[Article] Transport plan to be published

Gavin

irishtimes.com wrote:

THE MINISTER for Transport Noel Dempsey has said that he will begin immediate implementation of the National Cycle Policy Framework, which is published today. [....]

The new cycling policy, which complements the National Sustainable Transport Plan, contains 109 individual actions to encourage a greater uptake of cycling.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0420/1224245022965.html

Must have a look for the actual policy

Victor

http://www.transport.ie/pressRelease.aspx?Id=85

Press Release and Document

kenmc

If it looks to good to be true, it usually is. This all looks too be good to be true

scottreynolds

kenmc wrote: »

If it looks to good to be true, it usually is. This all looks too be good to be true

But the government said it, it must be true.

ednwireland

yeh and the town i live in has no bike racks !!! maybe they should start there

Raam

I welcome this news.

However...
no mention of repealing that shoddy mandatory cycle track usage law.

Update: there is actually a very positive mention

Caroline_ie

transport.ie wrote: »

Increase cycling’s share of the total travel market, from 2% to 10%

Surely that should be the 'Result' not the 'Proposition'. If all the changes are successfully implemented then there 'should' be an increase in bike usage.





by 2020 ... i will be old

monument

There's a lot to be positive about here. Say, if all that came from this was just part of the policy of bicycles being allowed on public transport off-peak (ie Dart/Metro/Luas/Dublin Bus -- the latter being a trial according the document), then that's still a massive move in the right direction compared to where we are now.

On the other hand the Department of Transport email mentions:

"A National Bike Week running from 14 to 21 June as a key awareness raising event - further details of this event will be announced in the coming weeks"

...If this turns into a safety promotion week rather than cycling promotion week, I'll have quickly lost faith in much of the document.

Some of the main points / goals include:

• - "Move 160,000 people a day to work by bike; an increase of 125,000 people"
  
• - "Increase cycling’s share of the total travel market, from 2% to 10%"
  
• - "Investment of €3 million in refurbishment of key cycle routes in Dublin City"
  
• - "Improved maintenance of road surfaces used by cyclists" (with a proposed hotline -- but I'd be ringing about a lot of my journey)
  
• - allowing bicycles on city trains and trams, and trial US-like buses racks (see pages 29-30)
  
• - "Work on the flagship Sutton to Sandycove Cycle Route will be advanced"
  
• - "Provision of municipally-run public bike schemes in cities over 100,000 population"
  
• - "Support for provision of secure parking for bikes in appropriate locations, including public spaces, public transport stations etc"
  
• - "Initial legislative changes to facilitate safer cycling and a new Sustainable Travel and Transport Bill will contain further key legislative support for cycling"
  
• - "A new approach to the design of urban roads to better recognise the needs of cyclists and pedestrians (putting people not vehicles first)"

Caroline_ie

monument wrote: »

On the other hand the Department of Transport email mentions:

"A National Bike Week running from 14 to 21 June as a key awareness raising event - further details of this event will be announced in the coming weeks"

Was there not a 'no car day' not long ago? Or was it a no smoking day ...

Chips Lovell

monument wrote: »

If this turns into a safety promotion week rather than cycling promotion week, I'll have quickly lost faith in much of the document.

Free high-viz jackets for all! Yay!

Chips Lovell

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Was there not a 'no car day' not long ago? Or was it a no smoking day ...

Car free day was cancelled as far as I remember.

Chips Lovell

An interesting admission:

We acknowledge that the designs of many of the roundabouts,
one-way street systems and off-road cycle tracks that have been
constructed over the last number of years are not cyclist friendly.

Chips Lovell

OK, champagne being uncorked here:

15.4 Mandatory Use Regulation
We will revoke the Statutory Instrument that requires cyclists
to use cycle tracks where they are provided - Road Traffic
(Traffic and Parking) Amendment Regulations, S.I. No. 274 (1998).
This regulation is unsatisfactory for a number of reasons:
(i) it is clear that the cycling infrastructure that has been constructed
to date is often of a poor standard and is poorly maintained, and
cyclists are required to use it;
(ii) it can force cyclists to be on cycle tracks and (when they are planning
on continuing straight ahead) to be on the inside of left-turning
vehicles, including Heavy Goods Vehicles;
(iii) if a group of cyclists (on a weekend cycle for example) is using a road
with an off-road cycle-track alongside it, then they are required to use
it – which is not practicable.

