Journalism and Cycling 2: the difficult second album

Seth Brundle

Backpedalling on pandemic cycling and walking schemes
Gotta love the ignorant comment from local business owner Anne Crawford:

“All the parents were going ballistic. These people sitting in traffic jams are the people going to work and paying taxes for the upkeep of the park, not the people sitting in the park on the €350 pandemic payment saying it’s all so lovely without the cars.”

AndrewJRenko

fat bloke wrote: »

Parking at the side of a road with a solid white line up the middle such that you force traffic over that line is a parking offence though. As the oaf in the White House might say "A lotta people didn't know that". Same thing exactly happens at the Hellfire in Dublin. Folk don't see a double yellow and think it's OK to park but a sustained campaign of Gardaí ticketing has been learnin' 'em.

Same thing on Kellystown Road, past the golf club on weekdays. I guess it is the staff from the creche, as they weren't there during the lockdown. Usually three or four cars parked on a continuous white line, just because they get away with it.

Seth Brundle

Some interesting proposals in England: Cycling ambitions for England move up a gear

tomasrojo

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Some interesting proposals in England: Cycling ambitions for England move up a gear

https://twitter.com/ianwalker/status/1288045053986902016

micar

https://twitter.com/Channel4News/status/1288182788232040448?s=19

magicbastarder

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorial/the-irish-times-view-on-cycling-infrastructure-a-tipping-point-1.4314834?mode=amp&fbclid=IwAR03rCiR7k6jFw0OD5eJzewvqKw2dPwuUmpg9BYLCgD3sQLuJednEFYDBxQ

tomasrojo

magicbastarder wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorial/the-irish-times-view-on-cycling-infrastructure-a-tipping-point-1.4314834?mode=amp&fbclid=IwAR03rCiR7k6jFw0OD5eJzewvqKw2dPwuUmpg9BYLCgD3sQLuJednEFYDBxQ

That was a bit of a surprise. Quite a pleasant change of tone from the last few Irish Times opinion pieces I'm aware of.

JMcL

magicbastarder wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorial/the-irish-times-view-on-cycling-infrastructure-a-tipping-point-1.4314834?mode=amp&fbclid=IwAR03rCiR7k6jFw0OD5eJzewvqKw2dPwuUmpg9BYLCgD3sQLuJednEFYDBxQ

So what's the current state of play on the Phoenix Park? O'Donovan I must say sounds like a complete bell-end and as senior minister surely Eamonn Ryan could override him

Weepsie

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Backpedalling on pandemic cycling and walking schemes
Gotta love the ignorant comment from local business owner Anne Crawford:

Those parents coming from the navan road that she's so concerned about could've just taken the 15 minute walk

Seth Brundle

Weepsie wrote: »

Those parents coming from the navan road that she's so concerned about could've just taken the 15 minute walk

Walk? What planet are you on?

knockoutned

Isn't there an entrance to that school directly from Blackhorse Ave? Down a little lane way opposite the back entrance to the SVDP? So even if you drove your kids to school, surely you could just drop them there and let them walk in. Especially if coming from the Navan Road area. Otherwise, there is also the entrance and car park at the Hole in the Wall. No problem parking there since its closed.

Why, knowing that the traffic was bad in the park would you drive by these to get to the Castleknock gates just to circle back around?

Whatever about the person being interviewed, could the journalist not put this to her. And make the wider point that stupid unnecessary trips like this are adding to the problem!

buffalo

JMcL wrote: »

So what's the current state of play on the Phoenix Park? O'Donovan I must say sounds like a complete bell-end and as senior minister surely Eamonn Ryan could override him

Different departments, so I don't think that'll happen unless the Phoenix Park becomes a cabinet issue?

breezy1985

eeeee wrote: »

I call bullshyte on that. A, it's wide enough for a vehicle, it's the exact side of a lane of traffic. B, There is the road running parallel to it and gaps for entry and exit vehicles on the both sides for all openings from across both sides of the road. I pedalled it last Friday, it's not open yet but what's there so far is great.

Had the same in Limerick from a local businessman taking to social media who claimed the emergency services would no longer be able to save people on O'Callaghan Strand despite a full lane still being open as all that was done was close off one of the 3 lanes on that side of the strand and regular full access from the other side. Big surprise his business is down that way

Duckjob

Sounds great.

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/26-irish-greenways-get-funding-money-for-new-projects-and-extensions/

Duckjob

Duckjob wrote: »

Sounds great.

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/26-irish-greenways-get-funding-money-for-new-projects-and-extensions/

Full details below

Link to article

Minister Eamon Ryan, T.D. Minister for Climate Change, Communications Networks and Transport, today announced funding of €4.5m to 26 Greenway Projects. The funding was allocated under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020 and provides support for feasibility, planning and design for Greenways around the country.

Minister Ryan stated: “I’m delighted to be able to announce this funding today, that will support the Greenways Strategy and help local authorities prepare Greenway projects to be ready for construction funding in the coming years. These greenways will encourage tourism in the future, and will also provide a safe, segregated space for people walking and cycling”

Minister Ryan added; “I’m particularly pleased that a number of Greenway proposals in the areas supported by the Just Transition Fund have been funded today – these projects in Longford, Roscommon and Offaly will benefit from this funding and follows the recommendation in Kieran Mulvey’s report for greater co-operation between local authorities in the area.”

