Stillorgan Dual Carriageway Cycle Lanes

holdcrop

I'm starting a daily commute from Belmayne to Sandyford next week, I was wondering if any of you guys have been using the Stillorgan Dual Carriageway at all? I've thrown the route into google maps and the suggested options are through Ranelagh/Clonskeagh/Goatstown or Ballsbridge/Merrion Road.

I put my own route in using the N11 and it seemed the shortest but wasn't recommended by google maps. Maybe that's a sign!

The commute will probably take over an hour which I'm not too keen on turning into something longer! I was thinking the N11 would have fewest stops/longest clean runs but if it's dangerous or bad cycle lanes I'll give it a miss! Thanks guys

desertcircus

holdcrop wrote: »

I'm starting a daily commute from Belmayne to Sandyford next week, I was wondering if any of you guys have been using the Stillorgan Dual Carriageway at all? I've thrown the route into google maps and the suggested options are through Ranelagh/Clonskeagh/Goatstown or Ballsbridge/Merrion Road.

I put my own route in using the N11 and it seemed the shortest but wasn't recommended by google maps. Maybe that's a sign!

The commute will probably take over an hour which I'm not too keen on turning into something longer! I was thinking the N11 would have fewest stops/longest clean runs but if it's dangerous or bad cycle lanes I'll give it a miss! Thanks guys

I used to use the N11 from Cabinteely all the way into town. The cycle lanes are decent, but there are enough disruptions (bus stops, driveway dips, broken surface) to make it tolerable rather than pleasant.

Doctor Bob

The N11 cycle lanes are hit and miss. Where DLRCC has upgraded them in the last couple of years they're quite good, but there are some very poor stretches where the surfacing is atrocious, the lane yields at side roads, there's no provision for turning right, etc.

Of course, you're entitled to use the bus lanes all the way, but many Boardsies have reported incidents with Dublin Bus drivers 'educating' them on the N11, with close passes, deliberate pull-ins, etc.

If it were me I'd try the Ranelagh route first- fewer lanes of traffic, less traffic in general, less intimidating junctions, a less boring hill (the N11 is a long, dull drag) and a bit more greenery and scenery. If that doesn't work, then try the N11; I'd try the Merrion Road-Rock Road route last of the three.

Deedsie

I cycle the stillorgan dual carriageway everyday... It's an easy cycle but it's unpleasant in places. The section of cycle lane southbound from Donnybrook to UCD is a scandalous surface... Grates, broken surface, parked vans and cars, potholes etc. there is one massive manhole just before the UCD turnoff on the bus lane.

Overall it's grand though.

DaithiMC

Ranelagh-Sandyford is my commute and though you have a few traffic stops in Ranelagh the traffic is not travelling at high speed so its relatively easy to work through. Beyond Ranelagh, the Clonskeagh road is fine and beyond the Goat the traffic lights are even fewer. I don't care for the N11 - I have gone that way a few times but have been almost sideswiped by private coaches (probably trying to tell me to use the cycle lane - which is more of a mountain bike track) at high speed. Even though the road from Ranelagh up to Sandyford has a cycle lane that is of low quality in places, I find it the least risky option traffic-wise.

Casula

Doctor Bob wrote: »

The N11 cycle lanes are hit and miss. Where DLRCC has upgraded them in the last couple of years they're quite good, but there are some very poor stretches where the surfacing is atrocious, the lane yields at side roads, there's no provision for turning right, etc.

Of course, you're entitled to use the bus lanes all the way, but many Boardsies have reported incidents with Dublin Bus drivers 'educating' them on the N11, with close passes, deliberate pull-ins, etc.

If it were me I'd try the Ranelagh route first- fewer lanes of traffic, less traffic in general, less intimidating junctions, a less boring hill (the N11 is a long, dull drag) and a bit more greenery and scenery. If that doesn't work, then try the N11; I'd try the Merrion Road-Rock Road route last of the three.

