Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
593. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the creation of local traffic only areas to improve cyclist enjoyment of rural routes in view of safety concerns from cyclists sharing roadways with high speed traffic. [45374/14]
View answerI think we can all agree on the need to make cycling as safe and attractive a mode of transport as possible.
In other jurisdictions, the 'local traffic only' option is often used in urban rather than in rural areas, and is mostly seen as an anti-congestion measure. It is mainly a method of routing non-local traffic on to by-passes and out of built-up areas.
In principle, public roads are open to all legitimate users. While restricting the use of public roads in certain urban areas might have some merit, it would be a more difficult proposition in non-urban locations. In the case of rural roads, there may not be easy alternatives available to traffic. In addition, if we are thinking in terms of roads in scenic and tourist areas, it would be difficult to contemplate closing them to non-local traffic.
Finally, there is the question of enforcement. An attempt to limit traffic in certain rural areas to locals only would require a considerable commitment of resources.
However, low trafficked roads in rural areas do provide great potential for the development of cycle routes through signage and marketing. These routes are often used exclusively by local traffic, in any event, without the need to designate them a ‘local traffic only’ road. Ireland has a substantial network of low trafficked local roads and, with proper marketing and awareness raising, such routes could provide safe passage for cyclists along the length and breadth of Ireland.
I believe that this approach combined with appropriate cycle infrastructure where necessary, education to ensure responsible behaviour by drivers and cyclists, and promotion of lighting and reflective clothing to ensure high visibility for cyclists, offers the best way to improve safety for cyclists.
