Anna O'Flynn, Private Secretary to the Comptroller and Auditor General
Your bike? A Suzuki 125GN
Why this particular bike? It was red, shiny and so pretty! No, seriously I had already started lessons on a Suzuki GN and this bike was within budget and available at the time.
Why did you become a biker? One morning during the EU Presidency it took me an hour and 40 minutes to travel 10 miles to work. I knew I had to get out of the car when that happened. I had already tried the bus but that was even longer. I had looked into getting a bike the year before: I was put off by the price of insurance - it's more than the car.
Have you encountered any sexism as a female biker? Very little so far. Most drivers are courteous. With the bike gear on it's probably not that obvious that I'm female.
Did you take rider training? Yes, I got lessons from Peter Bookey at Aaron Rider training. He was great and gave me a lot of practical advice.
What does your insurance cost? €645.
Any family resistance to you becoming a biker chick? My family in Cork were very supportive, but only because of the traffic situation here in Dublin.
Do you worry about your safety? Sometimes I do, but I'd worry more about my mental health trying to commute in the car.
What do you use your bike for? Commuting to work and chilling on a Sunday.
Ever had any accidents? Not so far, but bikers tell me it's not a case of 'if it happens' more like 'when it happens'.
Taken any trips abroad on two wheels? No, but I will. I want to drive in California in spring.
Do you think there's a special bond between bikers? Yes, and I think there are a number of reasons . . . the absence of a physical barrier unlike car drivers . . . the acknowledgement of our vulnerability on the roads . . . and the recognition that we are a minority and like taking a risk.
Any bad experiences with motorists? Being 'undertaken' on the hard shoulder even though I was indicating to go left while an articulated truck was, correctly, overtaking me on my right. That was an experience that I would prefer not to repeat.
Any biking issues for the government? Crack down on mobile phone users - I see these lovely big cars and the driver doesn't have a car kit and insists on using the phone while driving. What's that about? Is it the cost of the car kit or that they can't find one to match the dash?
Any tips for survival on two wheels? Get rider training.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? A Ducati 998 - you may have noticed it in the Matrix movies. WHAT a ride! - PATRICIA WESTON