Finding the Path Back: My Chat with Louise Walsh on LMFM

Finding the Path Back: My Chat with Louise Walsh on LMFM

If you caught today’s episode of Late Lunch with Louise Walsh on LMFM, you would have heard me discussing safe cycling, and a topic that is often kept behind closed doors: burnout. Click here if you would like to listen.

I shared with Louise, there came a point where the “mental batteries” weren’t just low, they were empty. Today was about sharing how I found my way back. The journey produced a mission to protect the next generation of cyclists through Cyclopath Cycling School.


The “Reset” Button on Two Wheels

We talked about how burnout can make your world feel very small and overwhelming. After years in an office, I started working from home in information technology (IT) at the start of 2020. The lack daily social contact outside of my family started taking its’ toll. Communicating with people on phone calls and video calls is not the same as meeting in person. I couldn’t understand what was happening as I was constantly agitated and was not present in life.

As a result, I visited the doctor in 2023. He recommended getting back on the bike, and to even consider a career change into the cycling industry as I always enjoyed cycling. I thought nothing of his suggestion at a career change. I was working in IT for quarter of a century at this stage.

Getting back on the bike was the first step in expanding the world again. There is something about the physical rhythm of cycling that forces you to be present. It clears the mind, and all the distractions within it.

A couple of months later I signed up for a bicycle mechanic course. I always had an interest in fixing my own bikes as best I could up until this point.

The cycling and the course triggered a mental reset. It made me realise cycling is so much more than a hobby. It is a tool for resilience and personal change. I changed career, and became a mobile bicycle mechanic, and this lead to becoming a cycling instructor. With family support I was able to face the fear of changing careers and going from a guaranteed monthly salary, to having to search for an income.

My advice to anyone contemplating a change in direction is to go for it! Life is too short to be miserable in a job. Change is scary, but it is better trying than not trying. To limit the potential risk, take a career break if available.


Why “Safe Cycling” Changes the Game

Louise and I spent a good portion of our chat on the practical side: safety. I know from talking to parents every day that there is a massive fear factor regarding our roads. This is why I recently published a series on safe cycling with children on the Cyclopath Cycling School facebook page.

I explained to Louise that at Cyclopath, our goal is to turn that fear into competence. When a child understands road positioning, signalling, and dynamic awareness, they are both safer and more confident. We are teaching them a life skill that promotes independence and physical health, while giving parents the peace of mind they deserve.


A Mission for Schools

Cyclopath Cycling School want to see the cycling become a staple in every school across the region. Structured cycling programmes help children build confidence, coordination, and independence, while also developing safe road awareness from an early age. Moreover, cycling supports physical wellbeing, improves concentration, and encourages active travel habits that can last into adulthood.

Our primary school programmes are inclusive and include Balance Bikes, Cycling Skills, and Cycle Right – the national standard for cycling safety. Balance Bikes and Cycling Skills are part funded by the Department of Transport for DEIS schools, and additional educational needs classes in non-DEIS schools.

Secondary schools can avail of Cycle Right and bicycle maintenance courses or workshops.

The programmes are designed to fit naturally into the school day. We create schedules that work around break times. Courses are delivered by qualified, Cycling Ireland–accredited instructors in a supportive and inclusive environment. Check out our reviews page!

We take the stress out of the process by bringing the bikes, the helmets, and the expert, accredited trainers directly to your school yard.

If you are a Teacher, Principal, or a member of a Parent Association in Louth, Meath, Monaghan, East Cavan, or North County Dublin, let’s work together to give your students a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.


Let’s start the conversation:

• Email: info@cyclopath.ie

• Call: 089 272 8935