Raam

My Name is Big Mario wrote: »

OK, champagne being uncorked here:

Awesome! I was just getting to that section

Chips Lovell

Fair enough. Something has to be done about bad cyclists:

15.6 On the Spot Fines
We will extend on the spot fines to infringements by cyclists.

Chips Lovell

More promised enforcement:

16.2 Enforcement of Other Traffic Laws
We will examine and highlight the barriers preventing an effective
enforcement regime for other traffic offences that affect cyclist safety.
For example,
(i) dangerous driving in (urban) areas;
(ii) cyclists running red lights;
(iii) illegal parking on cycle tracks;
(iv) motor-bikes using bus-lanes etc.
This study will link with the wider Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012

MadHatter

"A National Bike Week running from 14 to 21 June as a key awareness raising event - further details of this event will be announced in the coming weeks"

It may be that I'm old and cynical, but I get the impression this will consist of a couple of photoshoots (minister, couple of models wearing lycra shorts & yellow jerseys, and maybe a bike) followed with a half page spread in the newspapers the following day. Throw in a couple of press conferences with plenty of talk of Ireland becoming a cycling utopia. And finally everyone slapping themselves on the back for a job well done.

I'd love to be proved wrong though...

Raam

My Name is Mario wrote: »

Fair enough. Something has to be done about bad cyclists:

No complaints here about that, until such time as I get stung by it... in which case... "**mumble grumble** have the Garda got nuttin better to do... go catch some real criminals, ** it was only slightly red **mumble grumble **"

Chips Lovell

MadHatter wrote: »

It may be that I'm old and cynical, but I get the impression this will consist of a couple of photoshoots (minister, couple of models wearing lycra shorts & yellow jerseys, and maybe a bike) followed with a half page spread in the newspapers the following day. Throw in a couple of press conferences with plenty of talk of Ireland becoming a cycling utopia. And finally everyone slapping themselves on the back for a job well done.

Sounds like you've organised one of these National [Insert Issue] Awareness Weeks before.

Caroline_ie

transport.ie wrote: »

(iii) illegal parking on cycle tracks;

I'd to see the end of the 'cycle lane only between 7 and 10 & 5 and 6, monday to friday ' in some suburbs like in Rathmines I think.

monument

The section on bringing bicycles on public transport is interisting. I'm surprised by the inclusion of Luas and Dublin Bus, but there's a lot of questions... how long will this take? ...will it be free like some cities? etc

8.4 Bicycles and Intercity Rail
We will ensure that intercity trains have proper provision for the carriage of cycles over and above the currently proposed “maximum of 2 bikes per train”. This may require the retrofitting of rolling stock with flip-up seats. We will ensure that the specification of all rolling stock not yet ordered provides for the carriage of bikes.
DoT + Iarnród Éireann

8.5 Bicycles and Sub-Urban Rail
We will permit the carriage of bikes on DART and other suburban rail services at off-peak times and on counter peak services at peak hour, following a more detailed study which will recommend suitable devices / facilities for the proper restraining of bikes on the trains. This will include all future Metro plans in Dublin (or anywhere else they may be planned).
DoT + Iarnród Éireann + RPA

8.6 Bicycles and LUAS
We will provide for the carriage of bikes on LUAS when services
are of a frequency and at a capacity that allows for it. i.e. when it is considered possible to carry bikes on carriages when they do not interfere with the capacity for pedestrians.
DoT + RPA

8.7 Bicycles and Intercity Buses
We will examine the existing conditions of carriage of bikes on
intercity buses – both public and private – and develop specific
policies to improve the service. This will include having operators provide clear information on the conditions of carriage of bikes.
DoT, Bus Éireann + private operators

8.8 Bicycles on Urban Bus Services
We will support the development of a pilot project for the carriage of bikes on urban bus services comparable to what is currently used on buses in Canada and US
DoT and Dublin Bus

Vélo

Look what I started

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055543413

Chips Lovell

Aquinas73 wrote: »

Look what I started

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055543413

That'a bit trollish now isn't it.

monument

Caroline_ie wrote: »

I'd to see the end of the 'cycle lane only between 7 and 10 & 5 and 6, monday to friday ' in some suburbs like in Rathmines I think.

That seams to be one of the key missing elements of the policy.

