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Cycling mentions in Dublin City Council meetings for 2009
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13-01-2010 12:28am#1Cycling related mentions from the minutes of Dublin City Council meetings in 2009 up to October. Minutes for meetings after that are not online yet for some reason?5/01/2009
Q20. COUNCILLOR EDIE WYNNE
Could the Manager establish what steps are being taken to ensure that cyclists do not cycle on footpaths in a way that causes pedestrians to feel unsafe?
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
Cyclists are prohibited from cycling on or across a footpath other than where a cycle track is provided on the footpath. Where a cycle track is provided on the footpath the cyclist must use it and should not cycle on the pedestrian only area of the footpath. It is solely a matter for the Gardaí to enforce compliance with the Road Traffic legislation, other than parking violations.
Good reply from the city manager given the law etc. And while political interference in policing would not be a good thing, maybe this shows a missing link of communication between the council and the police which needs to be filled?5/01/2009
Q63. COUNCILLOR ANDREW MONTAGUE
Will the Manager put a sign on the footpath near 22 Mobhi Road indicating that there should be no cycling on the path? Most of the cyclists are heading north, using the footpath as a shortcut.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
It is illegal to cycle on a footpath outside of designated cycle lanes. Therefore, an information sign to this effect is not recommended as this could lead to proliferation of signage.
Very strange to see a councillor with knowledge of cycling such as Andrew Montague asking such a question.
Why?
Because poor cycle lane and road design promotes this happening.
The poorly designed and very short cycle lane on the footpath heading towards Ballymun stops at a crossing in some kind of weird attempt to get cyclists to cross there and use the substandard two-way cycle path (without legal markings, uses the shared marking ped/cyclist sign) on the other side of the road. It's too small of footpath a cycle track, never mind two-way track. By the old standards it's a joke, by the new standards it's unthinkable.
It's poor, illogical design. It puts cyclists on what is really an on-footpath cycle track, then it asks them to go to an even poorer cycle track on the other side of the road. I don't condone cycling on footpaths in general, but the footpath does not change at this point, if cyclists can cycle safety where there is just a painted surface separating them and people walking then they can cycle further on just as safety.
The other side of the road (heading south, towards town) has a bus lane marked with a non-legal bus-only sign which has the cyclist part of the sign painted out [the only place I'm told cyclists are actually excluded from bus lanes by law is contra flow bus lanes].
Heading north a bit before this section of road is also a prime example where cyclists are redirected off the main route but most cyclists continue to use the main route. I use the other bit of the route just because I think it's nicer to cycle, but most others go straight on.5/01/2009
Q12. COUNCILLOR DECLAN FLANAGAN
Are there any plans for more advertising JC Decaux signs around Dublin City? How much revenue have these signs brought in to Dublin City Council in the last 6 months, what portion of revenue does Dublin City Council keep and what amount is paid to a third party, can you provide me with a report on same?
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
JCDecaux have received planning permission from Dublin City Council for 72 no. signs, a mix of Metropanels and Metropoles (larger signs), at various locations around the City. To date, 56 no. of these signs have been erected. No revenue accrues to the City Council from these advertising signs. However, for the next 15 years, the City Council has free use of 38 no. faces for the provision of civic information. Since September 2008 this Civic Information Network has been used for monthly campaigns advertising the City Council’s services including green water, sports and recreation, culture and voter registration.
In addition to the Civic Information Network, the Outdoor Advertising and Public Amenities contract agreement between JCDecaux and Dublin City Council provides for the following public amenities:
(i) Bike Scheme, comprising 40 no. stations and 450 bicycles
(ii) Wayfinding Scheme to the value of €4m
(iii) Removal of existing 48 sheet billboards
No of stations / bikes changed slightly.02/02/2009
Q31. COUNCILLOR RUAIRI MCGINLEY
To ask the Manager to check no cycling sign at Milltown Viaduct on Dodder
cycle way.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
The area at the Luas Viaduct over the River Dodder at Milltown was
examined and there is no evidence of a no cycling sign present. The existing
Milltown Road under the viaduct has dedicated cycleways on the carriageway
on both sides. On the opposite side of the river in the Dun Laoghaire/
Rathdown area, there is a dedicated cycleway adjacent to the footpath on
Patrick Doyle Road. There is also a pedestrian footpath provided in the park
area adjacent to the river, which runs behind the Shangarry apartments and
under the viaduct towards Classon’s Bridge. If the Councillor is requesting a
no cycling sign to be erected at this location, the matter will be referred to the
Cycling Officer for examination.
