Dublin City and Greater area – Danger points

onmebike · 22-11-2018 12:03pm

A map of these would be interesting. I'd say a lot of the main routes and anywhere there is more than one lane will feature.

For me, N4/M50 flyover inbound and outbound. I use the bike lane inbound when I go that way and just don't go near the area coming outbound any more.

Victoria quay as many have mentioned is awful.

The Nangor Road heading towards the Long Mile Road is like wacky races much of the time. The road is OK - reasonable bus lane - but the behavior of drivers here is appalling, particularly before 7am.

Long Mile Road has some terrible bus lane abuse and speeding at times.

Weepsie · 22-11-2018 12:35pm

I don't think it's one that is done very often by cyclists, but I've had the misfortune of twice going over the Red Cow roundabout.

The bike lane ends abruptly, and I'm not sure if the idea is to go up on the bridge or not. it's not suitable anyway for a bike, and most of the traffic acts like it doesn't see you or that you shouldn't be there. Merging traffic once over it is another headache.

De Bhál · 22-11-2018 12:54pm

I cycle in by Glasnevin cemetery most days and if the traffic is jammed up you get cars chancing their arm going into the buslane to get up to Harts corner. While in the buslane they usually gun it so as not to be breaking the law for too long (I assume). Not nice to be passed by these cars. Taxis and busses are fine along here just private cars.

schemingbohemia · 22-11-2018 1:34pm

onmebike wrote: »

A map of these would be interesting. I'd say a lot of the main routes and anywhere there is more than one lane will feature.

For me, N4/M50 flyover inbound and outbound. I use the bike lane inbound when I go that way and just don't go near the area coming outbound any more.

Victoria quay as many have mentioned is awful.

The Nangor Road heading towards the Long Mile Road is like wacky races much of the time. The road is OK - reasonable bus lane - but the behavior of drivers here is appalling, particularly before 7am.

Long Mile Road has some terrible bus lane abuse and speeding at times.

Dublin Inquirer did one a few years ago, not sure how up to date it is. Also think it is more collision related rather than the possibly more useful stuff discussed here.
https://www.dublininquirer.com/2015/10/20/bicycle-collision-tracker/

check_six · 22-11-2018 2:21pm

schemingbohemia wrote: »

Dublin Inquirer did one a few years ago, not sure how up to date it is. Also think it is more collision related rather than the possibly more useful stuff discussed here.
https://www.dublininquirer.com/2015/10/20/bicycle-collision-tracker/

Yeah, a collision could be anywhere for any multitude of reasons, but a guaranteed fright is assured in all the areas listed so far in this thread. It's important to evaluate why the frights are so prevalent in these spots, and so far awful road design and worse motorist behaviour are coming out tops.

07Lapierre · 22-11-2018 4:09pm

Would it not be easier to just Highlight the non-dangerous points?

1. Clontarf Cycle path.

Thread\

check_six · 22-11-2018 4:32pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

Would it not be easier to just Highlight the non-dangerous points?

1. Clontarf Cycle path.

Thread\

Woah, that's a bold statement! The Clontarf Cycle Path has some shaky spots too don't forget like the carpark exits, etc.

07Lapierre · 22-11-2018 6:17pm

check_six wrote: »

Woah, that's a bold statement! The Clontarf Cycle Path has some shaky spots too don't forget like the carpark exits, etc.

Good point! .... Don't mind me so! Mods, don't close the thread!

Breezer · 22-11-2018 7:58pm

De Bhál wrote: »

I cycle in by Glasnevin cemetery most days and if the traffic is jammed up you get cars chancing their arm going into the buslane to get up to Harts corner. While in the buslane they usually gun it so as not to be breaking the law for too long (I assume). Not nice to be passed by these cars. Taxis and busses are fine along here just private cars.

Yep, I remembered that one this morning. I come the other way, from Phibsborough up towards St Mobhi Road, and the bus lane along the Finglas Road outbound and then particularly once you turn right might as well not be there. I don't so much filter as play Tetris with the cars there.

gavinoontheweb · 23-11-2018 12:09am

1: Beaver Row/Beech Hill Road, just too narrow and dangerous when congested. In an ideal world it would be one way but I can never see it happening with too many business's and residences on the road.
2: Macken Street/Pearse Street, ****show.
3: Drumcondra/Swords road 'cycle path', stretch leading up to Griffith Ave you either get blasted out of the bus lane by private coaches and taxis or you take your life into your own hands on the slippery path with multiple blind entrances.

