Should there be a bike path on the prom?

topcat77

Just a question.

There are currently bike paths either end of the prom (South park & behind the golf course), should these be joined up with a path running the full length?

In the majority of cities or resorts i've visited the promenade has always had a colored bike path and these locations are just as busy as Salthill (maybe except the few sunny days we have every year).

Mrs OBumble

Yes. Am totally sick of cyclists on the footpath.

topcat77

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Yes. Am totally sick of cyclists on the footpath.

But would you be happy with the bike path on the footpath?

bobbyss

The surface of the prom is conducive to speed. Imagine a loose child running after a ball or whatever and a speeding bike.

Mrs OBumble

topcat77 wrote: »

But would you be happy with the bike path on the footpath?

Provided the cyclists only used that, absolutely.

LeinsterDub

bobbyss wrote: »

The surface of the prom is conducive to speed. Imagine a loose child running after a ball or whatever and a speeding bike.

You'd have to imagine it as the number of serous pedestrian - cyclists accident is practically nil

beardybrewer

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Yes. Am totally sick of cyclists on the footpath.

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Provided the cyclists only used that, absolutely.

Provided pedestrians stayed out of it, absolutely. Am totally sick of pedestrians.


I'd much rather ban those 20 foot retractable dog leashes creating a trip wire across the entire path.

Redhairedguy

I thought there is a bike path on the prom. There's a yellow line running down the side of the path closest to the sea. (or at least, I always remember that there was...)

Whilst we're at it, can we also stop slow people walking 5 abreast down the prom... :pac:

joeKel73

To work, I think they would need to remove the on-road parking along the prom and have on-road bike lanes. Ideally 2 lanes and seperated from the main traffic like they have in Cork City. Would be nice but I can imagine the objections to that! Parking is already fairly limited in Salthill, relative to the demand.

joeKel73

J o e wrote: »

Ideally 2 lanes and seperated from the main traffic like they have in Cork City.

From here: http://irishcycle.com/2014/03/12/cork-cycling-goes-contra-flow/

beardybrewer

J o e wrote: »

To work, I think they would need to remove the on-road parking along the prom and have on-road bike lanes. Ideally 2 lanes and seperated from the main traffic like they have in Cork City. Would be nice but I can imagine the objections to that! Parking is already fairly limited in Salthill, relative to the demand.

No, removing the on-street parking would be a terrible mistake.

Also, you can't expect cyclists to stop cycling along the water to enjoy the facility.

@Redhairedguy must be joking about the yellow line. That's just a caution line so people don't fall off the prom which has quite a drop in a few places.

Redhairedguy

beardybrewer wrote: »

@Redhairedguy must be joking about the yellow line. That's just a caution line so people don't fall off the prom which has quite a drop in a few places.

I seem to recall that there was a bicycle insignia on it, and being somewhat incredulous about how narrow a lane it was. Could be totally wrong though.

gordongekko

Yes and the paid for Sunday parking should pay for it. At least then we'd know where the money went.

45mhrc7evo1d3n

topcat77 wrote: »

There are currently bike paths either end of the prom (South park & behind the golf course), should these be joined up with a path running the full length?

I think there should be a bike path but it would need to be separated by a low wall from the pedestrian path. The bike paths in South Park and behind the golf course are useless because there's always pedestrians in them. And they get huffy when you ring your bike bell to warn them that you're coming up behind them! :rolleyes:

beardybrewer

Charlie Uninterested Pony wrote: »

I think there should be a bike path but it would need to be separated by a low wall from the pedestrian path. The bike paths in South Park and behind the golf course are useless because there's always pedestrians in them. And they get huffy when you ring your bike bell to warn them that you're coming up behind them! :rolleyes:

I disagree. I think a few bike stencils and a few signs along the prom is all it would take.

Here's why:

Once and for all bikes are acknowledged as having a right to cruise the prom.

But the rule is pedestrians always have the right of way; we're sharing their space and that acknowledgement is more important than above. Obviously a 14 stone dude tearing it up at 20mph is terrifying and stupid. So a few signs that while bikes might be allowed you must share the road type of thing.

Look, I bike to mutton island every day for exercise. I go from the golf course along the prom to mutton island and back. But I try to respect everyone and not be a pest. I think as long as we do that we can let common sense prevail and share the prom.

Could it link into some longer trail?

inisboffin

In some other European countries, the bike lane and the pedestrian one are delineated by colour, but sometimes are hard to tell apart if you're not a local. I've been that eejit who strays outside the line, and is narrowly avoided by a talented cyclist who managed not to feic me out of it despite me not seeing her. I've been the same as a cyclist with pedestrians stepping out in front of me, and scowling when I ding a bell.

It would take a while for people to get used to both sharing the same level I think.

nuac

In Berlin some pavements are shares between cyclists and pedestrians.

The cycle lanes are usually colour coded. Some have a different texture. You get to know them quickly.

bobbyss

beardybrewer wrote: »

I disagree. I think a few bike stencils and a few signs along the prom is all it would take.