The inclusion of funding for the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Greenway is particularly important in terms of continued work on a cross-border basis and shows our commitment to “New Decade, New Approach” as set out in the Programme for Government.”

Minister Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Media, Tourism, Art, Culture and the Gaeltacht, also welcomed the announcement: “Greenways can play an important role in supporting local communities to create jobs and bring visitors to areas of the country that might not otherwise experience tourism. As we have seen over the course of the lockdown, people are eager to get out into nature and avail of the stunning scenery in our country.”

cletus

Maybe I just don't understand much about these types of projects, but it seems like a lot of money for what is mostly feasibility studies

cletus

cletus wrote: »

Maybe I just don't understand much about these types of projects, but it seems like a lot of money for what is mostly feasibility studies

The feasibility study proves the case, which allows for funding to be provided to take a project through planning and, following another funding round, construction.

Something along those lines. Others might know the exact sequence and steps involved

cletus

I understand what the feasibility study is for, but some of them are over a hundred grand for that study.

I see oldbridge to Navan on that list. I can dream it comes about in my lifetime. It would be a fantastic route if possible.

Most expensive one on the list too @ 750,000 I don't know if that reflects on how serious they are about it or that it's not as straight forward as the others?

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I see oldbridge to Navan on that list. I can dream it comes about in my lifetime. It would be a fantastic route if possible.

Most expensive one on the list too @ 750,000 I don't know if that reflects on how serious they are about it or that it's not as straight forward as the others?

Looks like there are land purchases too so that would push the costs up

Seth Brundle

cletus wrote: »

I understand what the feasibility study is for, but some of them are over a hundred grand for that study.

I presume that it's somewhat similar to an EIA whereby the project has to look at a number of things to evaluate that the project has no negative impacts. This means the likes of an archaeologist or botanist or whatever would need to be involved.

Scoondal

I am glad that I live down the country. Cyclists are still respected here on normal roads generally. A truck driver even gave me a "pip" on Saturday for letting him pass.

Seth Brundle

On your bike: 12 reasons to get cycling
Better tax incentives, more cycle lanes and it’s the best money-saving exercise

Chips Lovell

In other news, the RSA has drawn up social media guidelines for board members.

magicbastarder

Chips Lovell wrote: »

In other news, the RSA has drawn up social media guidelines for board members.

that's not exactly what i'd call the sort of dry language you'd expect for guidance like that.
there's a certain irony in the guidance that deleting things can be seen as inflammatory, while using language more flowery than is required.

Cost of a Dublin Bike sub going up to €35 in September

https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2020/0804/1157261-dublin-bikes/

breezy1985

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Cost of a Dublin Bike sub going up to €35 in September

https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2020/0804/1157261-dublin-bikes/

Am I right in thinking there is no sub in other countries? I don't remember one in London

eeeee

Deleted User wrote: »

Cost of a Dublin Bike sub going up to €35 in September

https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2020/0804/1157261-dublin-bikes/

Boo. I'll still renew for the 3 times a year I use it :pac:
Actually I haven't and won't use it until the pandemic subsides, I might cancel.

I suppose it's to cover ever escalating insurance costs? It must cost a fortune to insure that scheme.

uphillonly

breezy1985 wrote: »

Am I right in thinking there is no sub in other countries? I don't remember one in London

GBP 90/ 100 euros for London. 37 euros for Paris.

35 euros still looks reasonable especially if this is part of a commitment to continue expanding the scheme a lot further as all these additional cycle lanes appear.

breezy1985

uphillonly wrote: »

GBP 90/ 100 euros for London. 37 euros for Paris.

35 euros still looks reasonable especially if this is part of a commitment to continue expanding the scheme a lot further as all these additional cycle lanes appear.

But do you cycle for free once the 35 is paid? I always thought the £90 was a year pass not just a sub but I could be wrong

breezy1985

breezy1985 wrote: »

But do you cycle for free once the 35 is paid? I always thought the £90 was a year pass not just a sub but I could be wrong

The first 30 mins of each ride is free. Avg length of rides is 16 mins from the article so hardly any users pay for the rides so the sub is the only income it generates

AndrewJRenko

Chips Lovell wrote: »

In other news, the RSA has drawn up social media guidelines for board members.

Issued last September - was that before or after the rehab consultant on their board took a shot at cyclists holding her up and got a bit of a pile-on as a result?

Grassey

https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/news/general-news/dlr-announce-launch-active-school-travel-initiative

DLRCC promoting active travel to schools, interactive maps, more protected cycling provision etc etc

Seth Brundle

The Irish Times are stirring it again with this letter yesterday...

Cycling without a helmet

Sir, – While supporting your exposure of cycling as a greener mode of transport, (Home News, August 3rd), I wonder if your paper might not have found photographic evidence of bike-riders wearing helmets rather than the example printed, of those without head protection? – Yours, etc,

MONICA NOLAN,
Knocklyon, Dublin 16.