23-11-2018 12:38am

I used to have turn right from clonskeagh onto beechhill on the bike, not sure what it's like now but can't imagine it's fun. Sometimes I rode along the dodder and would have to use the ped lights at that T junction to get across, and be on my way. Again been 10 years so not sure what they did there since if anything.

raheny red · 23-11-2018 2:51am

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Drumcondra Road coming out of town towards the Dodder

There is a bike path on the footpatch all the way as far as Fagans

The bike path merges with the road at a point where
(I) Buses are pulling in to a bus stop
(II) Cars are turning left onto Botanic Road

Very hairy.

You then progress onto the bridge - two narrow car lanes. There is NO room to overtake cyclists but many motorists try to do it anyway.

Cycling in Drumcondra is hairy.

AndrewJRenko · 23-11-2018 7:39am

gavinoontheweb wrote: »

1: Beaver Row/Beech Hill Road, just too narrow and dangerous when congested. In an ideal world it would be one way but I can never see it happening with too many business's and residences on the road.

One way would be great, or if they could just stop the storage of private property on public space (parking), that would make a big difference too.

buffalo · 23-11-2018 9:13am

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Drumcondra Road coming out of town towards the Dodder

There is a bike path on the footpatch all the way as far as Fagans

The bike path merges with the road at a point where
(I) Buses are pulling in to a bus stop
(II) Cars are turning left onto Botanic Road

Very hairy.

You then progress onto the bridge - two narrow car lanes. There is NO room to overtake cyclists but many motorists try to do it anyway.

What's a footpatch? Do you mean a footpad?

Also, agreed on the terrible cycle track. Had a discussion with my brother a few years back about "why cyclists don't use cycle tracks". This cycle track was the example I used, and he conceded the point.

I'd include it from Binnsbridge tbh - it's tight against parking spaces, takes you up the inside of left-hand turning cars, and there's a busy Dublin bus stop and Aercoach stop in it too.

Then when it goes off-road, it's not clearly delineated and the change takes place at a pedestrian crossing, so people often stand in it. It then loses priority at every single side road, and cyclists are expected to either twist their heads nearly 180° while moving or come to a total stop while travelling on what is essentially the N1.

Macy0161 · 23-11-2018 10:03am

Deleted User wrote: »

I used to have turn right from clonskeagh onto beechhill on the bike, not sure what it's like now but can't imagine it's fun. Sometimes I rode along the dodder and would have to use the ped lights at that T junction to get across, and be on my way. Again been 10 years so not sure what they did there since if anything.

Don't think it's changed. There's not really any great alternatives, as going on towards Ranelagh and taking any of the right turns aren't a whole lot better in my experience. I cut through UCD to my workplace, if coming from Clonskeagh. Not that the motorists and pedestrian interactions are that great in Belfield, but it isn't as crazy.

Which reminds me of how bad the Goat junction is coming from Dundrum direction, the couple of times I did it. Well rather the approach to the junction. And again, the estates that you could cut through are rat runs so not exactly quiet ways. I went back to the N11 after a few days of extending the commute a bit through Sandyford mainly because of it (not just there, Lambs Cross was never pleasant either).

alentejo · 23-11-2018 10:46am

New one - Dawson Street North Bound and turning on to Molesworth Street. Need as a cyclist to concentrate on both tram tracks, on coming trams / traffic and other traffic also trying to do the same turn. Also keeping an eye out for Peds crossing as well. It was soo much easier before Luas

tomasrojo · 24-11-2018 12:42pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

Which reminds me of how bad the Goat junction is coming from Dundrum direction, the couple of times I did it. Well rather the approach to the junction. And again, the estates that you could cut through are rat runs so not exactly quiet ways. I went back to the N11 after a few days of extending the commute a bit through Sandyford mainly because of it (not just there, Lambs Cross was never pleasant either).

