Are there any roads you will refuse to cycle on?

Weepsie · 07-05-2021 11:31pm

micar wrote: »

Cycling up Mobhi Rd in Glasnevin...always use the footpath

Why not use the cycle lane on the opposite side. It's contraflow judging by the markings

sy_flembeck · 07-05-2021 11:36pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

None that I refuse to use, but really hate the Roundwood-Kilmac road in both directions (which is quite problematic for me!) and the Glenealy-Rathdrum roads. Never used them without at least one close pass, and the only roads that my "recording my journey" stayin alive at 1.5 gillet seem to have no impact.

The N11 is zero fun, but main issue is punctures. As it is at the moment, I wouldn't use Bray South to Kilmac though.

Agree 100% with absolutely everything in this post - including the same gilet!

Wishbone Ash · 07-05-2021 11:38pm

crosstownk wrote: »

.. it's probably the one section of road that I associate with courteous motorist who very regularly flash to let me cross lanes when they see me looking over my shoulder for an opportunity to move right.

That would be my experience also and I must have cycled that junction hundreds of times. I can only recall a couple of times where I had to come to a stop and wait for a gap to cross and that was when the weather was really wet and miserable.

Richard Hillman · 07-05-2021 11:41pm

Bray in general. Awful bumpy roads and coming out of Bray into Dublin into the Roundabout is pretty scary. You need to just swing your dick and say this is my lane.

magicbastarder · 07-05-2021 11:52pm

Weepsie wrote: »

Why not use the cycle lane on the opposite side. It's contraflow judging by the markings

actually, we copped today that it's not. or else it can't decide if it's one way or two way - i think it's intended as two way, because of the schools.

but you can clearly see an 'end of cycle path' sign here which can only apply to downhill traffic - it's the start of the cycle path for uphill traffic.

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.3730898,-6.2657876,3a,75y,165.95h,69.64t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sEBqNHcS7NmrimQT704UGYw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DEBqNHcS7NmrimQT704UGYw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D322.66824%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

magicbastarder · 07-05-2021 11:54pm

crosstownk wrote: »

I can see why cyclists would be wary there but I've never really had a problem on that section. In fact it's probably the one section of road that I associate with courteous motorist

actually, one of the most dickish encounters i've had was opposite the coachmans, headed northbound, almost two years ago; i was in the bus lane, and a chap in a beemer accelerated, and cut across the lanes so as to buzz me at high speed, while leaning on the horn. missed me by a couple of feet, i reckon. deliberately went out of his way to intimidate me.

Seth Brundle · 08-05-2021 12:00am

billyhead wrote: »

The road past the coachman's Inn as your heading Southbound. The lane switching can be hairy at times. The roundabout isn't great either.

I did that stretch (northbound) last autumn, the first time in over twenty years after I was knocked down (and badly injured) at the roundabout by a driver rushing to drop people off for a flight. (That is why I always wear a helmet if on the road.)
In fairness, it's still a sh1tfest there!

08-05-2021 7:58am

N81, Blessington - Baltimglass is the section I am most familiar with, nice road and good surface but it’s mostly narrow . Every time I go on it I say never again,

micar · 08-05-2021 10:04am

Weepsie wrote: »

Why not use the cycle lane on the opposite side. It's contraflow judging by the markings

It ends at the junction of Home farm road.

It's there to only cater for Na Fianna and the school.

So you'd have to cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, cycle up past the second entrance and then cross the road again at the pedestrian crossing.

F(uk that sh1te ....... ridiculous carry on.

nomdeboardie · 08-05-2021 11:17am

Seth Brundle wrote: »

I did that stretch (northbound) last autumn, the first time in over twenty years after I was knocked down (and badly injured) at the roundabout by a driver rushing to drop people off for a flight. (That is why I always wear a helmet if on the road.)
In fairness, it's still a sh1tfest there!

Yech :eek: - glad you've recovered!

Seth Brundle · 08-05-2021 11:30am

nomdeboardie wrote: »

Yech :eek: - glad you've recovered!

All I remember is a white car approaching me on my right and hit me side on. Apparently I may have landed on my head or else somehow banged it off the road (with no helmet) which caused my brain (little as it is) to be thrown about inside my skull. Apparently my brain swelled up to the point my eyes were bulging for a few weeks.
I'm fine now although many would claim that my brain still isn't right!

