IN the grand plan of things the Cycle to Work Scheme can hardly be described as world changing but in its own small, quiet, effective way it has been revolutionary and eye-opening. Read more
National
Relevant to most or all of Ireland
2.5 million trips taken on city bikes
MORE THAN 2.5 million trips have been taken on Dublin Bikes since the bike rental scheme was launched two years ago this week – and the latest figures show just more than 93 per cent of these journeys were free. Read more
The bicycle thieves move up a gear
The Bike to Work scheme has flooded the streets with expensive bicycles that can be stolen in less time than it takes to lock them properly. Read more
Press release from Cyclist.ie – A consultancy report on cycle lanes released this week may not be what is needed to boost commuting cyclists numbers for 2020
PRESS RELEASE From Cyclist.ie – Ireland’s National Cycling Lobby Group
Cyclists say consultants’ cycle-lane claims need careful interpretation and action by roads authorities if numbers of cyclists are to be massively increased in line with government target of 10% of commuting trips made on bikes by 2020
The joint AECOM and TCD (Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering) consultants’ report for Dublin City published this week attempts to show, using a cycling infrastructure preference survey methodology, what measures and policies are required in order to persuade many thousands more commuters to switch from car to bike use for their daily commutes. The context for this survey was the setting by the previous government of an ambitious target in its National Cycling Promotion Policy Framework (NCPF) of 10% of commuting trips nationally to be made by bike by 2020. We are way off that target already in 2011. (more…)
Study says better lanes will boost number of cyclists
A NEW study of 2,000 commuters, commissioned by Dublin City Council, shows that more and better cycle lanes – not shared with buses – will be needed to get people back on their bikes. Read more – Irish Times – FRANK McDONALD, Environment Editor
Have your say – what do you think?
Our cities are making us fat and need to be redesigned
OPINION: IRELAND HAS been good in achieving firsts in the area of public health. We were the first to introduce a full workplace smoking ban, and first in various quality-of-life indices. However, we seem to be on the road to a less welcome first: we are second only to the UK in having the fattest people in Europe.
Mike’s letter to NI Assembly on Helmet Law
I am writing this submission from my position as chairman of ‘Cyclist.ie’, the all-island umbrella body for utility cyclists. I was born in Belfast and lived there for part of my childhood years. All my relatives live in Northern Ireland.
I would urge that you listen to what experienced cyclists (Cyclists Touring Club, NI Cycling Initiative, many individual cyclists, etc.) have been saying to you about this Bill. Its original proponents may mean well but what you, as legislators, have to consider is the unintended consequences of introducing it into law.
I would urge that you consider your answer to these two fundamental questions below:
- Is the Bill going to reduce significantly the incidence of road traffic collisions involving a cyclist and a motorised vehicle?
- Is the Bill going to reduce significantly the incidence of head injuries leading to death or morbidity in such collisions?
The peer-reviewed research evidence suggests that the answer will be ‘no’ to both these questions. The CTC and others have provided you with the references to this literature. (more…)