If you're coming from Dundrum direction and turning right, heading towards Drummartin, you can cut through the car park of the Goat pub, and use the little residential road that flanks the main road. You need to get back onto the main road then, but I find this better than going through the crossroads when making that turn. Same with coming from Drummartin and heading to Dundrum, though since it's only a left turn, I just do it to avoid the queue of cars.

tomasrojo · 24-11-2018 12:45pm

A lot of the posts here remind me that Dublin's traffic problems are as much or maybe more to do with an excess of on-street car parking as to do with an excess of car use.

riemann · 26-11-2018 11:19am

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Drumcondra Road coming out of town towards the Dodder

The Tolka you mean (not to be a stickler)

Agree with your post though, it's very dangerous around there.

Tombo2001 · 26-11-2018 11:25am

riemann wrote: »

The Tolka you mean (not to be a stickler)

Agree with your post though, it's very dangerous around there.

That is correcto, I always get them mixed up for some reason -

Watched a private bus cross the bridge this morning and then drive the whole way up Drumcondra road with one wheel in the bike path.

riemann · 26-11-2018 11:30am

Junction of Capel Street and Ryders Row.

Contra flow cycle lane on Capel St. Car's coming up Ryders Row onto Capel St. look left for traffic, not always checking their right for cyclists.

Based on Road markings both cyclists and vehicles should yield but most cyclists don't seem to do this (I may be wrong).

Seen several close calls and a few cyclists knocked off. Recently reported the junction to the council so hopefully they will simplify things.

check_six · 26-11-2018 12:08pm

riemann wrote: »

Recently reported the junction to the council so hopefully they will simplify things.

Hopefully 'simplifying things' does not involve some kind of 'No bikes' sign! :eek:

Mercian Pro · 26-11-2018 1:39pm

check_six wrote: »

Hopefully 'simplifying things' does not involve some kind of 'No bikes' sign! :eek:

More likely a 'Cyclist Dismount' sign!

Mention of Dawson Street a few posts ago reminded me that Dawson Street to Westmoreland Street via Nassau Street, Lr Grafton Street and College Green is technically still legal (AFAIK) but in practice very tricky with tracks, trams, buses and pedestrians to contend with and hopefully avoid. Even accessing the two way bike lane along by the Bank of Ireland has been made more difficult by the addition of close-spaced wands.

Tombo2001 · 26-11-2018 1:45pm

Mercian Pro wrote: »

More likely a 'Cyclist Dismount' sign!

Mention of Dawson Street a few posts ago reminded me that Dawson Street to Westmoreland Street via Nassau Street, Lr Grafton Street and College Green is technically still legal (AFAIK) but in practice very tricky with tracks, trams, buses and pedestrians to contend with and hopefully avoid. Even accessing the two way bike lane along by the Bank of Ireland has been made more difficult by the addition of close-spaced wands.

Those are hilarious.

Motorists - get out of your car and push it across.

Wishbone Ash · 26-11-2018 9:09pm

riemann wrote: »

... Car's coming up Ryders Row onto Capel St. look left for traffic, not always checking their right for cyclists..

I find the opposite to be the case - drivers nearly always yield to me even though it's supposed to be the other way around.

riemann · 27-11-2018 12:46am

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I find the opposite to be the case - drivers nearly always yield to me even though it's supposed to be the other way around.

What do you mean by the other way round?

ted1 · 27-11-2018 12:50am

raheny red wrote: »

Cycling in Drumcondra is hairy.

Only every use that path in the rain. Bus lane all the way

ted1 · 27-11-2018 12:54am

ted1 wrote: »

I just used it to report the RTE to UCD cycle path

I also used fixmystreet to report the drivers using the new bike lane in the n11 and Cabinteely crossroads outbound. Fair play tinthe council new tragic wands appeared two days later !!

Wishbone Ash · 27-11-2018 10:13am

riemann wrote: »

What do you mean by the other way round?

I see what you mean now - there are yield signs for both parties.

Annie get your Run · 27-11-2018 12:12pm

whysomanyhills wrote: »

Hi All,

I’m not sure if this has been done before on this forum but from your own personal experience what is the most dangerous stretch of road you must negotiate on your commute/general cycle in and around the greater Dublin area.

For reference I’ve been cycling in and around Dublin city and the greater area since the 90’s. I’ve lived and cycled on both sides of the city.

