Campaigners are asking members of the public reply to public consultation, which ends tomorrow (Tuesday), to seek segregated rather than shared paths.
The Avonbeg Road Cycle Scheme, which consists of shared paths, greenery and crossings, will — according to South Dublin County Council — provide “cycle connectivity” from Old Bawn Road to the Dodder Greenway. The council said it will link local amenities, schools and different parts of the community of Tallaght.
The plan includes making the he existing 2m wide footpath on the north side of the road into a 4m wide “shared pedestrian and cycle space”.
South Dublin Cycling, a branch of the a Dublin Cycling Campaign, said: “It is great to see South Dublin County Council reallocating more space to walking and cycling along Avonbeg Rd and the Stream but would you prefer shared space or separate walking/cycling? There is an alternative and it’s shown below.”
“The proposed section shows shared space for the cycling and walking. It is great to see a green verge included. But DMURS recommends local roads be 5m wide. This extra metre could be repurposed to provide slightly wider separate footways and cycleway along with a green verge,” the group said.
South Dublin Cycling said: “We will ask for separate cycling and walking, upgraded road crossings, more space outside St Dominic’s National School and a safe crossing at Old Bawn Rd. Remember to have your say, consultation closes 10am Tuesday 2nd November.”
On shared paths, National Transport Authority’s National Cycle Manual states: “Shared facilities are disliked by both pedestrians and cyclists and result in reduced Quality of Service for both modes. With the exception of purpose-designed shared streets, shared facilities should be avoided in urban areas as far as possible.”
South Dublin County Council said: “South Dublin County Council In conjunction with the National Transport Authority, are actively trying to develop an improved cycle network throughout the county. This new network is intended to provide more sustainable transport options for commuters as well as active travel benefits for local communities.”
“A new plan entitled Cycle South Dublin was recently launched and this lays out the envisaged network, the missing routes and an indicative timeline for each scheme,” the council said.
South Dublin County Council said: “Route no.7 of the Cycle South Dublin is the Avonbeg Road Cycle Scheme and provides cycle connectivity from Old Bawn Road to the Dodder Greenway via Avonbeg Road. It is a 1.3km route that provides a better active travel link to local amenities, schools and parks for the community of Tallaght, notably Avonbg, St. Dominic’s and Bolbrook.”
The council added: “The existing carriageway width of Avonbeg Road is 9m which encourages excessive speeding. The proposals will narrow this to 6m which is consistent with residential streets. Narrower roadways result in slower car speeds and a safer and quieter environment for residents. The radii at each junction will be reduced to reduce car turning speeds and shorten the pedestrian crossing distance.”
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thats great to hear finally no footpath should have a cycle track along it this includes all the canal routes .it may take a little bit of engineering or adding in a new 2 to 3 meter track but it will be worth it in the end for everyones safety. now just to remove the many km of shared footpaths in the bus connects plans