Senior Cycling Accessibility Correspondent
I help older cyclists find safe, enjoyable routes across Ireland's greenways
For 14 years, I've tested every disused railway path worth cycling. I know which routes work for seniors, which ones need fixing, and why infrastructure matters.
How It Started
From Environmental Science to Cycling Advocacy
I grew up cycling the streets of Drogheda. That's where my obsession started — not with speed or racing, but with understanding how roads and paths actually work for real people.
After finishing my environmental science degree at Dublin City University in 2010, I spent three years with the Irish Environmental Protection Agency. Good work, but something was missing. I wasn't out there seeing how things actually functioned on the ground.
So in 2014, I switched to cycling journalism. Best decision I've made. What I discovered pretty quickly was that Ireland's disused railway paths were transforming — turning into greenways, becoming accessible to people who'd never cycled before. But here's the thing: nobody was really documenting this properly. Nobody was testing these routes with actual older cyclists. Nobody was asking if they actually worked.
That became my mission. I started cycling. A lot. Over 3,500 kilometres of Ireland's greenways tested, documented, and honestly evaluated. I'd cycle with seniors from local clubs, I'd interview council engineers about drainage systems, I'd sit down with health professionals about the cardiovascular benefits. All of it matters.
My 2018 audit of 23 disused railway paths across the east coast changed things. Local councils actually listened. We got infrastructure improvements — better surface repairs, enhanced drainage, proper signage. The Carlingford-Omeath Lough Shore path improvements came directly from that work. Seeing seniors rediscover cycling freedom on a route you've helped improve? That's why I do this.
What I Know
Areas of Deep Knowledge
Fourteen years of field testing, interviews, and infrastructure analysis across Ireland's greenways
Disused Railway Path Conversion
I've documented the transformation of 23+ railway lines into safe cycling routes. I know what works, what fails, and why surface quality matters for older riders.
Senior-Friendly Infrastructure
Accessibility isn't just a buzzword. I've tested every major route with cyclists over 60, identified barriers, and pushed councils to implement real improvements.
Carlingford-Omeath Lough Shore Route
The flat, scenic 12-kilometre path is ideal for older cyclists. I've spent countless hours mapping accessibility features, drainage issues, and practical safety considerations.
Route Auditing & Evaluation
I don't just ride routes — I evaluate them rigorously. Surface condition, drainage, sight lines, rest facilities. Every detail matters for safety and enjoyment.
Cycling Fitness & Health Benefits
I've worked with health professionals to understand how regular cycling improves cardiovascular health, mobility, and quality of life for older adults.
Council & Planning Advocacy
My research has directly influenced local council decisions on infrastructure improvements. I bridge the gap between field testing and policy change.
My Approach
What I Believe In
Age doesn't limit freedom
Older cyclists aren't a niche market — they're people who deserve the same access to safe, enjoyable routes that everyone else gets. When infrastructure is designed right, everyone benefits.
Testing beats guessing
I don't recommend a route from behind a desk. I cycle it. Often multiple times. I test it with the people who'll actually use it. That's the only way to know if it really works.
Details matter
Surface texture, drainage patterns, sight lines, rest points — these aren't minor considerations. They're the difference between a route people love and one they avoid.
Honesty builds trust
I won't sugarcoat a route that isn't ready. If a path has problems, I'll tell you exactly what they are and what would fix them. That's how real change happens.
"What drives me is the belief that age shouldn't limit outdoor recreation. I'm passionate about providing practical, honest guidance that helps seniors rediscover the freedom and health benefits of cycling."
Background
Experience & Education
Dublin City University
Completed Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. This foundation shaped my approach to understanding infrastructure systems and their environmental impact.
Irish Environmental Protection Agency
Worked on environmental compliance and sustainability projects. Valuable experience in how policy gets created, but I needed to be out in the field.
Cycling Journalism & Advocacy
Transitioned to full-time cycling journalism. Documented Ireland's greenway development, conducted comprehensive route audits, and became a leading voice on accessible cycling infrastructure for older adults.
East Coast Railway Path Audit
Published comprehensive audit of 23 disused railway paths. This research directly influenced local council planning decisions and led to infrastructure improvements on multiple routes, including the Carlingford-Omeath path.
Senior Cycling Accessibility Correspondent, neosystemone Limited
Specialized role combining field expertise with rigorous data collection and analysis. Working to make accessible cycling infrastructure a priority across Ireland's greenway network.