April 2nd Green Drinks Dublin Cycling Campaign

This month Green Drinks heard Muireann O'Dea from the Dublin Cycling Campaign tell us why cycling is good for both you AND the environment, what the Dublin Cycling Campaign has been doing on the behalf of cyclists for the last 20 years, and new initiatives that will make cycling in Dublin even better!

The Dublin Cycling Campaign is an independent voluntary lobby group that has been campaigning for a decade and a half to make Dublin city a better place for cyclists. Among their campaigns are for 30km/h speed limits between the canals, as international research shows that lower speeds are a major factor in increasing road safety; much better enforcement of existing laws on speeding and dangerous driving, with a much greater garda presence; and cycle-friendly traffic calming measures, such as ramps and barriers that can be bypassed by cyclists. The campaign also wants redesign of large junctions where 75% of accidents occur, and the provision of more cycle lanes that conform to best practice. Some of the cycle lanes provided at the moment are substandard and actually worse than nothing because they provide no additional safety at all, but can lull riders into a false sense of security. Cycle lanes on footpaths are also unacceptable as they make conditions worse for cyclists and pedestrians.

The campaign has achieved some notable successes, such as restrictions on heavy vehicles in the city centre, better public bicycle parking provision in the city centre, and the establishment of the cycle forum for Dublin City. The Dublin Cycling campaign also works to promote the benefits of cycling to the public, trying to get across not only the environmental and health benefits, but  that cycling can be incredibly cool and stylish!

Dublin Cycling Campaign Logo

On Yer Bike!