I think this may have been mentioned here at the time?02/02/2009
Motion No. 48
Francis Street should be included for environmental improvement works. TAG should as a matter of priority carry out a study of this street with a view to installing a cycle lane and improving pedestrian safety and quality of life.
Report
Dublin City Council is committed to improving the public realm throughout the Liberties area. As part of its public realm strategy the DLAP has identified a number of key streets, which it deems to be in need to public realm and environmental improvement works. Francis Street is one of these and in Section 6.5.4 of the plan – Public Realm Improvements the following environmental improvements are recommended for Francis Street:
• Provide a pedestrian orientated realm, wider pavements where possible and easier
street crossings using stone paved spaced table.
• Stone paved sidewalks throughout.
• Plant semi-mature trees where possible and provide places to sit and rest in regular
intervals.
• Provide public art/accentuating lighting to highlight gateways into the Liberties area
such as Swifts Alley.
Although there are a number of key objectives to improve the cycling environment contained in the Movement Strategy of the plan it is recommended to insert an objective to this regard into the Public Realm section to highlight its importance to the Francis Street area.
Recommendation
Add the following objective to Section 6.5.4 – Public Realm Improvements – Francis Street:
• Explore the potential for a cycle lane on the street in accordance with the City
Council’s Cycle Strategy.2/03/2009
59. It was proposed by Councillor P Crimmins and seconded by Councillor G Breen “That the City Council ask the Manager in the interest of cycle safety if cycle helmets could be made compulsory for all?” The motion was put and defeated.
And this was mentioned here before.
2/03/2009
62. It was proposed by Councillor A Montague and seconded by Councillor D Heney “Will the Manager instruct the HR department to introduce the new Cycle to Work Scheme that was announced in last year’s budget. Dublin City Council should be leading the way in encouraging staff to cycle to work, and also while out and about working” The motion was put and carried.
This goes on...2/03/2009
Q44. COUNCILLOR LARRY O’TOOLE
To ask the Manager to give a full report on, and planning history of the Sutton to Sandymount cycleway project.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
It is Dublin City Council policy to support the development of the S2S project as set out in the DCC Development Plan in Sect. 7.5.0 and Objective RO8. Accordingly it was decided to have a Feasibility Report and Preliminary Design Report commissioned for each of two sections, one on the northside from the Bull Wall to the Bull Island Causeway and the other on the south side from Sean Moore Park to the boundary with Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council. This latter section was also extended to include the section to East Pier Dun Laoghaire, by arrangement with DLRCC. Both sections are also considered to be critical in relation to flood defence requirements and this will be addressed as part of the S2S Project.
The current status is that the Preliminary Design Report on the northside section was completed in late 2007 and it was decided to proceed to the Planning and Environmental Impact Statement stages. It is currently proposed to formally submit the EIS to An Bord Pleanála in the second quarter of 2009.
In relation to the southside section, the Preliminary Design Report has just been received by Dublin City Council and is being considered. It is intended to make
More details on this in my blog post. And more below...2/03/2009
Q.62 COUNCILLOR BRONWEN MAHER
In the interest of supporting sustainable transport options for City Council employees and to compliment our Climate Change Strategy can the Manager introduce the tax break cycle to work scheme for City Council employees as soon as possible? Also if there are barriers to introducing this scheme can the Manager outline what these are?
