Eddie Jordan, administrative officer, Dublin City Council
Your bike - and why that one? A BMW F650GS - well, I've ridden BMWs for many years, always older models. I wanted something more modern and the F650GS has everything I want in a bike. It's a good commuter, an excellent tourer, it's well equipped, economical and reliable, and so it's a real all-rounder.
Tell us how you became a biker? I remember staring at a yellow Norton 750 Commando on the North Circular Road when I was 10 years old in 1967 - I think that was the day I decided I'd always ride motorcycles. My grandfather was a motorcyclist - I have a sepia photo of him astride a 1923 Royal Enfield. It must be in the blood!
Did you take rider training? Yes, a few years back, but I intend to refresh in the near future. You never know it all on a motorcycle.
What do you use your bike for? Everything from commuting to work daily, camping weekends, road racing events, touring and recently some gentle off-roading along forest tracks in Wicklow.
Do you worry about survival? Yes, always, but with over 30 years experience behind me, I've learned to ride defensively and safely within my limits, never faster or slower than I want to. It's essential to know and stick to your limits and ability.
Any accidents? Yes, a long time ago. I was lucky to survive. If I knew then what I know now perhaps I could have avoided it. It was an invaluable learning experience.
Do you follow motorbike sports? Yes, I enjoy the Ulster Grand Prix, the Northwest 200, Skerries and the Isle of Man TT Races. The Northwest 200 would be my favourite - it usually includes a camping weekend on Antrim's north coast.
What trips have you taken the bike on? I've just completed a tour in France and Belgium visiting first World War sites in the Somme area and Flanders, and returning by Normandy taking in the D-Day beaches. History is another passion of mine so to do it on the bike was a real bonus.
Do you think bikers share a special bond? Bikers are a minority group in a relatively dangerous activity. It's a shared passion. For most motorists a destination is the reason they use a car. For motorcyclists, the machine is the reason they get to a destination.
Any bad experiences with motorists? Yes, I experienced a road rage incident a few years ago which was not very pretty. With current congestion in the Dublin area, I can see such incidents increasing with stress levels as motorists try to go about their daily business.
Any biking issues for the minister? Yes, motorcyclists should be allowed to use bus lanes. We don't cause congestion, we don't hamper bus flow in any way, we understand more than any other road-users the vulnerability of cyclists, and we are an environmentally friendly form of transport efficiently using available road space. The Westlink tolling of motorcyclists is another issue - if Eastlink can be toll- free for motorcyclists why can't Westlink?
Any tips for survival? Drive defensively, know your own limits and ability and always look over your shoulder when changing direction. Never underestimate the size of that blind spot in your mirrors - it can hide a 40-foot truck!
Your dream bike? Without a doubt, a BMW R1150 GS Adventure, a bike with a real attitude.