Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
156. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if he will bring forward initiatives to encourage shopping centres and businesses to provide bicycle parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42832/21]
View answerThe provision of secure cycle parking is important to support the development of cycling as a sustainable transport choice, as the lack of same is often cited as a barrier to cycling and bike ownership. Requirements in relation to the provision of cycle parking in public areas fall under the remit of the various local authorities, who issue standards and guidance on this matter; my Department is responsible for the provision of funding and policy direction in relation to such issues.
The issue of facilitating and encouraging Active Travel across the general public will be a key priority in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility Policy, which is currently ongoing. The issue of cycle parking is being considered as part of this exercise. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including Active Travel, and I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021.
It is also worth noting that the Smarter Travel Workplaces, Smarter Travel Campus Programme, which is overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a national, voluntary, behaviour change programme that works with businesses and third level institutions to implement workplace travel plans that facilitate sustainable travel on the commute and beyond.
While these travel plans are primarily focused on 'soft' measures such as promotion, marketing and events, they can also include some 'hard' measures such as cycle parking, cycle lanes, showers or lockers. The NTA plans to build on the current Programme by expanding the number of businesses and organisations engaged in the Programme in order to encourage as many employees and customers/clients as possible to consider sustainable transport modes such as cycling in their travel to and from their premises.