Breezer · 09-05-2021 11:09pm

micar wrote: »

Cycling up Mobhi Rd in Glasnevin...always use the footpath

I only come down that. I find it’s more pleasant and not a lot slower to swing around by the Botanic Gardens and up the Ballymun Road to the Griffith Avenue junction. I often meet the same cars/buses that were behind me on Botanic Road at the lights there.

Coming down the hill I use Mobhi Road, right in the middle of the bus lane, avoiding the many potholes.

MarkY91 · 09-05-2021 11:27pm

Breezer wrote: »

I only come down that. I find it’s more pleasant and not a lot slower to swing around by the Botanic Gardens and up the Ballymun Road to the Griffith Avenue junction. I often meet the same cars/buses that were behind me on Botanic Road at the lights there.

Coming down the hill I use Mobhi Road, right in the middle of the bus lane, avoiding the many potholes.

Or you can use the cycle lane on the path and stop giving people more reason to hate cyclists...

Seth Brundle · 09-05-2021 11:29pm

MarkY91 wrote: »

Or you can use the cycle lane on the path and stop giving people more reason to hate cyclists...

FFS :rolleyes:

magicbastarder · 09-05-2021 11:34pm

MarkY91 wrote: »

Or you can use the cycle lane on the path and stop giving people more reason to hate cyclists...

what he has described is precisely what the road layout - and signs - suggests he does.
the cycle lane on the path is (nominally) contraflow, it's for people cycling uphill. because there's a dedicated bus/cycle lane downhill, but not so uphill.

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.3785756,-6.2653164,3a,81.1y,163.22h,93.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shwNaIUBN-70HYdKB9A7WZg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

the sign you can see - just in front of the house for sale sign - explicitly declares the lane to be a bus and cycle lane.

greenspurs · 10-05-2021 8:13am

Is there any 'dangerous roads' outside Dublin ?? :P

Wildly Boaring · 10-05-2021 8:46am

greenspurs wrote: »

Is there any 'dangerous roads' outside Dublin ?? :P

Well I don't live down there anymore but I see, is it Righttobike?, using Carshill.

Yeah, not a ****ing hope would you catch me on that on a bike.

Staying with the PRC
Technically you could use a bike on the South Ring??
Yeah ....nope

I'm sure it's continuation onto the Ballincollig bypass is a barrel of laughs too.

On my home county, Meath
My favorite N2 has had a couple of mentions
I stay off the Drogheda - Navan part of N51 especially with a great alternative south of the boyne, always love the view passing Newgrange and the trees overhead past RosnaRí, on over through Beauparc and Athlumney.

Chips Lovell · 10-05-2021 9:05am

The main street in Newbridge. Not that I refuse to cycle on it, but it's definitely my least favourite stretch of road. I only pass through it around a dozen times a year but I've had more near misses there than I've had in a lifetime of commuting in Dublin. No matter what time of the day or day of the week it is, it's always rammed with traffic, people pulling in and out of parking spots without so much as looking, like they've never seen a cyclist in their life.

magicbastarder · 10-05-2021 9:05am

i don't particularly like the R152 from the N2 (near the snailbox) to duleek. for the volume and speed of traffic it carries, it's not wide enough.
i suspect the R150, also from the N2 to duleek, but further north is also not a pleasant road to cycle.

RacoonQueen · 10-05-2021 9:09am

N7 and N11

N7 can be ok before say 10am on a Sunday morning, arrive at any other time and I'd be in constant fear of my impending death.

Wildly Boaring · 10-05-2021 9:25am

magicbastarder wrote: »

i don't particularly like the R152 from the N2 (near the snailbox) to duleek. for the volume and speed of traffic it carries, it's not wide enough.
i suspect the R150, also from the N2 to duleek, but further north is also not a pleasant road to cycle.

Yeah R152 is one i avoid.
You can go up the first few metres of it (from Kilmoon) and go right then kinda run parallel to it to the East of Pudden Hill.
Little hills and VERY quiet.

R150 isn't as bad.

