Recent input from disability groups including the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) was sought by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the newly revised Cycle Design Manual. The Cycle Design Manual, published by the NTA in Q3 2023, supersedes the previous National Cycle Manual which guided the design of cycle infrastructure in Ireland over the last decade.
The new Manual draws on the experience of delivering cycling infrastructure in Ireland, as well as learning from international best practice, and has been guided by the need to deliver safe cycle facilities for people of all ages and abilities. The updated Manual has greater emphasis on the range of bicycles to be accommodated and the recommendations also focus on segregating cyclists from traffic where speeds and volumes make roads unsuitable for sharing.
As part of the stakeholder consultation on the Cycle Design Manual, feedback from the IWA was received on floating bus stops.
In addition, my Department's National Guidelines and Standards Group (NGSG) have invited the National Disability Authority, the independent statutory body that advises on policy relevant to persons with disabilities, to present to that Group. The NGSG seeks to improve the consistency of approach across state bodies to lead to a more streamlined and consistent approach to the design and delivery of infrastructure projects through the setting of minimum common requirements including on audit and quality control.
The Department is looking to build upon current engagement with certain groups, including representative groups for persons with disabilities, to ensure that whatever solutions are provided in this area are able to meet the needs of all users.
