Cycle to support the Liffey Cycleway

Moflojo

The Dublin Cycling Campaign is hosting a family-friendly social cycle on Sunday April 2nd to allow Dubliners to show their support for the proposed Liffey Cycleway.

While we all bemoan the lack of adequate cycling facilities here in Ireland, it is important that we also get behind the decent cycling projects that have been planned and help to get them over the finish line.

If you use Facebook please sign up to the event, even if you don't think you'll make it, as it helps to spread the word online: https://www.facebook.com/events/102246980307970/

Tombo2001

Will this be safe for kids?

Ie is the road closed while its on, and is there a garda escort?

If so, I'd be delighted to go 'en famille'.

tomasrojo

My daughter is going to a friend's birthday party in South Dublin that day at lunch time. Might try to go to the party "the long way" so we can take part for a bit of it.

Moflojo

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Will this be safe for kids?

Ie is the road closed while its on, and is there a garda escort?

If so, I'd be delighted to go 'en famille'.

The plan is to cycle in one large group along the quays. The roads won't be closed but the group will be occupying the leftmost lane, which should be the bus lane most of the way. The Gardaí will be notified about the event but that does not guarantee that they will provide any escort, although they have done so for the previous two cycling protests in October and February. This is not a protest event, just a show of support for a positive piece of cycling infrastructure.

07Lapierre

Moflojo wrote: »

The plan is to cycle in one large group along the quays. The roads won't be closed but the group will be occupying the leftmost lane, which should be the bus lane most of the way. The Gardaí will be notified about the event but that does not guarantee that they will provide any escort, although they have done so for the previous two cycling protests in October and February. This is not a protest event, just a show of support for a positive piece of cycling infrastructure.

It is a good idea but I can already see the reactions from non cyclist types! God help us if any cyclist doesn't have a Helmet, isn't wearing Hi-viz and has the nerve to cycle more than two abreast!

Moflojo

07Lapierre wrote: »

It is a good idea but I can already see the reactions from non cyclist types! God help us if any cyclist doesn't have a Helmet, isn't wearing Hi-viz and has the nerve to cycle more than two abreast!

Please don't mention the bad words here, the thread will go off-topic at a serious rate.

07Lapierre

Moflojo wrote: »

Please don't mention the bad words here, the thread will go off-topic at a serious rate.

Fair enough... on a more positive note, I do hope to be there on the day.

Doctor Bob

Has a design for the Liffey Cycleway been agreed? What exactly are we being asked to support? I understood that DCC still hadn't finalised an 'emerging preferred option'.

No detail on the design here or here.

Moflojo

Doctor Bob wrote: »

Has a design for the Liffey Cycleway been agreed? [/URL].

It depends on who you ask. There is a preferred route which the council is trying to bring forward, but it involves diverting private vehicles from a section of the quays.

In principle, what you're being asked to support is a protected, segregated cycle path along the Liffey from the Phoenix Park to the Point Village.

But you raise a good point and there is more information required.

Doctor Bob

Moflojo wrote: »

In principle, what you're being asked to support is a protected, segregated cycle path along the Liffey from the Phoenix Park to the Point Village.

I'm strongly supportive of providing segregated facilities along the Liffey corridor, but I'm quite strongly opposed to the solution being a two-way facility on one side of the river only; I believe that the provisional emerging preferred option is a two-way track on the north quays, and that this is the option favoured by the Campaign. I'd be concerned that support in principle for segregation might be misconstrued as support for a particular design.

(As it happens, I can't make it to the event, so to an extent it's a moot point. But, as you say, a bit more clarity would be useful.)

Moflojo

Four cyclists have died on our roads since the start of the year. One cyclist dying is too many, four is an outrage. If you want to help advocate for better cycling conditions, then consider getting on your bike this Sunday and supporting the proposed Liffey Cyclway.

Sunday, 2nd April @11am. Meet opposite the Wellington Monument on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park.

Facebook event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/102246980307970/

Unbelievably, a fifth cyclist died since I posted this at midday today.

Corca Baiscinn

Doctor Bob wrote: »

I'm strongly supportive of providing segregated facilities along the Liffey corridor, but I'm quite strongly opposed to the solution being a two-way facility on one side of the river only; I believe that the provisional emerging preferred option is a two-way track on the north quays, and that this is the option favoured by the Campaign. I'd be concerned that support in principle for segregation might be misconstrued as support for a particular design.