But I'd always use Balrath to Duleek (the L1610) instead of either road.

magicbastarder · 10-05-2021 9:28am

yep, i'd often have gone the way you suggest. without taking a left for puddenhill (i.e. if you continue on towards clonalvy), you pass a bike shop before you reach the garristown-ardcath road. i've often wondered how much business he gets.

Mundo7976 · 10-05-2021 9:29am

magicbastarder wrote: »

i don't particularly like the R152 from the N2 (near the snailbox) to duleek. for the volume and speed of traffic it carries, it's not wide enough.
i suspect the R150, also from the N2 to duleek, but further north is also not a pleasant road to cycle.

The section from pillo hotel to the traffic lights at phibblestown is great for drafting alongside trucks, great craic altogether!

Curb Your Enthusiasm · 10-05-2021 10:37am

N71 in West Cork can be a bit hairy in places....
Disappearing hard shoulders common..

Thelonious Monk · 10-05-2021 10:40am

I cycle Springdale Road in Raheny daily, if anyone is familiar with it, and just use the footpath now, too many angry men in cars around here and I've been threatened more than once because they couldn't get past as I was in the middle of the road due to parked cars being on one side.
People regularly seem to be doing 80km/h or so and it's a 50 road.
It would actually be a great place to put a cycle lane, linking Malahide Rd and Raheny/Howth Road, and lots of schools around here, so I put in a request last week, fat chance of it happening though.

Macy0161 · 10-05-2021 10:46am

Seaswimmer wrote: »

Do you ever use the more inland one (The Old Long Hill I think)

I have always found that a lot quieter. Still a stiff climb but a nicer cycle.

It is my preferred route, but I don't always allow myself enough time to take it as an option to meet for club spins (it is lumpier than the main road). If I was just heading out for a spin taking in Glencree I wouldn't dream of taking the main road though.

I can't remember the last time I did Kilmac to Roundwood on the main road. I always go Old Long Hill. I don't know why so many heading out of Dublin choose it over the Old Long Hill - it is harder, but you're heading out to Wicklow Mountains presumably for enjoyment...

Breezer · 10-05-2021 11:17am

MarkY91 wrote: »

Or you can use the cycle lane on the path and stop giving people more reason to hate cyclists...

What exactly am I doing to make people hate cyclists? I do 40 km/h coming down there, have done it on a daily basis for years, and have yet to encounter a single issue, until your post. And why would I? I’m in the very clearly marked bus and cycle lane, and if a bus driver is desperate to do more than 40km/h, there’s another lane in which they can overtake me.

If I used the cycle lane on the path, I’d be going the wrong way.

And I said in the post you quoted that I avoid it on the way up, because there’s an alternative route, where I am not “giving people more reasons to hate cyclists.” I don’t have to, but I do. Because I’m considerate.

flutehook · 10-05-2021 11:29am

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

I cycle Springdale Road in Raheny daily...

...It would actually be a great place to put a cycle lane, linking Malahide Rd and Raheny/Howth Road, and lots of schools around here, so I put in a request last week, fat chance of it happening though.

Grew up around there, it was always a dragway, especially before the mini-roundabouts went in. A friend of mine's sister was killed cycling home from school on it back in the day.

Perfect for a cycle path along the pitches side.

Thelonious Monk · 10-05-2021 11:32am

flutehook wrote: »

Grew up around there, it was always a dragway, especially before the mini-roundabouts went in. A friend of mine's sister was killed cycling home from school on it back in the day.

Perfect for a cycle path along the pitches side.

God that's terrible, but not surprising, people drive like f*cking lunatics on that stretch. The mini roundabouts actually make things worse for cycling because you have to go into the middle of the road as the footpath turns in towards the road and drivers don't seem to be able to predict this.
The footpath on the green side is pretty wide, so I don't care any more, I'd rather cycle on that than risk my life.

Drake66 · 10-05-2021 2:45pm

Im becoming less and less of a fan of the scalp road. Especially at the pinch point at the top of the hill before the ski centre. I get close passed very regularly there and the speed limit of 80k is crazy

Seaswimmer · 10-05-2021 5:39pm

Drake66 wrote: »

Im becoming less and less of a fan of the scalp road. Especially at the pinch point at the top of the hill before the ski centre. I get close passed very regularly there and the speed limit of 80k is crazy

Definitely. Unfortunately its one of those roads that dosent really have an alternative if you want to get into Wicklow without going down the N11 or over the mountains.

retalivity · 10-05-2021 5:56pm

Coming down the hill at Bohernabreena with the Church on your left - I did it this morning and it reminded how much I hate it, even more so now after crashing a few months back.

