Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of time. Deputy O'Connor wants to come in and I will bring him in shortly. What else can TDs and Senators do as public representatives in our communities by way of encouragement and promotion of this? I cycle in most days, including this morning. I get in much faster than I would ever have done in a car. A lot of people may not have realised how easy it is in many places to make that jump to using the bike to get the local shops, school or work. It will not work in many places in rural Ireland where people live further out, but for many people that is the opportunity. What else can we do as public representatives to encourage the move away from the private car? Every car that comes off the road makes it easier for those who need their cars, because if I am on my bike instead, I am not taking up space. If half the population can cycle, walk or use active travel, it makes the roads much better for those who still need their cars.