I was "educated" by a Dublin Bus driver one Sunday morning on the N11 while the road was virtually empty. He was kind enough to point out the dangers of cycling in the bus lane while a bus overtakes you and then slows down leaving no space between you the kerb and bus. I thanked him kindly for the lesson at the next set of lights and have avoided all cycling on the N11 since.

micar

Deedsie wrote: »

I cycle the stillorgan dual carriageway everyday... It's an easy cycle but it's unpleasant in places. The section of cycle lane southbound from Donnybrook to UCD is a scandalous surface... Grates, broken surface, parked vans and cars, potholes etc. there is one massive manhole just before the UCD turnoff on the bus lane.

Overall it's grand though.

Am with deedsie on this. I go up the N11 each all the way to cherrywood from town.

I;ve stopped using the bus lane from RTE to UCD. I use the bus lane. that pothole is seriously massive.

Other than that, the bus lane is fine,

The only other section that I don't like is from DCU to RTE. The surface of the lane is dangerous due to a strip of the lane being dug up and not replace adequately.

Robertd_07

I also cycle the N11 every day, from Brewery Road to town, and in general it's grand.
The only sections of cycle lane I use are northbound, between Brewery Road and Kilmacud Road, and between Oatlands college and the Mount Merrion Avenue, and southbound between Fosters Avenue and Mount Merrion Avenue.
Take particular care northbound at the junction with Fosters Avenue, where if you are in the cycle lane you cede priority to left turning traffic.
As an aside, a Bus Eireann driver tried to "educate" earlier this year, so I reported him. The guards told me later that he'd been cautioned.

eeeee

Most of the cycle lanes on the n11 are pure shyte. I cycle on it every day and avoid most of them. The only one I use is from UCD to the radisson, the rest are useless.
You get Bus eireann coaches and Aircoach's trying to 'educate' you on being in the cycle lane. Dublin Bus drivers tend to just beep. Watch for doors opening and cars pulling in and out around Donnybrook, especially heading towards town from the turn after the garda station and the aib bank.

It's done, but rough and you're much better off avoiding the cycle lanes IMO. They're full of glass and crap as well.

Kinet1c

I've cycled the N11 a couple of times and tend to stay on the road.

The Sparrow

I cycle the N11 most days from Cornelscourt to Stephens Green. Some of the bike lanes are a shambles but some are ok, particularly between Stillorgan and UCD. On the way into town, I tend to stay in the bike lanes until UCD and then switch to the bus lane.

On the way home, I usually only stay in the bike lane from UCD to the Raddisson or so as most if is terrible with too many potholes, a rubbish surface and pedestrians wandering across the bike lanes.

Of course, not using the bike lanes results in occasional aggro from bus drivers etc but screw them. Also, as someone else said, the Fosters Ave turnoff is a potential death trap so keep your wits about you and be prepared to cede to motorists who decide to turn left and don't care about or see you.

Michelin

Can I just pick up on some of the points that are coming up here, sorry to be focusing on it.. I ride in dublin a lot and gave for a few years but only recently started getting aggro from bus drivers teaching me a lesson when Im not on the cycle lane. They usually blow the horn and go around you only to squeeze you. 2 weeks ago an aircoach went around me and actually hit the brakes to frighten me.this was on n11 after fosters on run to ucd. Another time a double decker. bus eireann on n2 at glasnevin cemetery. I reported to gards on both instances but there was no follow up. Just told they couldnt locate driver even though I gave reg and time of incident.
Sorry to go off topic of original question but I wonder if something could be done before a cyclist is murdered by a man in charge of a public service vechicle!

Deedsie

Michelin wrote: »

Can I just pick up on some of the points that are coming up here, sorry to be focusing on it.. I ride in dublin a lot and gave for a few years but only recently started getting aggro from bus drivers teaching me a lesson when Im not on the cycle lane. They usually blow the horn and go around you only to squeeze you. 2 weeks ago an aircoach went around me and actually hit the brakes to frighten me.this was on n11 after fosters on run to ucd. Another time a double decker. bus eireann on n2 at glasnevin cemetery. I reported to gards on both instances but there was no follow up. Just told they couldnt locate driver even though I gave reg and time of incident.
Sorry to go off topic of original question but I wonder if something could be done before a cyclist is murdered by a man in charge of a public service vechicle!

I'd like to second this re the buses, Aircoach, Bus Éireann, Wexford bus and some of the private bus on the route can be very aggressive towards cyclists. To be fair to Dublin Bus I think they have improved an awful lot in the last few months. That is just my own personal experience of bus troubles along the N11.

