The Social Democrats have been praised for their engagement on the issue of language used in terms of cyclists in their disability policy.
The praise comes after criticism over the weekend around the language used in the party’s disability policy.
As reported by this website, the language used mirrors that by some of Ireland’s strongest critics of cycle lanes. It said: “Recent urban planning trends have seen a prioritisation of cyclists at the expense of pedestrian safety, particularly impacting those with mobility or sensory impairments, necessitating a more balanced approach to public space design.”
In a revised version of the document, the line has now been replaced with the commitment that the party will: “Ensure urban planning processes should take account of the Hierarchy of Road users, and that people with mobility or sensory impairments have sufficient opportunity to contribute to new public space design.”
The Hierarchy of Road Users (see graphics below) is included in a number of State policies and guidance documents, including the National Sustainable Mobility Policy and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
This afternoon, Dave Tobin, vice chair of the Irish Cycling Campaign, said: “A huge thank you to SocDems HQ for the incredibly positive meeting today with the Irish Cycling Campaign about their disability and cycling policies. So positive to hear their focus on the importance on ensuring safety for both people with disabilities and cyclists.”
“I was so impressed with their very comprehensive response to the wording concerns in a particular section. It’s rare to see a political party be so responsive and constructive. Huge credit to their policy team,” he said.
Tobin added: “Left the meeting very happy with the commitment to tweak the wording and, in my opinion, I think it leaves them with the best disability policy I’ve read to date. You should absolutely check it out.”
Fair play.
That is really impressive. The previous article had made me re-think my allegiance to them. Well done Soc Dems.
I felt/feel exactly the same
Ditto, my intention was to go with SD, and to see the first article was quite disappointing. Unfortunately, SD along with Lab don’t seem to have the same unit of voice around Active Travel in the way that the Greens have. There can often be anti-active travel members in SD and Lab, so it pays to know what your local candidates actual opinions and beliefs are.
Unfortunately http://www.whichcandidate.ie doesn’t seem to be up to speed for GE24 yet.
Also important to acknowledge that people with disabilities and cyclists are not distinct groups! Lots of people use bikes, especially ebikes, as mobility aids. Also I was in Utrecht recently and the number of people using mobility scooters safely on the bike lanes was brilliant to see. The potential of bike lanes to reduce transport poverty for PWD is huge if designed properly and in consultation with disability groups.