Here's why:

Once and for all bikes are acknowledged as having a right to cruise the prom.

But the rule is pedestrians always have the right of way; we're sharing their space and that acknowledgement is more important than above. Obviously a 14 stone dude tearing it up at 20mph is terrifying and stupid. So a few signs that while bikes might be allowed you must share the road type of thing.

Look, I bike to mutton island every day for exercise. I go from the golf course along the prom to mutton island and back. But I try to respect everyone and not be a pest. I think as long as we do that we can let common sense prevail and share the prom.

I don't know if you are allowed to cycle on the prom? But if it is not allowed and a child did run out in front of me and I injured him seriously I would feel very guilty about breaking the law. The parents of said child probably could not take any action against you as you would have no insurance. Not everyone has common sense.

inisboffin

nuac wrote: »

In Berlin some pavements are shares between cyclists and pedestrians.

The cycle lanes are usually colour coded. Some have a different texture. You get to know them quickly.

This. You get to know them quickly as a local, it took me a while. Most 'pedestrian strays' on cycle paths tend to be tourists.

Mrs OBumble

beardybrewer wrote: »

Also, you can't expect cyclists to stop cycling along the water to enjoy the facility.

Are you having a laugh?

If we took you logic to an extreme, the entire footpath should be removed so that the passengers in cars can enjoy the facility.

As a driver (whether of a motorised or non-motorised vehicle), your eyes should not be on the water! They should be on the road and surrounding environment where hazzards might come from.

beardybrewer wrote: »

I disagree. I think a few bike stencils and a few signs along the prom is all it would take.

Here's why:

Once and for all bikes are acknowledged as having a right to cruise the prom.

Vehicles do not have a right to cruise any footpath. Ever.

There are some pathways that have been established from the get-go as shared paths: cyclists on one side, walkers on the other.

The seaward side of the prom is wide enough that it could be converted to one of these - and if that happened, then it would be legal for you to ride on the cycle-portion. But until then, it's not.

But a free-for-all is just not an option. It's just not safe enough for the various vulnerable people (especially the old, young and pregnant) who walk along there each day. And as someone pointed out, cyclists are generally uninsured so if they injure someone, it's generally though luck.

beardybrewer

You haven't a clue. What fascist country are you from again? Sorry the rest of us in the real world can't adhere to your black and white nihilistic rule-following utopia.

jjpep

Making the road one way and introducing a 2 way contra flow cycle lane would be great.

topcat77

i often cycle to work in the morning Via the prom. I take my time and cruise along the foot path and give plenty of room to walker. At this time of the morning i'm lucky if i see 10 people out on the prom, it's a shame that i'm in the wrong.

joeKel73

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

There are some pathways that have been established from the get-go as shared paths: cyclists on one side, walkers on the other.

There are also pathways which are designated as shared, not separated.

topcat77

I'd like to see the Prom as a shared space.

I don't want the council to stop children riding their bikes, riding their flickers and roller skating. Even if they're closely monitored by their parents or an adult
they're still breaking the existing law. A child is no different to an adult when it comes to this law.

I want everyone to be able to use the prom. lets facilitate and not ban.

1641

I don't know what the legal situation is as regards cycling on the Prom (or similar) but a cyclist doing so should be equipped with a bell, or equivalent. It is at least very disconcerting, and sometimes dangerous, especially for the vulnerable, to find a bike suddenly fly up behind them from the rear.

biko

Poll added

Mrs OBumble

beardybrewer wrote: »

You haven't a clue. What fascist country are you from again? Sorry the rest of us in the real world can't adhere to your black and white nihilistic rule-following utopia.

Thanks for the great insight into the mindset of people who use bicycles. To summarise:

Expecting vehicle users to use the road = fascist.
Expecting all vehicle users to obey the road-code = nihilistic rule-following utopia


It's not hard to see why other people (both car-users and pedestrians) have issues with cyclists.

topcat77

Back to topic!

bobbyss

1641 wrote:

I don't know what the legal situation is as regards cycling on the Prom (or similar) but a cyclist doing so should be equipped with a bell, or equivalent. It is at least very disconcerting, and sometimes dangerous, especially for the vulnerable, to find a bike suddenly fly up behind them from the rear.

Yeah I agree. Young fellas cycling at speed cause anxiety and ruin a nice walk. Often I see them without even hoding the bars in show off mode. With kids walking beside you, your walk is miserable.

fergiesfolly

Was in Spain recently and was on a lovely prom that had shared use for pedestrians and walkers. Everyone(nearly everyone) was mindful and courteous, but I had no comfort walking, thinking there might be some cyclist coming up behind us, when he could easily clip someone on the crowded pavement. I also couldn't see how the cyclists could enjoy it, as they had to twist and turn between the pedestrians. Even when the path was marked for one user or another, people would still use the wrong lanes.
The idea of a one way system on the road and using the other as a cycle/ skater lane sounds like a good idea though

Mrs OBumble

fergiesfolly wrote: »

The idea of a one way system on the road and using the other as a cycle/ skater lane sounds like a good idea though

Which way should it go, though - east to west or west to east?

bobbyss

Mrs OBumble wrote:

Which way should it go, though - east to west or west to east?