It would be great to see the Garda traffic corp along the route the odd time but presumably their resources are over stretched.

Bloggsie

I posted some time ago the quality of the cycle lane on the N11 was poor in places & totally effin crap in others (this was after 1 cycle) also to many cross over points with peds just aimlessly wandering across it & junctions, i would only get going & would have to stop again which was very fookin annoying.

I would recomend the other route as the preferred option>

tritium

Michelin wrote: »

Can I just pick up on some of the points that are coming up here, sorry to be focusing on it.. I ride in dublin a lot and gave for a few years but only recently started getting aggro from bus drivers teaching me a lesson when Im not on the cycle lane. They usually blow the horn and go around you only to squeeze you. 2 weeks ago an aircoach went around me and actually hit the brakes to frighten me.this was on n11 after fosters on run to ucd. Another time a double decker. bus eireann on n2 at glasnevin cemetery. I reported to gards on both instances but there was no follow up. Just told they couldnt locate driver even though I gave reg and time of incident.
Sorry to go off topic of original question but I wonder if something could be done before a cyclist is murdered by a man in charge of a public service vechicle!

Complain to the bus company, with relevant details, as well. They'll be able to identify the driver and should have their own internal procedures to make sure the driver knows that isn't acceptable.

adocholiday

I cycle the N11 most days from Brewery Road to Heuston and return journey. As has been said the cycle lanes are brutal Southbound between Donnybrook and UCD and the Foster's Avenue turn off on the way into town is quite dangerous. As a novice cyclist I also find the cycle quite tough between UCD and the top of Booterstown Avenue. It's not all that steep but there's a steady incline and I find myself dropping to a very easy gear for that bit! I haven't done the Ranelagh route so can't comment on it. Must try it soon. Just keep your wits about you around buses etc. I see many cyclists try silly things around buses and there is only ever going to be one winner there.

holdcrop

I think I'll give the Ranelagh route a go first and see how it pans out. I'm still a realtively new bicycle commuter, only been on the bike for the past three months so something with a bit more scenery and less traffic might suit best!

I've found the dublin bus drivers heading in and out the Malahide road to be very good, although average speeds for them on that route is probably an awful lot less then on the Stillorgan road. The bus stop frequency also tends to keep them stopping and starting a lot more so they tend to follow behind instead of trying to over take. There are a few schools along the way though and I've started to notice parents are sort of just abandoning cars on the side of the road, often in the cycle lane while they drop their kids off! A guy on a scooter today just pulled out in front of me there as well, had a big moment with him!

I'm figuring it will take me 25 mintues to get to Merrion Square, that's my current average time to where our office is now for about the same distance. Would I be expecting a similar time through Ranelagh etc. to Sandyford? I have a few junctions to stop at on the way down the Malahide road: Coolock, Donnycarney, Fairview, most of the others are T-junctions or roundabouts that you can negotiate with some care.

Planet X

I cycle the N11 daily from Stillorgan to Lesson St.
I find the worst buses are the "Not in service" type. Those guys don't give a shîte. They love cutting you up. No punters on board, no witnesses.

Deedsie

Planet X wrote: »

I cycle the N11 daily from Stillorgan to Lesson St.
I find the worst buses are the "Not in service" type. Those guys don't give a shîte. They love cutting you up. No punters on board, no witnesses.

If they are "not in service" should they even be in the bus lane? They do take the piss a bit now you mention it.

Planet X

Last year, saw a Bus Eireann driver getting "sorted out" at the UCD stop (going towards town direction). Was well behind this cyclist and the lights went green. He takes off, bus takes off. Bus "grinds him into the kerb". Cyclist screaming and stops. Bus continued to the stop 10 meters or so. Cyclist loops around the bus and unfortunately for the driver he has to get off the bus to take cases out.
At this stage the cyclist is waiting for him, the old chestnut, "I didn't see you" comes from the driver. Cyclist thumps the head off him, saying that he almost killed him.
Terrible altogether.

