital when our son was born on the back of my scooter.
What does your insurance cost? Only €400, which is good.
What do you use your bike for? For going in and out to work and if I need to go anywhere. I'd never drive a car into town; I'd always take the bike.
Any biking trips abroad? I've taken the bike all around Ireland. I used to go with friends but the odd time I take off for a full day or overnight on my own.
Had any accidents? I had a good few spills when I was younger. The last accident happened when a mini-bus did a U-turn in front of me - and didn't see me on the bike. I fractured my right hand and had some loss of consciousness but it would've been worse if I hadn't been wearing my protective gear.
Taken any rider training? The training I got working for the ambulance service is the only training I've had, but it's been very useful on the bike. You're taught about driving in bad weather, to be aware of drivers pulling out without looking and to read the road ahead.
Do you follow any bike sports? I'd watch the Moto GP the odd time but I'm not that big into it. I used to do a bit of off-road biking when I was a kid. We made up routes around Tallaght where there was a lot of disused gravel pits. It was great training.
Any biker issues for the government? I think the roads are very dangerous for bikers. There are road works along the Whitehall road at the moment with large metal plates on the road - they're very slippery and dangerous if you're on a bike. I'd love to see bus lanes opened for bikers and VAT taken off helmets and bike gear - they're necessary to protect you so there shouldn't be a tax on them.
Any hopes for upgrading your bike in the future? I think I'll stick with the BMW for the moment. I'd like the BMW 1200GS but only if the saddle was lower - or a Transamp V-twin.