The section on enforcement mentions "illegal parking on cycle tracks", but as most of us know here legal parking -- on or too close to a cycle track/lane -- is often just as big of a problem. If not a larger problem. In the section on traffic management it talks about "on-street parking restrictions;" and best international standards is mentioned too, but that's very vague even for a policy document when the matter is currently seen as a large problem.

Hopefully scraping the limited times on many cycle lanes is also something which is taken seriously.

Vélo

My Name is Mario wrote: »

That'a bit trollish now isn't it.

I did go on expecting someone to have put it up already, so I decided to get the ball rolling.

blorg

Big Dick wrote: »

That'a bit trollish now isn't it.

Trollish would be if he posted huffing and puffing over there about "bloody cyclists" and the amount he pays in "road tax"... he admits he is a cyclist and is only looking to get some feedback.

I'm really very pleased about this one in particular, whatever about the other measures in the document implementing this is simply a matter for Dempsey to revoke the SI... Does not involve persuading other parties etc. etc. can be done with a stroke of the pen. Now I just hope he does it quickly before the government collapses.

Will need to be some communication with motorists who like to threaten cyclists for not riding on the cycle track.

Lumen

Such reasonable initiatives can mean only one thing....

A general election before they get passed.

Hoorah for the cycle lane thing. If this goes on the books I promise never to be witnessed breaking a red light.

rottenhat

Lumen wrote: »

I promise never to be witnessed breaking a red light.

Your careful choice of words duly noted.

lukester

Lumen wrote: »

If this goes on the books I promise never to be witnessed breaking a red light.

If the cops didn’t see it, I didn’t do it!
~ George Carlin

Chips Lovell

blorg wrote: »

Trollish would be if he posted huffing and puffing over there about "bloody cyclists" and the amount he pays in "road tax"... he admits he is a cyclist and is only looking to get some feedback.

I'm really very pleased about this one in particular, whatever about the other measures in the document implementing this is simply a matter for Dempsey to revoke the SI... Does not involve persuading other parties etc. etc. can be done with a stroke of the pen. Now I just hope he does it quickly before the government collapses.

Will need to be some communication with motorists who like to threaten cyclists for not riding on the cycle track.

I was only ribbing him.

I'm with you on this one. It's one of the best bits of news cyclists have gotten in years.

And yes, I'm going to have some interesting conversations with those motorists who feel obliged to lecture me on what they think cyclists should be doing (which are usually taxi drivers).

Karma

looks good... will wait and see. The George Carlin quote is a countrywide thing.

Caroline_ie

Today FM - Matt Cooper is discussing it today from 4.30 to 7.00 ... not sure exactly when though.

Karma

Maybe they should just look at other counties(any & everyone has done it better)
http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/
Loved cycling in Toronto

Bunnyhopper

I've just had a quick scan of this report, and, while it's sometimes vague in the way that you'd expect a of broad policy document, my overall impression is positive.

I'm delighted about the proposal to overturn the SI on mandatory use. That's probably the single best thing in it and I hope they do it as soon as possible.

Bunnyhopper

Also, where can we get training as cycling instructors? Looks like it might be one of the few growth industries in the country...

Húrin

MadHatter wrote: »

It may be that I'm old and cynical, but I get the impression this will consist of a couple of photoshoots (minister, couple of models wearing lycra shorts & yellow jerseys, and maybe a bike) followed with a half page spread in the newspapers the following day. Throw in a couple of press conferences with plenty of talk of Ireland becoming a cycling utopia. And finally everyone slapping themselves on the back for a job well done.

I'd love to be proved wrong though...

I heard about this from the Dublin Cycling Campaign a while ago. I intend to set up 'camp' in various suburbs and offer FREE bike maintenance. So many people have bikes with just a puncture, a broken spoke or worn out brakes, but they don't know how to fix these so they don't use the bike.

I could use tools on loan from local bike shops. I hope that shops will be able to see that while I might take some business away from them on that day, in the long run it is likely to create more business for them.

Seems like a good way to promote cycling.

Redjeep!

Listened to the Matt Cooper program yesterday and after the cycing discussion there were a few texts from motorists all reinstating the usual stereotypes.

'cyclists don't pay roadtax'
'they never use the cycle paths, even when they've been built at great expense'
'It's all their own fault'

Ah...took me back to many of the threads we've seen here really....

kenmc

WhatsMyNameAgain? wrote: »

those motorists who feel obliged to lecture me on what they think cyclists should be doing (which are usually taxi drivers).