Seaswimmer

Personally I would go across the East link, Beach Road, Merrion Gates up Booterstown Avenue and then up Trees road. You are only on the N11 for a very short time then up by Applegreen and Stillorgan Park hotel. If you want even less on N11 go across South Hill Avenue onto Merrion Avenue. Also you have long stretches with no lights (pretty much from East Wall Road to Booterstown Avenue and light traffic.

I suppose a lot depends on which part of the industrial estate you want to get to.

holdcrop

I never thought of that route, thanks Seaswimmer. I'm heading down towards the Burton Hall Road end of the estate

Seaswimmer

Also I cant see any need to go near Ranelagh. What about East Link (short cut through gap in wall) Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, down by the bus garage and out on Clonskeagh Road up to Sandyford..

cdaly_

Seaswimmer wrote: »

Also I cant see any need to go near Ranelagh. What about East Link (short cut through gap in wall) Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, down by the bus garage and out on Clonskeagh Road up to Sandyford..

I would go Malahide rd -> Fairview -> 5 lamps -> Sam Beckett bridge -> Ballsbridge rather than going via the East Link.

Seaswimmer

cdaly_ wrote: »

I would go Malahide rd -> Fairview -> 5 lamps -> Sam Beckett bridge -> Ballsbridge rather than going via the East Link.

True. Another good option..

tomasrojo

I can't stand getting cut up on the N11. Stopped using it years ago.

CramCycle

Michelin wrote: »

I reported to gards on both instances but there was no follow up. Just told they couldnt locate driver even though I gave reg and time of incident.

Apparently not, I had a bus driver admit on video that he tried to "show me" that bus lanes are dangerous for cyclists. The driver even admitted that he had talked to me and confirmed he was the person involved. Bus Eireann had it on video as well but after reviewing it they then suddenly had difficulty "downloading" it from storage (their words, not mine).

CramCycle

My preference (if safety and stress levels are the key considerations) would be the Sam Beckett bridge, upto Ballsbridge, Beaver Row and up the Clonskeagh Road. Before the M50 turn right off the Drummartin link road and cross the M50 on the road that comes up from Dundrum.

DaithiMC

CramCycle wrote: »

My preference (if safety and stress levels are the key considerations) would be the Sam Beckett bridge, upto Ballsbridge, Beaver Row and up the Clonskeagh Road. Before the M50 turn right off the Drummartin link road and cross the M50 on the road that comes up from Dundrum.

I think he's going to the Sandyford Ind Est so doesn't need to turn right at the Beacon Hotel/Hospital, so could turn left onto Benildus Avenue. I agree with your route, though Beaver Row is a pain - I used to commute from Grand Canal Dock and went up Northumberland Road (good cycle lane/surface) to Ballsbridge and went up along the Herbert park path along the Herbert hotel to avoid Anglesea Road. That brings you out into Donnybrook and from there I went behind the garage, onto Eglinton road (another ok Cycle path/surface) and onto the Clonskeagh road from there. The distance is probably a little more than Anglesea/Beaver Row but a hell of a lot safer if that's the criteria.

RainyDay

Michelin wrote: »

Can I just pick up on some of the points that are coming up here, sorry to be focusing on it.. I ride in dublin a lot and gave for a few years but only recently started getting aggro from bus drivers teaching me a lesson when Im not on the cycle lane. They usually blow the horn and go around you only to squeeze you. 2 weeks ago an aircoach went around me and actually hit the brakes to frighten me.this was on n11 after fosters on run to ucd. Another time a double decker. bus eireann on n2 at glasnevin cemetery. I reported to gards on both instances but there was no follow up. Just told they couldnt locate driver even though I gave reg and time of incident.
Sorry to go off topic of original question but I wonder if something could be done before a cyclist is murdered by a man in charge of a public service vechicle!

Get a helmetcam - €20 from 7dayshop.com

iamtony

The shortest route would be straight into town up Dame street, left onto George's street and it's practically straight out to sandyford via ranalagh. Not the most scenic and quite a bit of traffic but it's slow moving.

ted1

It's funny bus drivers educating the cyclists . Lots of busses out of town don't use the bus lane at all. The bus lane is 60kmh and the the other lanes are 80km.

CardinalJ

I find the N11 fine, apart from the section from RTE to UCD as mentioned.