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/cycling-without-a-helmet-1.4321977

magicbastarder

golf clap for anyone from here who can get a letter printed on the subject in the IT, as long as it has some godawful pun in it.

McGrath5

Seth Brundle wrote: »

The Irish Times are stirring it again with this letter yesterday...


https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/cycling-without-a-helmet-1.4321977

I'd expect nothing less from anyone in Knocklyon with it's appalling levels of car dependency, they even campaigned for an extra lane of traffic outside a school.

Mickiemcfist

McGrath5 wrote: »

I'd expect nothing less from anyone in Knocklyon with it's appalling levels of car dependency, they even campaigned for an extra lane of traffic outside a school.

To be fair to them, ive a few friends living out that way, its been completely overdeveloped in every sense except public transport & infrastructure. Endless housing estates & tiny roads.

Grassey

cycle cafes for Kildare

Kildare County Council has approved applications from 12 local businesses as a host for a ‘Designated Cycle Café’ in the county. Six other applications are pending approval, while 3 more are awaiting inspection visits.

The Barrow Blueway and the Naas to Sallins Greenway proved to be attractive amenities in each application received from businesses in Athy and Sallins respectfully, while other amenities around the county have also being key to applications received.

The purpose of a ‘Cycle Café’ is to promote cycling and provide cyclists and cycling groups with a ‘pit stop’ to allow them a refreshment or toilet break along their route, the use of a bicycle repair unit if required and to take advantage of local attractions, amenities and tourism.

The Cycle Café scheme will be officially launched during Bike Week and European Mobility Week in September.

magicbastarder

Well, this is kinda unexpected.

Cars to give way for Sandymount cycle path

A one-way car ban is to be implemented on Strand Road, the scenic coast road in Sandymount, to accommodate a two-way cycle track along Dublin Bay.
In the latest in series of measures to requisition road space for cyclists, Dublin City Council is to turn the Dublin 4 road into a one-way street for more than 2.5km, from Sean Moore Road to the Merrion Gates.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/cars-to-give-way-for-sandymount-cycle-path-1.4324957?mode=amp

Duckjob

Wow! I don't what crack-pipe they're smoking there in DCC, but I wish they'd hand it over to Fingal CoCo .

Roads for example from Santry out to Swords (apart from bit around the Airport) and to Donabate, Rush, Lusk, Skerries etc are still a car wilderness.

eeeee

Excellent news.

shootermacg

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dundrum-to-bring-in-one-way-system-to-allow-greater-distancing-1.4300514

tomasrojo

shootermacg wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dundrum-to-bring-in-one-way-system-to-allow-greater-distancing-1.4300514

A slap in the face to traditionalists!!
https://twitter.com/Anne_Colgan/status/1289224687025713152

Seth Brundle

magicbastarder wrote: »

Well, this is kinda unexpected.

Cars to give way for Sandymount cycle path

A one-way car ban is to be implemented on Strand Road, the scenic coast road in Sandymount, to accommodate a two-way cycle track along Dublin Bay.
In the latest in series of measures to requisition road space for cyclists, Dublin City Council is to turn the Dublin 4 road into a one-way street for more than 2.5km, from Sean Moore Road to the Merrion Gates.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/cars-to-give-way-for-sandymount-cycle-path-1.4324957?mode=amp

Irish Rail will be delighted - instant halving in the number of barrier hits at the Merrion Gates

magicbastarder

i suspect whatever issues the locals who actually live on strand road might have with a one way system will be tempered by the knowledge that it will at least halve the HGV traffic heading for the port or the east link, coming past their houses.

shootermacg

Viscount Aggro wrote: »

The one way that people in dundrum village do not want or need. Objections from 40 business owners and residents have been ignored. The village already has a bypass, does not need one way system.

No idea who you've been talking to, but I know several people who do want it.
It's not even much on an inconvenience, unless you are terminally lazy.

AndrewJRenko

Viscount Aggro wrote: »

The one way that people in dundrum village do not want or need. Objections from 40 business owners and residents have been ignored. The village already has a bypass, does not need one way system.

I'm in Dundrum village regularly, probably most days of the week, and I want and need this.

What particular problems arise with a one-way system? Beyond a very short additional journey for some people in some circumstances?

tomasrojo

Yeah, Main Street has awful trouble with business constantly closing on the non-Lidl side of the street. If it were easier to cross the street, you could get probably some decent synergy going. It could be a nice place to hang out with these plans.

breezy1985

This car access equals business thing is a myth.

In Limerick we are constantly hearing how limiting parking or car access to a street will destroy the business and yet Cruises St. Catherine/little Catherine St. And Thomas St./Bedford Row are all doing just as well as the car streets

The J Stands for Jay

breezy1985 wrote: »

This car access equals business thing is a myth.

In Limerick we are constantly hearing how limiting parking or car access to a street will destroy the business and yet Cruises St. Catherine/little Catherine St. And Thomas St./Bedford Row are all doing just as well as the car streets

Yeah, Grafton Street died a death after pedestrianisation