The message from the new Dublin council study is that cyclists are riding too fast and speed is a flashpoint for conflicts. Recommendations are made to reduce the possibility of such rows and make the area generally safer.
Cyclist Vs cyclist conflicts may require speed calming on Clontarf cycleway
Speed calming measures may be introduced on the Clontarf cycleway in Dublin to reduce the risk of “conflicts” between cyclists.
It is also feared if speeds go unchecked cyclists will also get into conflict with pedestrians and become a danger.
These are among the conclusions in an audit conducted for Dublin City Council by DBFL Consulting Engineers.
Concern is expressed about the speed that cyclists travel on the cycle track. Specifically, the safety risks of cycling at speed into areas shared with pedestrians is also highlighted.
The Clontarf cycle way stretches along the coast road from Fairview-Clontarf almost all the way to Sutton Cross where many cyclists turn to tackle the Howth Head climb.
Advertisement
Other problems explored in the audit include pedestrians walking into the cycleway. This “causes cyclists to swerve to avoid them”.
Furthermore, service vehicles and other vehicles were found to park on the cycleway.
The study suggests installing signs instructing cyclists to give way to pedestrians along some stretches. In the event of that not working, unspecified speed calming measures are recommended.
“Cyclists travelling at high speeds on approach to/through the shared areas may fail to observe the shared area,” the report states.
As a result of rider at speed cyclists might fail to give priority to pedestrians.
“The severity of any collisions/conflicts with pedestrians will increase with higher speeds,” it adds.
Related News
It also points to the possibility that cyclists would argue with each at times if one or both was riding too fast.
“Cyclists travelling at high speeds along the route increases the severity and the likelihood for conflicts with other cyclists,” it explained.
Furthermore, it cited cyclists overtaking each other as a possible trigger for conflict.
“Supplementary signage should be provided on approach to the shared areas to warn cyclists of the upcoming shared area, to reduce their speed and the necessity to give priority to pedestrians.
“Following the implementation of the additional signage, monitor the situation," is suggests of an initial phase.
"And should cyclists fail to reduce their speeds to an acceptable level, it is recommended that other physical speed reducing measures be provided.”
Clontarf cycleway for training
The stretch of coastal road discussed in the report has always been popular with cyclists riding to and from the hill of Howth.
A new 2km stretch of the segregated cycle route opened last May at an estimated cost of €5 million.
It filled in the ‘missing link’ in the 8.5km stretch of along Dublin Bay between Causeway Road and the Wooden Bridge.
Works were begun in January to make safer one section of the route; where Vernon Ave meets the coast road.
Topics