How about both? Clearly posted that incorporates rush hours in morning and evening.

Mr Starman

bobbyss wrote: »

The surface of the prom is conducive to speed. Imagine a loose child running after a ball or whatever and a speeding bike.

You sound like a bad road safety advertisement.

But I see your point, all it takes is one lycra wearing maniac pedaling like the clappers on one of those new carbon fibre framed road bikes to cause serious damage on the prom. And they rarely use brakes, do these guys even have them?

stampydmonkey

jjpep wrote: »

Making the road one way and introducing a 2 way contra flow cycle lane would be great.

Great idea! Together with a refurb of the prom, salthill and black rock would be wonderful. Use the Sunday parking money to fund it

nuac

In Salthll
1. Parking along the road should be banned - if necessary larger carparks should be provided

2 Only kids under 10 should be allowed cycle on footpaths. Rest on the road

fergiesfolly

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Which way should it go, though - east to west or west to east?

I wouldn't be familiar enough with the traffic patterns to give an opinion on which would work best.

fergiesfolly

nuac wrote: »

In Salthll
1. Parking along the road should be banned - if necessary larger carparks should be provided

2 Only kids under 10 should be allowed cycle on footpaths. Rest on the road

I'd agree with the first, but would wonder where larger carparks would be located.

On your second point, children can be even more unpredictable than adults and I wouldn't want them on a footpath. Purpose built, well designed cycle lane should be suitable for all.

lfc12345

I believe cycling on a path is illegal unless otherwise stated?

I never really got why cyclists cycled on the prom anyway, seems like way too much hassle avoiding all those people

beardybrewer

lfc12345 wrote: »

I believe cycling on a path is illegal unless otherwise stated?

I never really got why cyclists cycled on the prom anyway, seems like way too much hassle avoiding all those people

Cycling on the footpath is not illegal in Ireland. It's actually allowed for a lot of the way behind the golf course and again in South Park. There is 1 old decrepit sign along the prom but it's a grey zone as to if it's seriously not allowed. There maybe rules in some areas, but you aren't breaking the law. Galway is pretty terrible for bike lanes. Until they exist there are times for safety you need to mount the footpath.

In the case of the prom, not everyone is bombing it at 20mph many are just cruising along no faster than a kid of a skateboard. Typically I cycle early in the morning and there's nobody there. Only now when all the fair weather walkers does it occasionally get crowded and as you say I go so slow waiting to safely pass I'd rather take the road... but I'd be happier doing so if there were bike lanes.

Mrs OBumble

beardybrewer wrote: »

Cycling on the footpath is not illegal in Ireland.

Have you a link to back up that claim?

A Promenade is made for using for leisurely pursuits, walking, cycling, skating etc.

The best solution would be to remove parking along the prom from Seapoint to Blackrock and widen the path even further to add a 2 lane cycleway i.e. 1 outbound, 1 inbound.

The only issue is, what piece of crap Salthill architecture do you knock to build parking to accommodate for the 100 lost spaces. Alternatively, just remove the parking and don't bother replacing the spaces. Guaranteed to cause a heck of a lot more to change to bus, walk or cycle.

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

A Promenade is made for using for leisurely pursuits, walking, cycling, skating etc.

Promenade comes from the French verb promener - to walk.

topcat77

Deleted User wrote: »

Promenade comes from the French verb promener - to walk.

Wrong

you can use promener for various forms of transport.

une promenade a velo "a bicycle ride, a bike ride"

une promenade en voiture "a drive"

faire une promenade a velo "to go for a bike ride"

marcher - to walk

Fair enough.

joeKel73

beardybrewer wrote: »

Look, I bike to mutton island every day for exercise. I go from the golf course along the prom to mutton island and back.

beardybrewer wrote: »

Cycling on the footpath is not illegal in Ireland.

It is illegal in Ireland.

You can only cycle across a footpath if entering or exiting a property.

topcat77

Was cycling down to the streets of Galway race on Saturday (On the road) and i thought of a solution.

1. Move the parking to the other side of the road.

2. create a 2 way cycle lane on the road next to the prom with a barrier to stop cars parking on it.

It could be tight on space but i'm sure something could be engineered to make it work.

joeKel73

Moving the car parking to the other side of the road will use up one of the traffic lanes. You'll be down to 1 lane and a one-way system.

topcat77

J o e wrote: »

Moving the car parking to the other side of the road will use up one of the traffic lanes. You'll be down to 1 lane and a one-way system.

But there is already parking on one side and a two way system is in currently in use. Just change the side of the road.

joeKel73

topcat77 wrote: »

But there is already parking on one side and a two way system is in currently in use. Just change the side of the road.

Yes but aren't you proposing to put a 2-way cycle lane in the space where the parking currently is?