Pretty steep
Bad surface and rumble strips
Cars behind speeding to get past you even though you are doing 40-50+kph
A sharp right turn at the bottom with loose chips everywhere

Also always hated the climb up the sally gap from kippure estate side, will take any of the other routes up but that one.

Yourmama · 10-05-2021 6:40pm

N4 after inchicore junction. I see commuters all the time there and wonder who in their right mind goes on this road with traffic often passing at 100kmh+ There are very good alternatives to this road.

Macy0161 · 10-05-2021 6:41pm

Seaswimmer wrote: »

Definitely. Unfortunately its one of those roads that dosent really have an alternative if you want to get into Wicklow without going down the N11 or over the mountains.

Not as direct, but ballycorus to Ferndale road. Ferndale Road is a bit of a forgotten alternative to shankill/ Bray or stepaside.

Michelin · 10-05-2021 11:05pm

My new least favorite road is the road from Bray to Greystones goes up a hill call windgates. Haven't been on it for a while until last weekend. Busy road with a lot of close passing. There is a new(ish) cycle path half way up that just spits you back out into the traffic just as the road really narrows near the top...I used this as the N11 is horrendous. There really is no safe passage for cyclists to ride out of the city of Dublin in the southbound direction anyway.

Hal1 · 10-05-2021 11:12pm

The port tunnel no less..

Incident closed: Reports of a Cyclist in Dublin Tunnel Lane 1 (north)

http://traffic.tii.ie

Mad cnut

smacl · 11-05-2021 7:44am

Macy0161 wrote: »

Not as direct, but ballycorus to Ferndale road. Ferndale Road is a bit of a forgotten alternative to shankill/ Bray or stepaside.

I love all the little roads in there too, some real challenges. Looping around Thornhill and Barnasligen adds some good climbing and Quarry road is a real eye-popper.

In a similar vein, I tend to avoid the Long Hill - Roundwood road these days and go the back roads off Red lane. Probably a bit narrow for groups but great solo cycling territory and a few interesting off road connections.

Jeremy Sproket · 11-05-2021 8:02am

Hal1 wrote: »

The port tunnel no less..

Mad cnut

How could a cyclist have even gotten into the Northbound bore?

You have to pass the toll gantry to get into the Northbound tunnel.

Don't Chute! · 11-05-2021 9:15am

Michelin wrote: »

My new least favorite road is the road from Bray to Greystones goes up a hill call windgates. Haven't been on it for a while until last weekend. Busy road with a lot of close passing. There is a new(ish) cycle path half way up that just spits you back out into the traffic just as the road really narrows near the top...I used this as the N11 is horrendous. There really is no safe passage for cyclists to ride out of the city of Dublin in the southbound direction anyway.

I don’t mind going that direction to be honest, it’s the other side I don’t like. I usually take the left turn after the Lidl junction which brings you up past Belmont Demise and brings you back onto the Windgates road at the top of the hill. Can be used the other direction if you don’t like the decent into Greystones. Much quieter and less of a climb too!

Seaswimmer · 11-05-2021 9:38am

Don't Chute! wrote: »

I don’t mind going that direction to be honest, it’s the other side I don’t like. I usually take the left turn after the Lidl junction which brings you up past Belmont Demise and brings you back onto the Windgates road at the top of the hill. Can be used the other direction if you don’t like the decent into Greystones. Much quieter and less of a climb too!

I only used that for the first time recently. Went the opposite way and ended up in Delgany. The bit around Belmont has a poor road surface but apart from that, lovely quiet roads..

Macy0161 · 11-05-2021 9:44am

smacl wrote: »

In a similar vein, I tend to avoid the Long Hill - Roundwood road these days and go the back roads off Red lane. Probably a bit narrow for groups but great solo cycling territory and a few interesting off road connections.

It's nearly gravel along parts of it, rather than tarmac though. OT, but there's supposed to be a right of way from Carrigower that they're investigating to link the Reservoir Trails to the Sugarloaf Way (which would then link on to the Wicklow Way).