I stay in the cycle lane 90% of the time. I know you're entitled to cycle in the bus lane, but personally I think I'm more likely to have someone 'educate' me if I do and think it's not worth the assault charge I'll get when someone does squeeze me.

Kinet1c

I'd hoped to come on here today with a good story about my experience travelling the N11 today but I can't. I need to know if it's worth my while pursuing a complaint with the gardai over an incident that occurred today? 2 of us got almost taken out, I've noted the identifying tags on the vehicle.

Robertd_07

Kinet1c wrote: »

I'd hoped to come on here today with a good story about my experience travelling the N11 today but I can't. I need to know if it's worth my while pursuing a complaint with the gardai over an incident that occurred today? 2 of us got almost taken out, I've noted the identifying tags on the vehicle.

I would, and have previously.
An attempt to run you off the road deserves to be punished.
If there's video of the incident, all the better.

CramCycle

If its a company with video on board go straight to the Gardai. Only worth pursuing if you will go to court. In this case they will try and find out all relevant info and present it to the Super in the station. A chance the video will either not be recoverable or there won't be enough for the Super. If the other person will be a witness though that may be good enough for the Garda.

Kinet1c

Robertd_07 wrote: »

I would, and have previously.
An attempt to run you off the road deserves to be punished.
If there's video of the incident, all the better.

CramCycle wrote: »

If its a company with video on board go straight to the Gardai. Only worth pursuing if you will go to court. In this case they will try and find out all relevant info and present it to the Super in the station. A chance the video will either not be recoverable or there won't be enough for the Super. If the other person will be a witness though that may be good enough for the Garda.

It's a taxi, got his plate number. No video unfortunately.

CramCycle

iamtony wrote: »

The shortest route would be straight into town up Dame street, left onto George's street and it's practically straight out to sandyford via ranalagh. Not the most scenic and quite a bit of traffic but it's slow moving.

Might be a more straight forward route but it is not the shortest. You also have a huge amount of pinch points on George St., Camden St., and then Ranelagh.

Kinet1c

I've left this unreported for 2 days as I wanted to think on it. I discovered through another post on this forum that there's an app for searching for registered taxi drivers available on iphone/android. I looked up his number, he's registered alright. Then a quick google of the name and it turns out it's not his first rodeo and he's been in court for being a menace on the N11 before.

Now, do I report it to the Gardai or the Taxi regulator?

Bloggsie

Kinet1c wrote: »

I've left this unreported for 2 days as I wanted to think on it. I discovered through another post on this forum that there's an app for searching for registered taxi drivers available on iphone/android. I looked up his number, he's registered alright. Then a quick google of the name and it turns out it's not his first rodeo and he's been in court for being a menace on the N11 before.

Now, do I report it to the Gardai or the Taxi regulator?

both!

RainyDay

Kinet1c wrote: »

I've left this unreported for 2 days as I wanted to think on it. I discovered through another post on this forum that there's an app for searching for registered taxi drivers available on iphone/android. I looked up his number, he's registered alright. Then a quick google of the name and it turns out it's not his first rodeo and he's been in court for being a menace on the N11 before.

Now, do I report it to the Gardai or the Taxi regulator?

The Regulator won't deal with legal issues. They rightly leave that to the Gardai.

magicbastarder

i probably have this wrong, but i believe the regulator will deal directly with issues relating to you having been a passenger in the taxi, and any issues such as the above are dealt with by the gardai, and the regulator acts then based on the legal actions outcoming.

galwaycyclist

magicbastarder wrote: »

i probably have this wrong, but i believe the regulator will deal directly with issues relating to you having been a passenger in the taxi, and any issues such as the above are dealt with by the gardai, and the regulator acts then based on the legal actions outcoming.

This may be better discussed in a different thread. The thought occurs that the best way to "regulate" taxis would be if they forfeited the fare the second they broke a traffic regulation. If the passenger can show evidence (eg. a phone video of them breaking the speed limit) then they cease to have any obligation to pay the driver at the end of the journey.

Not sure how you could construct it legally but it might have a more widespread effect than relying on the Garda.

Muahahaha

galwaycyclist wrote: »

This may be better discussed in a different thread. The thought occurs that the best way to "regulate" taxis would be if they forfeited the fare the second they broke a traffic regulation. If the passenger can show evidence (eg. a phone video of them breaking the speed limit) then they cease to have any obligation to pay the driver at the end of the journey.