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
The introduction of the “Cycle to Work” Scheme, announced in the 2008 National Budget, is currently being examined by the Council’s Human Resources Department in liaison with the Roads & Traffic Department, in the context of the recently announced Workplace Travel Plan.
The feasibility of the introduction of the scheme is being considered having regard to the financial constraints facing the Council at present. As a first step, the level of interest in this scheme will be established, by way of a staff survey.
In relation to the financial and procedural arrangements necessitated by this new scheme, no provision was made in the Council’s 2009 Budget for such a scheme, which was only announced by Central Government in October 2008.
And on...6/04/2009
Q.123 COUNCILLOR ANDREW MONTAGUE
1. Will the Manager address the following concerns of the residents at Hampstead Avenue: (a) Remove a bicycle frame which has been locked to a sign post for over 9 months now on a public footpath...
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
(a) On inspection of Hampstead Avenue on the 1st of April 2009 there was no
bicycle locked to any pole...
...11/05/2009
82. It was proposed by Councillor A Montague and seconded by L O’Toole “That the New National Cycle Policy Framework sets a target of 10% of all journeys to be by bike by 2020. In order to meet this national target, Dublin's model share for cycling will have to greatly exceed 10%. This will require a radical change to transport policy in Dublin. As part of this change, this council stipulates that all council road engineers and any engineer wishing to tender for a council road contract should be required to have taken an approved cycling skills course, together with a course on cycling friendly infrastructure design. This Council shall also write to the Gardai to request that senior Gardaí charged with traffic duty in Dublin also take an approved cycling course to ensure they have a greater understanding of the need to enforce the rules of the road to protect the increasing numbers of cyclists in the city” The motion was put and carried.
Sounds good. But is this happening?11/05/2009
Q.60 COUNCILLOR MARY O’SHEA
To ask the Manager to arrange for the realignment of the cycle path on Drumcondra Road opposite Fagan’s Public House to provide that it runs behind and not in front of the bus shelter.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
The Area Traffic Team will investigate this matter and a report will be issued directly to the Councillor
Was is the cycle track not on the road here?11/05/2009
Q.76 COUNCILLOR SEÁN KENNY
To ask the Manager to say when the governments Cycle to Work scheme, which provides a subsidy for the purchase of a bicycle will be implemented by Dublin City Council.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
Dublin City Council is currently developing a scheme for the purchase of bicycles by staff under the Government’s incentive scheme. It is hoped to have this scheme in operation by the end of June 2009.
,,, and this ends here.11/05/2009
Q.93 COUNCILLOR BRONWEN MAHER
To ask the City Manager to investigate the possibility of the Parks Department ensuring that cycle access to Fairview Park is facilitated from early morning. In particular to arrange for the gate into Fairview Park near Westwood to be opened outside regular park hours to facilitate the many people who cycle through the park to work; can I also suggest that the Parks Department and the Cycling Officer liaise on this matter?
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY:
When the cycleway was introduced to Fairview Park, it was decided that one entrance of the park would be left open at the eastern end of the park and one entrance on the western end to facilitate connection of the cycleway in the park with the cycleway adjacent to the public path outside the park, and to keep to a minimum open access to the park after dark. The open gate access for the western end is at Annesley Bridge, and the access opposite Malahide Road is the eastern end access. It is considered that, as the latter is less than 100m from the Clontarf end entrance to the park and as there is a cycleway adjacent to the public footpath with public lighting, that the use of that access adequately meets the needs of cyclists in this area. The Parks & Landscape Services Division will contact the Cycle Officer regarding this matter.
...6/06/2009
Q.115 COUNCILLOR EDIE WYNNE
That consideration be given to a review of the use of the loading bay on Dunville Ave to include:
• Its location
• Hours of use as a loading bay
• To include facilities for parking bicycles at this location
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
The Area Traffic Engineer will contact the Councillor directly to discuss this issue
...6/06/2009
Q.133 COUNCILLOR EOGHAN MURPHY
To ask the Manager if he could supply the number and location of designated public bicycle parking points in the Ranelagh area and the maximum number of bicycles that can be parked at each location, and whether or not there are plans to introduce new parking points given the over-reliance of cyclists on lampposts and other such posts (which causes an obstruction to pedestrians).