AFAIK all options which have been proposed involve a two way route on one side only, presumably on cost grounds. Two way routes are quite common in other countries so I'm assuming this is good practice provided it is wide enough. Also AFAIK this route is option 7, the first 6 having been rejected for one reason or another. Apartment block in way, interference with Croppies' Acre, historic nature of Liffey bridges are some I seem to recall from extensive coverage on Irish cycle.com. Given the urgency of providing safe, segregated routes and given that the plan has been discussed by DCC for years and given that there is substantial opposition from some councillors and from motoring and car-park interests; officials and councillors in DCC who are supportive of providing cycling facilities need to hear our voices and bicycle bells!

magicbastarder

would love to make it along but have a prior arrangement i can't get out of.

Corca Baiscinn

magicbastarder wrote: »

would love to make it along but have a prior arrangement i can't get out of.

Hopefully there will be more and you'll be free for the next one!

It's meant to be a positive and celebratory event and not a protest but the three cycling fatalities in last few days certainly put a damper on it.

07Lapierre

Corca Baiscinn wrote: »

Hopefully there will be more and you'll be free for the next one!

It's meant to be a positive and celebratory event and not a protest but the three cycling fatalities in last few days certainly put a damper on it.

Make that FOUR fatalities!

http://irishcycle.com/2017/03/27/woman-dies-after-collision-between-bicycle-and-truck-in-dublin-this-afternoon/

average_runner

Will this cycleway be for cycling or open to all, walking, runners etc?

How will security be provided as major problems on the canal one.

magicbastarder

average_runner wrote: »

Will this cycleway be for cycling or open to all, walking, runners etc?

i don't think they're planning on removing footpaths, you know?

average_runner

magicbastarder wrote: »

i don't think they're planning on removing footpaths, you know?

So it's not like the one in Waterford?

buffalo

average_runner wrote: »

So it's not like the one in Waterford?

That's a Greenway, this would be a cycleway.

average_runner

Deedsie wrote: »

Only people impacted are private motorists as far as I can see. And considering they cause the majority of the problems of traffic congestion that is the fairest approach.

Public transport, pedestrians and cyclists should be prioritised ahead of private motorists. They are the least efficient form of transport in Dublin.

I do have some sympathy for the areas where traffic will be rerouted through. Only real solution is to massively reduce the number of single occupant private motorists in the city.

I cycle past rows of cars every morning and I just don't understand why anyone would want to sit in a car for two hours per day every day. It can't be good for your mental or physical health

Need to provide a public transport system that works first. I am lucky with my route but if your trying to get across the city it's a nightmare.

Not everyone wants to cycle so that can't be the only option.

buffalo

average_runner wrote: »

Need to provide a public transport system that works first. I am lucky with my route but if your trying to get across the city it's a nightmare.

Not everyone wants to cycle so that can't be the only option.

We have a cross-city Luas coming later this year, and priority for busses is happening too. Everyone will be still able to drive, walk, motorbike, take the bus, train, etc., and this is about giving a pleasant and stress-free cycle route as a further option.

average_runner

Deedsie wrote: »

We have an excellent bus service that would be vastly more efficient if it was not delayed by 20% full private cars. They take up far too much space for the numbers of commutters they move.

Really funny. Its nothing to do with the delays, its do with the area they cover.
Having to come through the city to go from south to north is a joke

average_runner

buffalo wrote: »

We have a cross-city Luas coming later this year, and priority for busses is happening too. Everyone will be still able to drive, walk, motorbike, take the bus, train, etc., and this is about giving a pleasant and stress-free cycle route as a further option.

I wasn't talking about the new cycle route, this is fantastic news, my comment was related to the person saying we can use public transport, when in fact we can't.

To get from tallaght to Blanch you have to go into town and back out!!!

tomasrojo

buffalo wrote: »

this is about giving a pleasant and stress-free cycle route as a further option.

Keep it up!

Moflojo

Here's a video which illustrates how bad the Quays are at the moment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVzsP13vMq0

Moflojo

I've been bumping this all week, without much success, but here's one last attempt. Sunday's Liffey Cycle is going to be a simple A to B cycle along the Liffey Quays in one large group. It's isn't a race; we'll only go as fast as our slowest participant. It is not a protest cycle either, it is simply an attempt to show the support that exists for creating safe, dedicated cycle infrastructure along the Liffey Quays, and across Dublin and Ireland generally.

