A large section of a cycle path on North Road and a section of a bollard-segregated cycle lane on Chesterfield Avenue in Phoenix Park has been “closed for safety”, according to Bord Bia, the State food and horticulture promotion agency which runs Bloom.
Bord Bia and the OPW, which runs the park, closed sections of cycle lanes as two other State agencies with responsibility for road safety, the RSA and the Gardaí, were giving road safety warnings for the June bank holiday weekend. Bank holidays are statistically more dangerous on our roads, and Bloom brings a larger volume than usual of traffic to Phoenix Park.
IrishCycle.com reported yesterday how Bloom, described as “Ireland’s largest and most spectacular gardening event”, is offering free guarded bicycle parking. But parts of cycle routes have been closed to facilitate a car parking area on North Road and a shuttle bus drop-off on Chesterfield Avenue.
This morning, a spokesperson for Bord Bia said: “Cycles lanes have been partially closed for safety where traffic is crossing and to allow for the shuttle bus to park up on Chesterfield Avenue. Bord Bia Bloom encourages the public to cycle, walk or take the free shuttle bus, and we provide bike parks at both entrances to the Bloom site.”
Except for holding responses, the OPW has yet to respond to a request for comment. If they respond today, this article will likely be updated.
Why couldn’t they close the main road and shuttle bus instead for safety?
Safety? And what if you’re cycling there with kids?
People in metal cars vs kids and families on bikes? Hmm which is more vulnerable I wonder.
Typical poor pre-planning.
Oh the irony of a green environment orientated event with a sea of SUV’s and traffic jams. Carbon neutral- me thinks not.
They should have given priority to bikes and pedestrians.
High time the park had a bit of a monorail or proper mini bus system.