Pàdraig Ò Fathaigh, financial advisor, Bank of Ireland
Your bike? A Honda Deauville
Why this particular bike? I had a Yamaha T-max and wanted something different. The styling and comfort were important considerations and the advice I got from the experts was that this was a reliable bike. From a technical point of view, the shaft-drive rather than a chain-drive makes the Deauville a low maintenance bike.
Why did you become a biker? At first it was to beat the traffic jams and for the ease of parking. I bought a Yamaha Majesty in 2000 for commuting and I discovered that it was enjoyable as well as efficient. Within six months I had upgraded to the T-Max, which had considerably more power.
Did you take any rider training? When I got the T-Max I had a couple of lessons with John Wheeler. This improved my road positioning and safety awareness. I also did the Ignition course with Hibernian Insurance - a full day of training with an assessment at the end. Recently, I've had a further lesson with Mick Ganly.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence for your bike? I have a provisional licence but am hoping to change that soon. I passed the test two years ago on the T-Max, which has an automatic gearbox, so now I have to do the test again for a bike with a manual gearbox.
Insurance? This year it was €830. Some competition in the market would be very welcome.
Any family resistance to your riding? My wife was very uncomfortable initially but after the training she is somewhat happier.
As a biker do you worry about survival? It's a matter of concern, but the more coaching and practice I take the more I'm aware of dangerous situations.
What do you use your bike for? Commuting to and from work and occasional trips at weekends.
Ever had an accident? No and hopefully I wont have any in the future.
Any two-wheel trips abroad? Not yet but I'm looking forward to France or Spain next year.
Your worst experience with motorists? The lack of regard and awareness of surroundings of some car drivers while they are moving in traffic.
Have you any biker issues for the Minister for Transport? The bus lanes should be fully open to motorcyclists. This would ensure a greater level of safety for us. Also, compulsory training courses and a limit on the power of bikes for younger and novice motorcyclists.
Any tips for survival? Always avail of any training offered. Wear high-visibility clothing and good quality protective gear - and always drive within your personal limits.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? I'd probably buy a selection of bikes. But currently, the bike I'd like would be a Honda Pan European or a Gold Wing.