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
Roads and Traffic Department are currently surveying the location, number and condition of cycle stands across the city. The survey of the area within the canals has almost been completed. When the full survey results are available it is intended to apply to the Dublin Transportation Office for funding to expand cycle parking facilities as identified in the survey.
This is on going I guess.6/06/2009
Q.134 COUNCILLOR JOHN GALLAGHER
To ask the City Manager if he will investigate why a venue (details supplied) does not have any bicycle parking despite its location, its recent renovation and Local and National policies promoting sustainable transport; and if he will maker a statement on this matter.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
A report has been provided to the Councillor.
Sounds like the 02?6/06/2009
Q.149 COUNCILLOR DAMIAN O’FARRELL
Please provide details of Dublin City Council’s plans to provide more bicycle lanes and improve existing lanes in the City to encourage citizens to use their own bicycles and / or the new Dublin City Council bicycle scheme.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
Dublin City Council’s Cycle Forum meets monthly to discuss and develop policy in relation to the promotion of cycling generally in Dublin City. The enhancement and development of the city’s existing bicycle lane network has been identified as an important measure in encouraging members of the public to cycle. Ongoing work in this regard will be subject to the availability of funding. The Department of Transport has indicated recently the availability of finance for the development of the City Centre section of the proposed Sandycove to Sutton bicycle route. This will entail examination and identification of a suitable route from the north strand to the north docks. At present, South Dublin County Council/ESB/Inlands Waterways are collaborating on development of a cycle route along the Grand Canal between 12th Lock, Adamstown, and Inchicore, and are also examining continuation of the route into the city.
At this stage it is expected that the Dublin City Bike Scheme will commence in September 2009. This will consist of forty bicycle stations around the City with 450 bicycles available to members of the public on appropriate registration. This scheme will operate from 5.00 am to 12.30 am, 7 days a week.
...6/07/2009
Q.20 COUNCILLOR OISÍN QUINN
Can the Manager clarify the funding arrangements in place in relation to the Sutton to Sandycove cycle route and the current expected timescale for the rollout of the S2S?
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
The Sutton to Sandycove Promenade and Cycleway is a proposal to have a continuous off road world class public open space and coastal promenade including pedestrian facilities, cycling facility and flood defence (as identified in Coastal Zone risk study 2002-2004), stretching for 22km from Sutton in Fingal around Dublin Bay to Sandycove in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.
In the Dublin City area the project is composed of 3 separate phases:
• Phase One at Dollymount
• Phase Two at Sandymount
• Phase 3 the City Centre Section linking Phases 1 and 2
Since the original S2S concept was first mooted and studied by the Dublin Region Authority (concept stage), Dublin City Council produced Coastal Flood Protection proposals in 2005. The Two phases of S2S (Phase 1 and Phase 2) are in areas where a need for increased coastal flood protection has been identified. The S2S project addresses the need for coastal flood protection as identified in Coastal studies.
From the Fingal border on the north side, there is an existing promenade and cycleway over much of the route constructed by Dublin City Council in the early 90’s as identified by the Lord Mayor’s commission on Cycling.
Phase One (The Dollymount Promenade and Flood Protection Project) fills in a 2km gap at Bull Island. This will result in 10km of continuous promenade and cycleway when completed. Phase 1 is at detailed design and planning stage and an EIS was lodged with An Bord Pleanála on 29th June 2009. The requirement to protect the environment strongly influences design solutions.
The City Centre section Phase 3 (along existing streets from Alfie Byrne Road to the North Wall Quays) is being advanced through the design phase at present to link in with cycling facilities proposed in conjunction with the Samuel Beckett Bridge being commissioned in 2010.