The reason I’m asking is I’m comfortable and feel safe to a general degree on pretty much every road in Dublin I use (provided your switched on) but the only place I have a genuine fear is Victoria Quay outside the Guinness Brewery when trying to negotiate the 4 lanes to get to the Phoneix Park/Chapelizod due to intermittent aggressive driver behavior.

For the record a large majority of drivers on this stretch or road are patient and understanding but I’ve had a number of close passes/tailgating incidents generally from “professional drivers” (not Dublin Bus btw).

If there is enough feedback it may be useful to the various cycle advocacy groups in operation for statistical purposes in terms of danger points from cyclists of all levels.

Thanks

This for me too, I hate it. Buses / taxi's up your backside in the bus lane (and motorbikes!) and then trying to constantly look around for a break in traffic.

FWIW I emailed the council and copied Ciaran Cuffe asking that the 30kph speed limit be extended up to here. I must follow up with them, maybe a video of what it actually looks like might help them along. The best solution would be to remove the parking from the right hand lane and turn it into a cycle lane for anyone turning right.

bazermc · 26-12-2018 1:42pm

This photo speaks for itself.

accensi0n · 26-12-2018 2:41pm

bazermc wrote: »

This photo speaks for itself.

No it doesn't. Wrong thread maybe?

bazermc · 26-12-2018 2:43pm

accensi0n wrote: »

No it doesn't. Wrong thread maybe?

I dont agree The car was parked in Dublin City and was creating a danger point, forcing cyclists off the cycle path and onto the main road

C3PO · 27-12-2018 5:08pm

ted1 wrote: »

I also used fixmystreet to report the drivers using the new bike lane in the n11 and Cabinteely crossroads outbound. Fair play tinthe council new tragic wands appeared two days later !!

Fair dues to you .... I actually got hit twice by cars turning left at that junction before they installed the wands!! Whoever designed the bike lane should be fired - the way cyclists “drop out” of sight and then reappear from behind the bus shelter is crazy!

Mickiemcfist · 27-12-2018 5:56pm

C3PO wrote: »

Fair dues to you .... I actually got hit twice by cars turning left at that junction before they installed the wands!! Whoever designed the bike lane should be fired - the way cyclists “drop out” of sight and then reappear from behind the bus shelter is crazy!

Exactly the same issue across the road from the Radisson at fosters avenue

dermabrasion · 28-12-2018 9:30am

C3PO wrote: »

Whoever designed the bike lane should be fired -

This point has occurred to me on many occasions. I know there is a policy book (wrong term I'm sure) for road / civil engineers regarding standards etcetera for cycling infrastructure. But, I'm astonished from time to time how someone actually signed-off on Dublin's cycling paths. Aside for stupidity cited above, there are so many ridiculously stupid pieces of infrastructure that someone 'signed off' as job done.

Macy0161 · 28-12-2018 10:47am

I don't really think it's the bus stop/ cyclelane design, more the proximity to the junction. fwiw my near miss at that junction just before the wands had little to do with the layout and everything to the motorists facetiming while driving...

I don't know whether it's "best practice", but it seems to be the current preferred option - it's what they've done at the new stop for the top of Mount Merrion.

C3PO · 28-12-2018 11:46am

Macy0161 wrote: »

I don't really think it's the bus stop/ cyclelane design, more the proximity to the junction. fwiw my near miss at that junction just before the wands had little to do with the layout and everything to the motorists facetiming while driving...

I don't know whether it's "best practice", but it seems to be the current preferred option - it's what they've done at the new stop for the top of Mount Merrion.

The problem is that the cycle lane swings left behind a tall fence and then goes behind the bus shelter so that cyclist are effectively out of motorists vision for about 100mts before the junction - drivers simply don't see cyclists until they turn in on top of them!

Macy0161 · 28-12-2018 12:28pm

C3PO wrote: »

The problem is that the cycle lane swings left behind a tall fence and then goes behind the bus shelter so that cyclist are effectively out of motorists vision for about 100mts before the junction - drivers simply don't see cyclists until they turn in on top of them!