If you don't want safe, dedicated cycle infrastructure then this event may be of no interest to you, but if you're free on Sunday morning and you want to show your support for improved cycling conditions then I urge you to come along, and bring a friend or two. The end point of the cycle, at the Point Village, also acts as a good launch pad for anyone who wants to get a few extra miles in along the coast, be it heading North or South.

That's it, my final push. Hope to see some of you there on Sunday.

Feckofff

Moflojo wrote: »

I've been bumping this all week, without much success, but here's one last attempt. Sunday's Liffey Cycle is going to be a simple A to B cycle along the Liffey Quays in one large group. It's isn't a race; we'll only go as fast as our slowest participant. It is not a protest cycle either, it is simply an attempt to show the support that exists for creating safe, dedicated cycle infrastructure along the Liffey Quays, and across Dublin and Ireland generally.

If you don't want safe, dedicated cycle infrastructure then this event may be of no interest to you, but if you're free on Sunday morning and you want to show your support for improved cycling conditions then I urge you to come along, and bring a friend or two. The end point of the cycle, at the Point Village, also acts as a good launch pad for anyone who wants to get a few extra miles in along the coast, be it heading North or South.

That's it, my final push. Hope to see some of you there on Sunday.

I'll be there. This is something the city needs.

Pigeon Reaper

going to try and make it.

AndrewJRenko

07Lapierre wrote: »

It is a good idea but I can already see the reactions from non cyclist types! God help us if any cyclist doesn't have a Helmet, isn't wearing Hi-viz and has the nerve to cycle more than two abreast!

I'd actually be tempted to leave my helmet at home, just to pi$$ the commentariat off, but that's probably a bit extreme.

average_runner wrote: »

Will this cycleway be for cycling or open to all, walking, runners etc?

I guess the hint is in the name. But if you'd like to invite us to the organised run to call for dedicated space for runners, I'm sure we'll be rushing to join in.

average_runner wrote: »

How will security be provided as major problems on the canal one.

'Major' problems? Really? Tell us more. There are occasional issues with joggers who fancy uninterrupted space, but usually avoiding eye contact while cycling head-on at them sorts that out. What kind of 'major' problems have you seen?

average_runner wrote: »

I wasn't talking about the new cycle route, this is fantastic news, my comment was related to the person saying we can use public transport, when in fact we can't.

To get from tallaght to Blanch you have to go into town and back out!!!

Unless you get the 76a - frequency isn't great, but that's generally reflective of demand.

BabysCoffee

I hope to make it to tomorrow's cycle. As an occasional cyclist I think this cycleway is much needed.

tomasrojo

I should make it, either solo, or, if the planets align, with kids. But should make it either way.

Feckofff

Weather looks perfect. Looking forward to a stress free spin down the quays today

Rojo

I'll be there too...! I'll be cycling in with the Dutch bike shop people. They're leaving their store in Goatstown at 10am to meet in Phoenix Park.

What a day out there - should be a good one today!

Chuchote

Weepsie wrote: »

So you can use public transport, you just don't like going into town first?

Anyway family birthday for me tomorrow so i wont make it

Pfft, it's my birthday today and I'll make it :P

tomasrojo

Happy birthday, Chuchote.

miketv

I'll pop along also with my touring bike. See you all there.

LollipopJimmy

Going to pop along myself. Be heading along the quays anyway.

monument

See you all there -- but the most important thing to note is: the bike I'll be on is borrowed!

monument

Doctor Bob wrote: »

I'm strongly supportive of providing segregated facilities along the Liffey corridor, but I'm quite strongly opposed to the solution being a on one side of the river only; I believe that the provisional emerging preferred option is a two-way track on the north quays, and that this is the option favoured by the Campaign. I'd be concerned that support in principle for segregation might be misconstrued as support for a particular design.

(As it happens, I can't make it to the event, so to an extent it's a moot point. But, as you say, a bit more clarity would be useful.)

Why are you strongly opposed to it? Safety? Connections?

Also, were you of this opinion as far back as the Dutch Cycling Embassy workshop on this?

For a continuously segregated route, a two-way cycle path seems to be the only way to go to provide continuous space... unless they get ultra radical and remove what is planned to be the last remaining traffic lane on the central section of the south quays (an option which isn't likely any time soon).

I know the NTA and some others are reluctant about two-way cycle paths but I'm afraid London has blown those concerns out of the water.