Phase Two extends from Sean Moore Park in Ringsend to East Pier Dun Laoghaire a distance of 8.5km. A Preliminary Design Report was carried out on behalf of Dublin City Council and Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council. Approximately 2.4 km of this proposal lies within the City boundary. Dublin City Council and Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council will have further discussions as to how best to progress this project beyond the Preliminary Design Phase.
In relation to funding, the April 2009 National Cycling Strategy states that it is Government Policy to complete the overall S2S within the lifetime of the Strategy, i.e. by 2020. To date approximately €3m of Government funding has been assigned to the section from Alfie Byrne Road to the North Wall for the years 2009 and 2010. Various discussions with the Department of Transport and OPW (National Funding Agency for Flood Protection) are ongoing in relation to funding for the other sections, which can be developed in phases to tie in with available funding from 2010. A further report will issue following consideration of the EIS by An Bord Pleanála and in the context of 2010-2012 budgets.
...6/07/2009
Q.21 COUNCILLOR OISÍN QUINN
Can the Manager contact the Gardai, Dublin Bus, Aircoach and other licensed coach operators within the City and the Irish Road Haulage Association to firstly ask the Gardai to make every effort to enforce the rules of the road and the legislative provisions that prohibit dangerous overtaking [see SI No. 182 of 1997, Section 10] particularly in relation to Buses, Coaches and large vehicles overtaking cyclists and to secondly notify Dublin Bus, Aircoach, the Bus/Coach operators and the IRHA of this request to the Gardai and to ask them to notify their drivers and members of the importance of respecting the safety of cyclists particularly when overtaking.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
A copy of this request will be forwarded to the organisations listed, including the Private Association of Motor Bus Owners (PAMBO).
...
6/07/2009
Q.149 COUNCILLOR DAMIAN O’FARRELL
Please provide details of Dublin City Council’s plans to provide more bicycle lanes and improve existing lanes in the City to encourage citizens to use their own bicycles and / or the new Dublin City Council bicycle scheme.
APPENDIX A: MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 6th JULY 2009
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
Dublin City Council’s Cycle Forum meets monthly to discuss and develop policy in relation to the promotion of cycling generally in Dublin City. The enhancement and development of the city’s existing bicycle lane network has been identified as an important measure in encouraging members of the public to cycle. Ongoing work in this regard will be subject to the availability of funding. The Department of Transport has indicated recently the availability of finance for the development of the City Centre section of the proposed Sandycove to Sutton bicycle route. This will entail examination and identification of a suitable route from the north strand to the north docks. At present, South Dublin County Council/ESB/Inlands Waterways are collaborating on development of a cycle route along the Grand Canal between 12th Lock, Adamstown, and Inchicore, and are also examining continuation of the route into the city.
At this stage it is expected that the Dublin City Bike Scheme will commence in September 2009. This will consist of forty bicycle stations around the City with 450 bicycles available to members of the public on appropriate registration. This scheme will operate from 5.00 am to 12.30 am, 7 days a week.
...20/07/2009
MOVEMENT AND TRANSPORT
78 Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí
That the Dublin City Development Plan contains a specific objective for the
provision of a 20km “no excuse” cycling zone around the City Centre, modelled on
the successful Sydney model.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
Councillor Larry O’Toole
That adequate cycling facilities be provided in the Dublin City Development Plan.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
80 Councillor Nial Ring
That it is policy of Dublin City Council while encouraging use of cycle lanes to
ensure that cyclists are aware of pedestrians and their safety.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
81 Councillor Christy Burke
That the City Development Plan advocate and promote extension of cycle lanes in
the City of Dublin.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
82 Councillor Oisín Quinn
That the City Development Plan should, as part of an effort to link up dedicated
safe cycle ways/pedestrian routes seek to create dedicated spaces on the public
roadway, if necessary using existing road space reserved for bus lanes, to connect
the grid of safe cycle routes to each other and to the City Centre and that these
dedicated cycle ways/pedestrian routes on the public roadway should be
separated from the traffic by a hard margin (allowing for gaps to allow vehicular
access for delivery/collections).