Not sure how you could construct it legally but it might have a more widespread effect than relying on the Garda.

Im not sure that would work, in my experience taxi drivers drive differently according to weather they have got a passenger or not. If you ever see a taxi breaks a red light you can be almost certain that they have no passenger, whereas when they have a fare if they approach a light just turned amber theyre always very keen to slam the breaks to get a bit extra waiting time at a red light added onto the fare.

Macy0161

Straight down the N11 is my new cycle commute, so I was following this thread.

Surface was ropey enough around Foxrock Church up to Whites Cross. Whites Cross to Brewery Road, I can't comment on really, as I using my weight advantage on the downhill and I felt I was too fast for shared space. Went back on after that, and it was ok, until the surface gets crap again after Fosters Avenue to UCD (where I left the N11). If my 5 speed commuter project ever gets going I'll probably go for wider tyres than I'm currently using. I have 28mm Marathon Plus (compared to my current 25mm), but not sure that'd make enough of or a significant difference?

Just the one too close for comfort pass, when I was in the cycle lane after Brewery Road which isn't seperated - an aircoach, again. I think every time I've felt uncomfortable on my old route on the Rock Road has involved them - generally find Dublin Bus fine. Not looking forward to encountering Wexford Bus, as I find them dangerous, even in the car!

Will try to report back after the return commute, which will be significantly slower I imagine.

Seaswimmer

Macy0161 wrote: »

Straight down the N11 is my new cycle commute, so I was following this thread.

Surface was ropey enough around Foxrock Church up to Whites Cross. Whites Cross to Brewery Road, I can't comment on really, as I using my weight advantage on the downhill and I felt I was too fast for shared space. Went back on after that, and it was ok, until the surface gets crap again after Fosters Avenue to UCD (where I left the N11). If my 5 speed commuter project ever gets going I'll probably go for wider tyres than I'm currently using. I have 28mm Marathon Plus (compared to my current 25mm), but not sure that'd make enough of or a significant difference?

Just the one too close for comfort pass, when I was in the cycle lane after Brewery Road which isn't seperated - an aircoach, again. I think every time I've felt uncomfortable on my old route on the Rock Road has involved them - generally find Dublin Bus fine. Not looking forward to encountering Wexford Bus, as I find them dangerous, even in the car!

Will try to report back after the return commute, which will be significantly slower I imagine.

Strangly enough I dont seem to meet Aircoach as often anymore on the Rock Road. My times havent changed so I wonder has their frequency or timetabling changed??

CramCycle

Macy0161 wrote: »

If my 5 speed commuter project ever gets going I'll probably go for wider tyres than I'm currently using. I have 28mm Marathon Plus (compared to my current 25mm), but not sure that'd make enough of or a significant difference.

Great tyre but in my experience they give so much feedback it's hard to enjoy anything slightly rough. Might be worth trying slightly different ones, Fosters avenue to UCD would be one of the better sections IMO.

Macy0161

Well 9 commutes in and it's generally been ok. Generally been sticking with the cycle paths. But having said that, twice when I've been on the road rather than the cycle path I've squeezed out of it. Once by a Dublin Bus between Stillorgan Park and Lower Kilmacud Road outbound (the cycle lane was packed with pedestrians - I think it might be 100% shared space without even painted line seperation), and then this morning by a knobhead motocyclist between Whites Cross and Brewery Road - who a) legally shouldn't be in the bus lane anyway and b) the main driving lane was bloody clear so not that it could be justified but was clearly to be a bollix. He then broke a red light at Brewery Road, so probably did me a favour as the red mist had descended at that stage!

holdcrop

First week of my commute down. I've been going Malahide Road, Dame Street, Aungier Street, Ranelagh, Clonskeagh and Goatstown. Cycle lanes pretty good except for Aungier Street/Camden Street and Ranelagh is terribly rough with a few too many staggered junctions that cars tend to just try and muscle their way around. But after Ranelagh it's a good run, although that hill seems to go forever! The city centre roadworks seem to have the Gardai out in force so everyone around Trinity and Dame street is on best behaviour!