This looks like it could be a real game-changer for commuters in Dublin; a reconfiguration of the road that sees a cycle lane hug the kerb and a three-foot buffer zone.
A new proposal put forward by Dublin south east Fine Gael Councillor Dr Paddy Smyth could see a reconfiguration of road space, making cycling in the capital much safer.
His suggestion – which has been backed by all eight other councillors in the Pembroke-South Dock area - will be up for discussion next month, is to ‘swap’ the cycle lane with where cars are currently parked.
In other words, instead of having the layout as kerb, parked car and cycle lane you’d have the kerb, cycle lane, a three-foot wide buffer bar and then the parked car.
The parked car, therefore, essentially acts as a protector of the cyclist.
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To many, it would seem a no-brainer, given the dangers involved when a parked car opens the driver door into the cycle lane.
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Dr Smyth’s proposal is urging the Department of Transport to request funding from the The National Transport Authority so a feasibility study can be undertaken.
The proposal would see these cycle lanes created on the surrounding streets of Cumberland Road, Mount Street Upper, Merrion Square, Merrion Street Upper, Ely Place, Hume Street, Stephen’s Green East, Earlsfort Terrace, through the Iveagh Gardens and on to Clonmel Street.
Dr. Smyth’s proposal would bring the lane from Grand Canal Dock up through Fitzwilliam place, Fitzwilliam Street onto Merrion square, and if successful the scheme could be extended throughout the South Georgian core of the city.
This would mean cyclists could be protected from the Grand Canal throughout the Georgian parks of the city.
“A network like this would significantly improve the area, especially for tourists and families visiting the city centre,” he said.
“When you consider the only capital investment required for the entire network is paint, it is a no-brainer.”
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