Cycling from Newtownpark Ave to the IFSC

starbaby2003

Hi All,

I have always cycled to work. My cycle up to now has been mainly confined to city cycle lanes. Does anyone have experience of cycling from close to Newpark school to the IFSC ? Is it scary ( cars zooming past etc ) ? What is the best route ? I would hate to loose my daily cycle but am not sure if I have the nerves for the main roads. Thanks in advance !

Macy0161

I did the Rock and Merrion Roads for a while, and it was generally fine. Bus lane most of the way, and most of the buses are ok. Living near there, you'd know yourself whether you're confident enough. I don't think it's any worse from there on in until the canal anyway.

You could go Merrion Road as far as the Canal and then turn right onto the Canal cycle path, down by Grand Canal Dock (restricted and/or no traffic), to the Samuel Beckett Bridge (cycle path) and then I think it's mainly off road cycle path on North Wall Quay or you could go up to Mayor Street (cycle path at least to the junction, but I can't remember whether it's one way or what's the story with Mayor Street itself though).

I used to do the Canal cycle path to the Custom House on a Dublin Bike fairly regularly at lunchtime when I was working near the canal, and I don't recall much issue with traffic (at lunch times, most problems were pedestrians wandering/ walking on the cycle paths at various points, with an empty footpath beside them).

qb123

I cycle from Dun Laoghaire to the IFSC, so join the route you'd take from Frascati road. Roads are pretty safe to cycle: new bike lane runs along Frascati road (alternatively you could take bike lane through the park and join road at Booterstown); from Blackrock onwards its bus lane most of the way, so not too much interaction with cars. Coming then from Mount Street to turn around Lincoln Place (going by Trinity College) can be nip and tuck with the cars, but hold your lane and you'll be fine. Then onto Pearse Street - now with two bus lanes - so its ok until last stretch on Tara Street where you need to navigate the traffic carefully. After that you're onto the quays and there.

starbaby2003

Thank you for your replies. I guess my main issue is a lack of confidence. I can only work on that by travelling the route. I'm glad you have travelled this route without issues !

Seaswimmer

I would go across Merrion Gates and along Beach Road and then over the Eastlink either the long way (Sean Moore road) or shortcut through the flats in Ringsend then down North Wall quay.

I do the bit from Deansgrange to Eastlink everyday and its fine. Long stretches without lights, bus lanes, new cycle infrastructure on Frascati Road.

Come home the same way..

starbaby2003

Seaswimmer wrote: »

I would go across Merrion Gates and along Beach Road and then over the Eastlink either the long way (Sean Moore road) or shortcut through the flats in Ringsend then down North Wall quay.

I do the bit from Deansgrange to Eastlink everyday and its fine. Long stretches without lights, bus lanes, new cycle infrastructure on Frascati Road.

Come home the same way..

How is the strand road ? Do all the parked cars not make it a hairy experience going towards town. I often do that cycle on a Sunday and have cars up my ass so can't imagine on a work day ?

Seaswimmer

starbaby2003 wrote: »

How is the strand road ? Do all the parked cars not make it a hairy experience going towards town. I often do that cycle on a Sunday and have cars up my ass so can't imagine on a work day ?

Never a problem. Just keep well out and hold your line. Cars will generally pass when they can. Traffic is usually slow moving anyway so you may be going faster than the cars. I have never had an issue. Don't pass a parked car and then go into the kerb and then move out to pass the next parked car. Keep out in the lane and especially coming up to the mini roundabouts (4 in total!!)

Macy0161

I think it's actually shorter to go in the merrion road and then right at serpentine avenue and then cut down to the east link. I did that route for a couple of weeks and tbh I found it less hassle than strand road. Personally, I'd avoid Sean Moore Road either way.

starbaby2003

The strand road would offer a nicer ( view) cycle but I think I might stick with the rock road until I feel confident enough not to pull in constantly for card. Thank you all for your responses.