New sensors that detect cyclists are to be fitted to traffic lights in Dublin at 40 junctions around the city.
Traffic light sensors for cyclists set for Dublin
Forty key road junctions in Dublin are to be fitted with technology that will give cyclists more time to get through lights.
New sensors will detect the arrival of cyclists at traffic lights. And green lights will remain for slightly longer than usual, allowing cyclists more time to pass through.
However, if there are no cyclists at the junctions, the normal lights sequencing will take place. It means vehicles will not be delayed when there is no need.
Minister for Transport and Tourism has announced the move, saying €400,000 is being allocated for the scheme.
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However, while the spend is welcome, it comes at a time when Government expenditure on cycling nationally is falling.
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The government has repeatedly claimed it is spending more on cycling. But the allocation has decline annually. Some €19m was allocated for 2015, down to €10.5m a year later followed by €7m last year and €8m in the current year.
The money for the traffic light scheme is being supplied to Dublin City Council, Shane Ross has said.
“I want to encourage more people to cycle and I realise that safety is a concern to many, so I am continuing to invest in safety measures for cyclists,” he said.
“This €400,000 will improve safety for cyclists at 40 key junctions across Dublin city centre.
“This funding is in addition to the €110million I have already secured for the development of cycling and walking infrastructure across the country over the next four years.
“Furthermore, significant investment is planned under the BusConnects programme in Dublin. It will deliver around 200km of, where possible, segregated cycle paths.”
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