MangleBadger · 11-05-2021 9:51am

Don't Chute! wrote: »

I don’t mind going that direction to be honest, it’s the other side I don’t like. I usually take the left turn after the Lidl junction which brings you up past Belmont Demise and brings you back onto the Windgates road at the top of the hill. Can be used the other direction if you don’t like the decent into Greystones. Much quieter and less of a climb too!

Who doesn't like the descent into Greystones? That's where I reached my fastest speed.

Don't Chute! · 11-05-2021 11:08am

MangleBadger wrote: »

Who doesn't like the descent into Greystones? That's where I reached my fastest speed.

I know! I love it but some people might not with the traffic!

Don't Chute! · 11-05-2021 11:10am

Seaswimmer wrote: »

I only used that for the first time recently. Went the opposite way and ended up in Delgany. The bit around Belmont has a poor road surface but apart from that, lovely quiet roads..

Yeah surface isn’t great but a nice little climb up to Kindlestown and also up Bohilla Lane past the Small Sugarloaf.

smacl · 11-05-2021 5:50pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

It's nearly gravel along parts of it, rather than tarmac though. OT, but there's supposed to be a right of way from Carrigower that they're investigating to link the Reservoir Trails to the Sugarloaf Way (which would then link on to the Wicklow Way).

Love the reservoir trails as a mellow add-on to any cycle around that neck of the woods and choose L-roads and gravel over R and N roads given the choice. Lots of good stuff between the Old Long road and Rathdrum with minimal traffic.

silverharp · 11-05-2021 6:32pm

not for safety reasons , planning to do a couple of cycles down to Laragh and back up the coast but Ill get the DART home from Greystones, there is something life sucking about Greystones back into the city, I'd prefer to throw the extra distance into the wicklow section

DaveyDave · 11-05-2021 7:46pm

The R149 between Lucan and Clonee. The road is only about 6km and the surface is grand but it's an absolute ballache to pass cyclists in a car due to the s bends, two bridges and junctions leaving very few safe passing opportunities. I'd be leaving myself open to chancers cutting it close. People also love to speed.

Going to work at 6am or coming home at 1am no bother, but coming home at 7pm or going at 1pm no chance. Too much traffic given it's the road people take to skip the toll. Shame as it turns a 13km trip into 21km, just glad I can take it for one part of my commute.

smacl · 12-05-2021 8:56am

silverharp wrote: »

not for safety reasons , planning to do a couple of cycles down to Laragh and back up the coast but Ill get the DART home from Greystones, there is something life sucking about Greystones back into the city, I'd prefer to throw the extra distance into the wicklow section

Military road and Sally gap is probably the nicest and more popular ways of hitting Laragh. Not a great option if it is windy, but well worth a punt if you've got decent weather. Wouldn't be a big fan of Greystones to town either, I'd often take the backroad between the Military Road and Roundwood road followed by Old long hill home if it is a bit windy for the gap but it is probably a tougher option in terms of evil little ramps. Either that or the gravel road to Moneystown or Stump road from Rathdrum (also lumpy).

rushfan · 12-05-2021 8:58pm

Not a fan of Kilshane Cross
I try and avoid Blakes Cross if I'm heading south.
During the 5km lockdown, I avoided the R108 ( I think it's it ) from the Rathbeale road past Knocksedan in particular, lots of close passes, it's much easier & less stressful to take the Balcultry Road, about 500m west of the R108. This would have taken me slightly outside the 5km, but for the sake of self preservation...…..
Also, not a fan of the stretch from Portmarnock to Malahide at weekends
All in all, there's definitely a degree of route pre planning at times.

Tombo2001 · 13-05-2021 9:37am

rushfan wrote: »

Not a fan of Kilshane Cross
I try and avoid Blakes Cross if I'm heading south.
During the 5km lockdown, I avoided the R108 ( I think it's it ) from the Rathbeale road past Knocksedan in particular, lots of close passes, it's much easier & less stressful to take the Balcultry Road, about 500m west of the R108. This would have taken me slightly outside the 5km, but for the sake of self preservation...…..
Also, not a fan of the stretch from Portmarnock to Malahide at weekends
All in all, there's definitely a degree of route pre planning at times.

Sadly in the news last week.

Are there any roads you will refuse to cycle on?

Comments