I know the junction - it's on my commute. But I'd still prefer that design to infront of the bus shelter or dumping me into the bus stop, like others on the N11. They should've moved the bus stop to the opposite corner really.

bazermc · 28-12-2018 7:39pm

There’s a road like that in Sandyford, Benilidus ave, it runs between The Beacon and Drummartin Link road. The cycle lane is wider than normal allowing cars to squeeze through and effectively as an extra lane.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in my car in a line of traffic on that road a I got blasted out of it at by other cars who were trying to squeeze into using the bike lane, even though I wasn’t at all in the bike lane itself and was queuing normally.

tomasrojo · 28-12-2018 8:00pm

bazermc wrote: »

There’s a road like that in Sandyford, Benilidus ave, it runs between The Beacon and Drummartin Link road. The cycle lane is wider than normal allowing cars to squeeze through and effectively as an extra lane.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in my car in a line of traffic on that road a I got blasted out of it at by other cars who were trying to squeeze into using the bike lane, even though I wasn’t at all in the bike lane itself and was queuing normally.

Yeah, bit of a design fail that one. Did that road have that cycle lane design from the beginning? It could do with a kerb to stop cars using it as an extra lane. Unless the road designers intended it to be used as extra capacity at peak hours. Nothing would surprise me.

Carawaystick · 29-12-2018 7:52pm

alentejo wrote: »

I have a few

Ill start with Memorial Bridge south bound (North Stand / IFSC) heading towards south quays and O'Connell Bridge.

Need to position yourself in the middle of 4 lanes of traffic. I know there is a cycle track on the bridge but not sure if it is even marked anymore!

You can turn right onto custom house quay and use the Rosie Hackett Bridge if going to the south quays upstream

Garzard · 29-12-2018 8:49pm

Soon turning the corner northbound from Terenure Road E onto the Rathgar Road, there's an extremely shoddy metal & tarmac covering left over from previous roadworks immediately ahead of a sagging drain cover. Will never forget the shock of hitting it once a few months back. It can be difficult to recall where it is exactly, as cars are often parked at that corner and blocking the view.

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.3128209,-6.2735951,3a,59.2y,330.36h,63.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sevYPcB93szBgSHIRpjyJDQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

ED E · 30-12-2018 5:19pm

bazermc wrote: »

There’s a road like that in Sandyford, Benilidus ave, it runs between The Beacon and Drummartin Link road. The cycle lane is wider than normal allowing cars to squeeze through and effectively as an extra lane.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in my car in a line of traffic on that road a I got blasted out of it at by other cars who were trying to squeeze into using the bike lane, even though I wasn’t at all in the bike lane itself and was queuing normally.

Theres ZERO reason DLRCC couldn't have isolated the cycle lane entirely. Its a straight run with no entrances/exits.

tomasrojo · 31-12-2018 1:29pm

ED E wrote: »

Theres ZERO reason DLRCC couldn't have isolated the cycle lane entirely. Its a straight run with no entrances/exits.

Yes, think there's just one gate on the section heading towards the Kilmacud Luas stop, and it's padlocked most of the time. Think it's just for occasional access to the GAA grounds.

Lambretta · 15-03-2022 7:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/108697706#Comment_108697706

Lambretta · 15-03-2022 8:22pm

Matters are not improving along this stretch on Beaver Row, I have recently witnessed and experienced a number of very close calls. 1.5 lanes attempting to cater to two lines of traffic and throw the 14 drivers I saw using their mobile phone yesterday along Beaver Row at 8am in the morning - this is brewing up for a serious accident.

Fair paly to DCC and DLRCC who are doing tremendous work improving sustainable cycling infrastructure but Beaver Row needs their continued efforts. Gardaí surveillance in the interim along this stretch could put manners on the careless drivers.

No disrespect here intended for the majority of considerate motorists.

AndrewJRenko · 15-03-2022 9:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118790061#Comment_118790061

Not too sure about that majority of considerate drivers. Most drivers break speed limits. Most drivers admitted to using their phones while driving in two recent surveys.

Macy0161 · 16-03-2022 10:57am

I'm no longer based in Clonskeagh when in the office, but is nothing happening with the Dodder Greenway on that stretch? Also, I think one of the roads further on towards town is trialling one way for motorists?

A Detour through UCD may be an option via Belfield Business Park or Richview and come out on the N11.

MojoMaker · 16-03-2022 11:08am

There's a rather nice Alfa Romeo parked on Beaver Row each evening. Must be on its 3rd mirror of 2022 so far.

Nasty spot to get caught alright - you do feel a major incident is coming.

Dublin City and Greater area – Danger points

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