Just tell them you work for the carriage office and will have them struck off for not knowing the rules of the road

dave2pvd

I wonder what cycling advocacy group was consulted in the formation of this document? There are insights contained within that are unusually perceptive, i.e. originated by cyclists.

Raam

dave2pvd wrote: »

I wonder what cycling advocacy group was consulted in the formation of this document? There are insights contained within that are unusually perceptive, i.e. originated by cyclists.

Maybe they read boards?

lukester

There was some transport initiative recently that had an online form you could fill in with your wishes/opinions regarding what would make for better transport. There was a good bit on cycling I seem to remember.

Don't know if they were used for this. I know I used it for a good rant.

blorg

Redjeep! wrote: »

Listened to the Matt Cooper program yesterday and after the cycing discussion there were a few texts from motorists all reinstating the usual stereotypes.

Hope they weren't texting while driving

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

Maybe they read boards?

It has crossed my mind.

rottenhat

I don't know about this in particular, but I met a chap on a spin recently who does work on cycle facilities for the Corpo and he does indeed read (but not post on) this forum. I wasn't able to persuade him to out himself...wise man.

NeilMcEoigheann

rottenhat wrote: »

I don't know about this in particular, but I met a chap on a spin recently who does work on cycle facilities for the Corpo and he does indeed read (but not post on) this forum. I wasn't able to persuade him to out himself...wise man.

i met the same guy on dame st. who told me that he was responsible for cycle tracks after which he apologised,

SerialComplaint

7.3 Existing Developments
We will encourage employers to provide cycling parking facilities
at existing developments.

There is a big missed opportunity here to take this further. Basic facilities such as showers and locker space should be mandatory under building regulations for new offices/factories. This will encourage cycling and walking, and other generally healthy activities (like those who want to go for a run at lunchtime etc). Pity they didn't take this angle further.

DBCyc

SerialComplaint wrote: »

There is a big missed opportunity here to take this further. Basic facilities such as showers and locker space should be mandatory under building regulations for new offices/factories. This will encourage cycling and walking, and other generally healthy activities (like those who want to go for a run at lunchtime etc). Pity they didn't take this angle further.

I think that most local authorities will condition a developer to provide showers and changing facilities for new offices at planning permission stage nowadays.

However, it would be useful if their policy on encouraging existing employers to provide showers, changing rooms and secure bike parking at workplaces was by way of a grant for companies to install these facilities.

monument

monument wrote: »

That seams to be one of the key missing elements of the policy.

The section on enforcement mentions "illegal parking on cycle tracks", but as most of us know here legal parking -- on or too close to a cycle track/lane -- is often just as big of a problem. If not a larger problem. In the section on traffic management it talks about "on-street parking restrictions;" and best international standards is mentioned too, but that's very vague even for a policy document when the matter is currently seen as a large problem.

Hopefully scraping the limited times on many cycle lanes is also something which is taken seriously.

The rejection today for plans of a full-time bus gate at College Green speaks for it self in terms of how much political will there is in Dublin City Council to do anything which may be seen as against motorists. The plan has now been scaled back to three hours in both the morning and evening peak hours.

And from the drawing I saw, the plans were mild.

fenris

George Hook had quite a bit to say yesterday, he even committed to giving cycling to work from Foxrock a go and that he would report back on the condition of the cycle lanes. He also engouraged other cyclists to do the same and report in on badly maintained / planned cycle lanes.

irishmotorist

I love the idea of this one...though it's committing to nothing. It's a nice politicians answer for something that exists but will never happen here.

5.4 Off-road Cycle Track Maintenance
We will encourage use by local authorities of special equipment to
maintain / sweep off-road cycle tracks / cycleways. This could include
the purchase of vehicles with in-built GPS systems which note the
exact location of potholes etc. and which automatically relay this
information back to the roads authority maintenance section
(such as the system used in Odense, Denmark).

SerialComplaint

DBCyc wrote: »

I think that most local authorities will condition a developer to provide showers and changing facilities for new offices at planning permission stage nowadays.

Got any examples of where these conditions have been applied?

However, it would be useful if their policy on encouraging existing employers to provide showers, changing rooms and secure bike parking at workplaces was by way of a grant for companies to install these facilities.

Grants - you gotta be joking. Why grants for basic facilities like this? Do you expect grants for providing wheelchair accessibility? Or for environmental insulation? Or for fire safety? There is no justification for MORE grants to property developers.