Family-friendly cycle on Sunday aims to show support ahead of Salthill cycleway trial vote

— “Not an inch of safe separate protected cycleway” built in Galway for years.

Campaigners in Galway are hoping to have a strong showing of support on a community cycle protest in Salthill on Sunday, a day ahead of councillors meeting to discuss the public consultation report on Salthill cycleway trial.

Campaigners have said that almost 4 in 10 respondents to the public consultation wanting the cycleway is significance when less than 10% of commuters cycle in Galway.

It was reported on Wednesday that most councillors are seeking to remove their formal support for Salthill cycleway trial, the Galway Cycling Campaign. Councillors who previously backed the trial cycle path change tact after a backlash to the project from some businesses and motorists.

Campaigners said that the cycle on Sunday will get underway at 11am from the Maldron Hotel and 11.30am from Claddagh Hall before going along Salthill.

Martina Callanan, spokesperson for the Galway Cycle Campaign said: “Not an inch of safe separate and protected cycleway has been built in Galway city for years. We’ve always said Option 2 is better than the status quo, and that it needs improving.”

“Less than 10% of people cycle in this city known as ‘carmageddon’. Yet almost 4 in 10 respondents want a cycleway — even if the trial is imperfect, even if it’s only temporary, and even if it means less room for other road traffic and car parking. Imagine if more than 30% of city residents felt safe to choose using their bikes for short trips to school, sports and shops? Congestion would evaporate,” she said.

Callanan said: “People have spoken and are clear they want Option 2. Technical issues like access for emergency services can be improved and be designed in, like the pedestrianisation of Shop Street and other cycle schemes in Ireland, if the will is there.”

She added: “Let’s hear the suggested mitigations in the public consultation report and let’s hear councillors pushing the council to improve the design before the trial starts next month. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”


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