Northern Ireland commute

Seaswimmer

Hi folks,

I will be working in the north for a few days now and again. Office is in Newtownabbey, Monkstown Avenue area and I will be staying in Carrickfergus.

It looks like a straightforward route along Shore Road. Anybody any experience of this area. I would be travelling during peak times so am interested in levels of traffic, cycle lanes/routes ect.

Thanks..

Sinbad_NI

Don't know it myself other than very busy along there at rush hour as everyone trying to get into the city center.

cromcruach

I don't use it myself but I think the road is being heavily worked on for widening at the moment. In the morning and afternoon it's probably faster on the bike than driving, it's usually a standstill at the university. That's assuming you're coming in the Shore Road; Old Carrick Road is a bit narrow and busy.

Apparently in the newly widened road there is no cycle path provision. Ridiculous, considering it's a commuter town with a flat route into Belfast.

You can go through Glen Park from the Shore Road which is nice and quiet, though you won't make great speed as it's not too wide and winds a bit.

insanefred

Sorry for only getting to this now.

I do this commute once a week, in the opposite direction. It's fine, the roadworks are finished.
Carrickfergus along the Shore Rd as far as Greenisland is dual carriageway, 40mph, will be busy in the mornings, but people give you a wide berth. Once you hit Greenisland there's a cycle path, and then if you come off at Jordanstown Rd, that's fairly quiet getting to Monkstown. Alternatively, if you go the back road, it'll be a bit quieter, but traffic is faster. It's very do-able, especially if the sun is shining!
Andrew