I agree that the event could have been more clear cut on what is being supported -- although unlike you, I would have said that the council's option of two-way cycle path and diverting cars before Ellis Quay would be the one to support.

LollipopJimmy

Just here now. Black and white Scott. I'm also the idiot who forgot his sunglasses

miketv

Big enough crowd here. Beautiful weather helps!

tomasrojo

Got there, very good turn-out, lots of different types of people, lots of kids.

One motorist seemed to do a slow drive into a Dublin Cycling Campaign marshal, but that was the only aggro I saw.

I got to the Point, and then had to hotfoot it out of there to get back home to get one of the kids to a party, so missed speeches.

Glad I went.

JosDel

Great turn out...

miketv

Yes very successful. The people who brought dogs were good fun as they barked away. I saw a motorist get very shouty at a marshal as we were crossing the custom house bridge. To be fair the lights were green but obviously he could not wait for a few minutes so we could all pass as a group.

tomasrojo

The far-famed dog in a green cargo bike was there too).

BabysCoffee

Great turnout - maybe about 300 cyclists. I joined at the Rosie Hackett bridge. There was some beeping of horns of some motorists who didn't like having to stop at green to let the cyclists pass.

I wish I had brought my dog who sits in a crate in the front of my bike.

miketv

Another Dog, Very Vocal This fello!

LollipopJimmy

Fairly enjoyable but also food for thought.

As a nation we are disgraceful road users, from pedestrians all the way to large HGV/Bus drivers and everything in between. I have used roads in other countries around Europe and apart from parts of Turkey I hate to say it but in Dublin we are among the worst.

I saw two drivers today becoming enraged at having to wait until the (well marshalled) group went by. Pedestrians running out in front of the cyclists and sadly some poor cycling. I like the idea of a Liffey Cycleway though, anything to stop the carnage on the quays. Too many serious injuries and lives lost over the years but collectively attitudes need to change. I cycled a bit in Amsterdam during the summer and the difference was massive, I know they have a far better cycling infrastructure but all road users obeying lights was one clear difference.

I have to say though I'm not a fan of the proposal to decrease the speed limit to 30km/h, 50 is fine but it needs to be enforced and so does lane discipline.

I say all of the above as a road user, cyclist, pedestrian and driver. I do a lot of my driving and cycling in Dublin City Centre for various reasons

Chuchote

Beautiful day for it. Some drivers glared and blared all right, but others beeped and flashed their winky-winkies in support.
As for the 30km/h speed limit, the electronic signs show why it's necessary in a city with lots of pedestrians, cyclists and children:

• At 30km/h if hit by a car 1 in 10 pedestrians will die
• At 50km/h if hit by a car 5 in 10 pedestrians will die

Feckofff

LollipopJimmy wrote: »

Fairly enjoyable but also food for thought.

As a nation we are disgraceful road users, from pedestrians all the way to large HGV/Bus drivers and everything in between. I have used roads in other countries around Europe and apart from parts of Turkey I hate to say it but in Dublin we are among the worst.

I saw two drivers today becoming enraged at having to wait until the (well marshalled) group went by. Pedestrians running out in front of the cyclists and sadly some poor cycling. I like the idea of a Liffey Cycleway though, anything to stop the carnage on the quays. Too many serious injuries and lives lost over the years but collectively attitudes need to change. I cycled a bit in Amsterdam during the summer and the difference was massive, I know they have a far better cycling infrastructure but all road users obeying lights was one clear difference.

I have to say though I'm not a fan of the proposal to decrease the speed limit to 30km/h, 50 is fine but it needs to be enforced and so does lane discipline.

I say all of the above as a road user, cyclist, pedestrian and driver. I do a lot of my driving and cycling in Dublin City Centre for various reasons

30km will improve the city for residents and pedestrians the most.

The average speed in the city is already below 30kph so people are speeding to try and get one up on the each other at the next junction.
Hard to justify higher speeds when there is no net benefit for either motorist, pedestrian or cyclists.

Increased speed come with higher pollution levels, more brake dust, more road noise. And of course a much higher chance of a fatality if there is a collusion.

It will take time for people to adapt, and there will need to be a campaign to high light the benefits.

tomasrojo

Bit in the Irish Times, linking the cycle with the Flann O'Brien anniversary.

http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/a-day-of-the-bike-popular-protest-and-purple-prose-on-mylesday-1.3034073