Nearly one fifth of cyclists surveyed on the N11 have been in a collision, according to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The survey was carried out on existing cyclists to see if they are happy with recent upgrades to the route and if there any issues that should be addressed in future works to the road. Council staff stopped 198 cyclists at the morning and afternoon rush hours in November last year.
A total of 19% of people, or 32 respondents, reported being involved in a collision – although the severity of collisions was not recorded by the council.
The majority of collisions were in Donnybrook – which is in the Dublin City Council area – with 25%, followed by UCD at 19%, Blackrock at 13% and Fosters Avenue at 9%. All other locations mentioned represented just one collision or 3%. The average distance travelled by cyclists surveyed was 8.6km. Over a quarter cycled more than 10km, with a notable 22% cycling more than 10km and another 4% travelling more than 20km.
The council said: “One respondent answered that they cycled from Wicklow to the city centre. They did not state which part of Wicklow. A number of users commute from Bray and Greystones.”
Just under 90% surveyed said they are aware of the ongoing upgrade works on the N11 at the time. On average these users rated the upgraded facilities in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown at 3.2 out of 5.
The council says the works to the N11 included widening of existing cycle tracks, providing improved access on the road, installing toucan crossings – which can be used by cyclists and pedestrians – and improved priority for cyclists.
The survey asked: “If you could change one thing for cyclists on the N11 what would it be?”
50% said better maintenance, including sweeping and renewal of markings.
Only 2% said they would like to see any cycling facilities on-road, while 30% said they would like to see all facilities being segregated.
Another 9% said they want more cycling facilities, while 5% said they want better priority for cyclists. In general, those surveyed rated cycle parking provision in the county at 3.3 out of 5.
The average age for cyclist was 29.9 years old while the male / female split of cyclists was 60%-34%, which is broadly in line with the spilt generally for cyclists.
Originally published in the Summer 2013 edition of the Cycling in Dublin newspaper, which can be viewed or downloaded here.