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
83 Councillor Oisín Quinn
That the City Development Plan fully commit to creating a grid of dedicated safe
cycle ways/pedestrian routes in the City in particular along the Tolka and Dodder
Rivers along the Royal and Grand Canals and the Sutton to Sandycove (S2S)
route.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
84 Councillor Andrew Montague
That the Dublin City Development Plan develops a connected network of off-road,
or highly traffic-calmed cycling routes including the S2S cycle routes; upgraded
cycling routes along the canals; and further routes yet to be identified.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
85 Councillor Edie Wynne
That Dublin City Council adopt as its policy the development of dedicated cycle
lanes in close proximity to existing and proposed light rail lines.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
86 Councillor Andrew Montague
That the Dublin City Development Plan fully commits to implementation of Ireland's
National Cycle Policy Framework. This framework states that 10% of all journeys
in Ireland shall be by bike by 2020. If this target is to be achieved, Dublin will have
to have a greater modal share than 10%. This Development Plan will work to a
strategy of achieving 20% of all journeys by bike in Dublin by 2020.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
87 Councillor Andrew Montague
That the Dublin City Development Plan improves parking facilities for cyclists
throughout the city: in apartments; public buildings; commercial buildings; public
transport stations; and car parks. Cycle parking needs to be easy to access, close
to entrances, overlooked for security and the cycle stands themselves must be
designed to be easy to use and secure.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
88 Councillor Eoghan Murphy
That as part of the Development Plan process, the City Council commits itself to
reviewing the type of surfacing used for cycle paths and cycle ways; to identifying
the most appropriate traffic signage for cycle routes and introducing said signage
over the period of the plan; to reviewing the type of parking facilities provided in
key areas with a view to providing protected, safer and more efficient parking; to
examining the possibility of a new way of demarcating cycle paths where they
share carriageways with other vehicle users (e.g. miniature cat’s eyes); and, to
creating alternative designated cycle routes to those on main traffic thoroughfares
where possible.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
89 Councillor Rebecca Moynihan
Dublin City Council commits to making the City more cycle and pedestrian friendly.
This will be achieved though the provision of good quality safe cycle network in the
City. DCC will also ensure that citizens will have open well-lit walking routes to
ensure easy walking access in the city.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
90 Councillor Eoghan Murphy
That as part of the drafting process, special attention is paid to increasing ease of
use of public/pedestrian/cycle travel when moving across the city (east to west), in
particular south of the Canal.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
91 Councillor Rebecca Moynihan
Dublin City Council will ensure that city centre is easy to navigate for walkers,
cyclists and tourists. The city centre will have clearly marked, cycle, walking and
tourist routes, ensuring flow of access within the city centre.
The report and recommendation of the Manager was Agreed
The target set above seems to differ than what is mention in the draft plan.05/10/2009
Q.85 COUNCILLOR MARIE METCALFE
To ask the City Manager for an update on the bike scheme, its use to date, and problems encountered and to comment on the withdrawal of the iphone applications.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
The launch of the Dublinbikes Scheme has been an unprecedented success. Since its launch on the 13th September, 8,800 people have subscribed as Long Term or Annual Card holders and 2,700 have subscribed as short term card holders. There were 10,000 trips made in the first week and 25,000 trips made in total since the scheme launched. The level of trips is expected to increase as people become accustomed to the network, how it works and from seeing the bicycles in use on the streets.
There have been no significant problems since the launch with only one reported incidence of theft and two incidents of bicycles not being returned by short term card holders. All these bicycles have since been returned. A minor accident where a car hit some bicycle stands at one station was dealt with immediately in co-operation with the driver. Incidents of damage are minor with some lights damaged in isolated cases. The stations are visited frequently by a service team who monitor the bicycles, service them and pick up any instances of damage.
A meeting has been arranged with JC Decaux to discuss Fusio and other outstanding issues relating to the DublinBikes Scheme. A more detailed response will be provided following the meeting.
...
