Seán O'Brien
Senior Cycling & Active Ageing Editor
babysgotsoul Ltd
16 Years of Cycling Advocacy
Seán's been passionate about cycling since childhood in Dunmore East. After completing his Sports & Exercise Science degree at University College Cork in 2008, he spent eight years as a community development officer with the Irish Cycling Association, designing accessible routes throughout Munster. He's the real deal when it comes to understanding what older cyclists need — not just theoretically, but from working directly with hundreds of riders.
His breakthrough came in 2015 when he led the assessment programme for the Déise Greenway project. That work directly shaped the route's design, from gradient safety to rest points to accessibility features. Now at babysgotsoul Ltd, Seán combines his technical knowledge with genuine empathy for the challenges seniors face on the road. He holds a Cycling UK Level 2 Coaching qualification and regularly guides older cyclists along the Déise Greenway and beyond.
What drives him is straightforward: outdoor activity shouldn't have an age limit. Well-designed routes can transform how older adults experience their communities, and that's what he's been working toward for the past decade and a half.
What Seán Knows Inside Out
Senior Leisure Cycling
Designing and promoting outdoor cycling activities specifically for older adults. He understands fitness levels, joint concerns, confidence barriers, and what makes a route genuinely enjoyable rather than just technically possible.
Déise Greenway & Flat Routes
Expert knowledge of the Déise Greenway's full 46-kilometre route along Waterford's coast. He knows every section, every rest point, every view. Flat-terrain cycling for seniors is his particular focus — routes where gradient doesn't become a barrier.
Cycling Safety & Comfort
Practical guidance on bike setup, riding techniques, and route selection for older cyclists. He's trained with Cycling UK and regularly conducts sessions covering everything from saddle comfort to navigation on coastal routes.
Community Route Development
Eight years designing accessible cycling routes for Irish communities. He's assessed gradients, identified safety concerns, planned rest areas, and worked with councils and community groups to create routes that actually work for real people.
Professional Journey
Education & Early Career (2008–2015)
Graduated from University College Cork with a degree in Sports & Exercise Science. Started work as a community development officer with the Irish Cycling Association, designing accessible routes and evaluating safety across Munster's communities. This period built his foundation in route design and community engagement.
Déise Greenway Leadership (2015–2018)
Led the assessment programme for the Déise Greenway project, providing crucial technical input on gradient safety, accessibility features, and rest point placement. This work directly influenced the route's final design and established him as a trusted voice in accessible route development.
Cycling UK Coaching (2018–2020)
Completed Level 2 Cycling Coaching qualification with Cycling UK. Began conducting guided tours and safety sessions for senior cyclists along the Déise Greenway and surrounding routes in Waterford. Trained hundreds of older adults in bike handling, comfort setup, and route confidence.
babysgotsoul Ltd (2020–Present)
Joined babysgotsoul Ltd as Senior Cycling & Active Ageing Editor. Combines his technical knowledge with content creation, providing authoritative guidance on senior leisure cycling, route selection, and bike setup. His work helps older cyclists across Ireland discover routes and confidence they didn't know they had.
Why This Work Matters
Removing Barriers to Outdoor Activity
Seán believes that age shouldn't mean staying indoors. Too many older adults don't cycle because they've been told routes are too hilly, bikes are uncomfortable, or they won't fit in. None of that's true. His work focuses on showing seniors that well-designed routes and proper bike setup can make cycling accessible, enjoyable, and genuinely safe.
The Déise Greenway is proof. It's flat, it's stunning, and it's perfect for riders in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Seán's spent years making sure it stays that way — and helping others find similar routes in their own areas.
Community Health Through Cycling
Cycling isn't just about the bike ride. It's about independence, social connection, exploring your community, and staying physically active in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Seán's seen firsthand how a good route transforms how older adults experience their towns and counties.
That's why he's so particular about route design. Every gradient matters. Every rest point matters. Every sight line matters. Because routes aren't just infrastructure — they're gateways to activity, connection, and confidence for the people who use them.
Verified Experience
University College Cork
Sports & Exercise Science Degree, 2008
Cycling UK
Level 2 Coaching Qualification, 2018
Irish Cycling Association
Community Development Officer, 8 Years
Déise Greenway Project
Route Assessment Lead, 2015–2018
Latest Articles & Guides
Practical guidance on senior cycling, route selection, and getting the most from the Déise Greenway
Déise Greenway: Complete Route Guide
Everything you need to know about the 46-kilometre coastal route. Seán breaks down each section, identifies the easiest starting points for beginners, explains where to rest, and shares his favourite views along the way.
Read the guideStaying Safe: What Every Senior Cyclist Should Know
Practical safety advice covering visibility, road awareness, bike maintenance checks, and riding techniques that reduce injury risk. Based on Seán's coaching experience with hundreds of older riders.
Read the guideBike Comfort Setup for Longer Rides
A practical walkthrough of saddle position, handlebar height, and gear setup. Seán explains how small adjustments can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and one that leaves you sore.
Read the guidePreparing Your Bike for Coastal Riding
Coastal conditions mean salt air, spray, and specific maintenance needs. Seán walks through the checks you should do before riding the Déise Greenway or any coastal route, and what to watch for afterward.
Read the guideExplore Senior Cycling Resources
Discover guides, routes, and practical advice for older cyclists interested in the Déise Greenway and beyond