COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, December 10, 2007
HEADED ITEM NO. 5(b) (i)
Report of Transportation Strategic Policy Committee Meeting of 8TH November 2007
Attached is report of the Transportation Strategic Policy Committee Meeting of Thursday 8th November 2007.
Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of Transportation Strategic Policy Committee held on 6th September 2007 were confirmed and approved as a true record and signed.
Review of School Transport
Mr. F. Coffey, Director of Transportation informed the Committee that a meeting would be held shortly with officials from the Department of Transport to discuss funding for this project.
Draft Policy Document on Sale of Motor Vehicles on Public Roads.
Background
The Committee was informed that in recent times there has been a significant increase in the illegal and highly dangerous practice of the parking of motor vehicles for sale on public roads including footpaths and grass margins. This illegal practice is taking place at an increasing number of locations throughout the county and is contrary to the provisions of Section 71 of the Roads Act, 1993.
The Council is concerned that this practice is creating a serious hazard for all road users (both pedestrians and motorists) and the following policy document is presented to address this issue.
Mr. T. Curtin, Administrative Officer highlighted the main provisions in the draft policy document.
Following a discussion it was AGREED that the Policy Document on Sale of Motor Vehicles on Public Roads be recommended for adoption by the Council.
Cycling Developments.
Mr. M. Ahern DTO gave a presentation outlining developments in the area of cycling. The total length of cycle track in the Greater Dublin Area is 686km. However, there are more cars being driven to school now compared to 2002. As part of the safe routes to school programme guidance documents on safe cycling were produced for teachers, parents and pupils. The aim is to create a cycle friendly environment that will increase proportion of short trips (up to 6km) made by bicycle to 30% by 2016.
DTO 2006 Policy Statement on Cycling is as follows:-
1. To enhance the cycling environment including
· Reducing traffic volumes (in particular heavy vehicles).
· Improved and additional cycle infrastructure and priority and good quality road surfaces.
· Provision of sufficient cycle parking facilities.
2. Promote cycling in the Greater Dublin Area through a variety of means including
· Training and other educational measures targeted in particular at those of school going age.
· Promote cycling as a healthy activity.
· Marketing of cycling as a sensible choice focused on areas where good potential for cycling is identified and where good quality cycle facilities exist.
School Survey
A recent school survey has indicated routes used by pupils going to school.
Reasons given by pupils/parents for not cycling to school include too far, too young, weather conditions, safety concerns, no facilities, too much to carry.
Next Steps
New Strategy, with Integrated Cycling Element.
New Cycle Manual being prepared.
Network Planning 2008, to follow inventory.
Continued development of major projects.
New Interchange Projects.
Further promotion inc. City Cycle 2008.
Cycle Working Group and Stakeholder Forums.
Monitoring and Counting.
The Committee stressed that the safety of cyclists is paramount and that bus drivers should have regard for cyclists at all times and especially when turning left.
Mr. M Ahern undertook to request Dublin Bus to include cycle awareness in their driving instruction programme.
Promotion of cycling – Dublin Cycling Campaign
Mr. R. Fitzsimons gave a presentation on the promotion of cycling on behalf of Dublin Cycling Campaign. It was pointed out that no formal training, tax or insurance is required to cycle in Ireland.
Benefits of cycling.
Regular cycling is an excellent form of exercise which can:
· Increase fitness.
· Lower the risk of heart attack.
· Help with weight loss.
· Reduce stress.
· Cycling is relatively fast for shorter journeys when compared to
walking or public transport, and sometimes even driving.
· Studies have shown that a normal cyclist is able to beat a
motorist travelling in and out of the city at rush hour from
outside the M50 cordon.
· Congestion has little effect on cyclists leading to very
consistent commuting times. Cycling helps in the reduction in
congestion.
· After the initial purchase the running cost of a bicycle are very low.
Some reasons given for not wanting to cycle.
· Safety
· Fitness
· Weather
· Distance
· Hills
· Age
· Cleanliness
· Laziness
Cycle Facilities
• Cycle facilities are being used to tackle emotion and skill based problems.
• Cycle facilities reinforces the negatives of cycling without
necessarily solving them.
• Poorly designed, constructed and maintined cycle facilities offer no
benefit to cyclist. In many cases it can make it more difficult or
more dangerous for cyclists.
Future Policy
• Existing policy has not worked:
• Mistakes need to be undone
• Future policy needs to include:
• Promotion
• Integration
• Education
• Enforcement
Safety and skills of cycling.
Ms. B. Connelly from the Cycling Safety and Skills School presented a report.
The Cycling Safety and Skills School teach young cyclists the skills required to cycle in a safe manner. By building core bike – handling skills the cyclist’s ability to keep safe on the bike is increased. While there is a lot of emphasis on safety and skills, fun and enjoyment are a major factor to learning and achieving success with children.
Structure of Programme
• The Cycling Safety and Skills School was established in January 2001. This year, piloting with South Dublin County Council approximately 600 primary school children have taken part or are currently participating in cycling safety and skills courses.
• Instructors take around 20-30 children at a time in an hour-long class. Each course lasts 6 weeks and is taught during the school day in keeping with the PE and SPHE curricula.
• Pupils learn correct ways to start and stop.
• How to make left and right-hand turns.
• How to perform a basic bike check.
• How to ensure bike and helmet fit correctly.
• Road signs and what they mean.
• How to proceed in traffic.
• Introduction to the rules of the road as they apply to cyclists.
• Pupils become familiar with the safe dress code for cyclists.
• All equipment - bikes, helmets and marking cones - is supplied by the Cycling. Safety and Skills School.
Cyclists are made aware that:-
a) They are responsible for their own safety.
b) They should be aware at all times of other road users and
c) They should be visible at all times.
The way forward.
• The scheme will expand in 2008 building to an annual capacity of approximately 1700 pupils.
• The programme, when delivered in disadvantaged areas, can offer extra benefits where cycling could widen options for youngsters by giving increased mobility.
The Committee complemented Ms. Connolly on a very extensive and worthwhile programme.
The meeting concluded at 7.10 p.m.
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Councillor S. Laing Date
Chairperson