.05/10/2009
Q.109 COUNCILLOR JOHN GALLAGHER
To ask the City Manager the number of people who have subscribed to the City Bike scheme since it became operational; the number of trips that have been taken; the number of bicycles/ stations that have been damaged or stolen; if it is planned to extend this scheme to suburban areas of the city; if there is anything within the existing contract to enable an extension of the scheme without requiring further payment/ sale of advertising space; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
Subscriptions to the Scheme
To date, 8,800 people have subscribed as Long Term or Annual Card holders and 2,700 have subscribed as short term card holders.
There were almost 10,000 trips made on the system in the first week of operation and 25,000 trips made in total since the launch. As the number of subscribers to the scheme expands it is anticipated that the number of trips per week will continue to increase.
Instances of Theft or Damage
There are two instances of bicycles not being returned while out on hire. The users were short term card holders.
All these bicycles have since been located and returned.
There are no serious reports of intentional damage or vandalism. A genuine minor car accident at one of the stations at Hardwicke Street was dealt with immediately and only bicycle stands were damaged. The driver complied fully with JCDecaux on reporting this. Minor instances of bicycle lights being damaged on some bicycles were easily and quickly dealt with. The stations are visited frequently by a service team who monitor the bicycles, service them and pick up any instances of damage.
Expansion of the Scheme
The unprecedented success of the scheme in its first few weeks has demonstrated the demand for the service. In designing the initial scheme over 120 potentially suitable sites were identified. It was essential however that the distribution of 450 bicycles with 40 stations was not over stretched and that stations were distributed close to each other. This helps the user if returning a bicycle or renting one by providing alternative options close by should a station be temporarily full or empty. This distribution and close spacing has contributed to the success of the initial scheme. Arising from the success of the scheme to date, Dublin City Council are currently investigating the feasibility of a Phase 2 extension to expand the network to other important areas of the city centre and its suburbs using the same principle of close sequencing of stations. An interdepartmental working group is being set up to commence this work. Monitoring the use patterns of the current phase will assist in planning for a future extension.
Ability of the Contract to Allow for An Extension of the Network.
The provision of 450 bicycles was agreed under the initial contract with JCDecaux as part of the public amenity package which includes the Wayfinding orientation/signposting system and the civic information system at 38 of the advertising locations. These amenities are based on the extent of advertising permitted full planning permission.
The Council are currently investigating measures by which an expansion of the network can be financed. The current extent of advertising permitted would not facilitate an expansion of the bicycle scheme but the Council will investigate how other means of extending the network can be achieved. This may include more advertising or a combination of advertising and other measures. Nothing has been determined yet but the need for an extension of the bicycle scheme is apparent from the high level of demand since the launch of the scheme
...05/10/2009
30. Submitted Report No. 429/2009 of the Transportation and Traffic Strategic Policy Committee – Breviate of meeting held on 22nd September 2009 – Councillor Andrew Montague, Chairperson. It was proposed by Councillor A. Montague and seconded by Councillor D. Lacey “That Dublin City Council notes the contents of Report No 429/2009” The motion was put and carried. Following debate, it was proposed by Councillor A Montague and seconded by Councillor K Humphreys “That the City Council approves the initiation of the Public Consultation process in respect of the Ranelagh Bridge to Fairview Canal Cycle Scheme”. The motion was put and carried.
...05/10/2009
Q.31 COUNCILLOR PAT CRIMMINS
Can the Manager request that the Parks Department maintain the facility used by cyclists and pedestrians between Watermill Road and the Black Banks as many complaints have been received regarding the amount of weeds and debris in this area?
CITY MANAGER’S REPLY
The Parks and Landscape Services do maintain the area in question; the cycle track grass margin is mown regularly as part of the general open spaces maintenance programme. Due to the nature of the area it tends to suffer from littering. However, all incidental litter is cleared regularly and collected.
Regarding weeds in this area, all the weeds on the Cordyline beds shall be dealt with within the next month, staff & resources permitting.
...6
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