COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

MOTION NO. 20

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

Could the Manager consider the possibility of marking a dedicated cycle lane along the length of the canal path in order to avoid possible collisions?  I use the pathway as a walker and as a cyclist and feel that because there is no dedicated cycle path it is unsafe for both groups.  Cyclists cannot proceed at any speed because they have to avoid walkers, many of whom are impervious to the approach of a bicycle because they are using an iPod and cannot hear bells etc.  Walkers never know when a bike is going to come at them at speed.  I understand the pathway is narrow, but I still feel that it would be safer if cyclists and walkers did not share the whole thing.  This is not a criticism of this great facility, just an effort to improve its safety. 

REPORT:

The Grand Canal Way Green Route was provided and funded by South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, the ESB and Waterways Ireland and has been officially opened since June 2010.   The Green Route was advertised in the national newspaper under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 - 2007 and approved by Council.  A submission was received under the Part 8 public consultation process from the Dublin Transportation Office now the National Transport Authority as follows:

"Design of Pedestrian/Cycle Route:  The design of the proposed route comprises a 2.0m footpath directly adjacent to the canal with a cycle path of 1.5m alongside the footpath, widening to 2.0m where possible.  It is intended that the cycle path will cater for two-way cycle traffic for its entire length.  Fishing areas and seating areas with CCTV have been proposed at various locations along the route.  As detailed in Provision of Cycle Facilities - National Manual for Urban Areas, the DTO considers 1.5m to be insufficient to cater for two-way traffic in a canal towpath setting, particularly in the presence of potential hazards such as fishing stands.

Given the limited amount of space available, the DTO would suggest that the route be designed as a shared pedestrian and cycle route without a central segregation line, with priority given to pedestrians at points of likely conflict.  This would allow the full width to be used by both cyclists and pedestrians in the absence of the other mode while ensuring the safety of all users."

The design of the green route was changed to a shared route in accordance with the advice of the Dublin Transportation Office however, a single white line with cycling/walking signs has been provided for the first 100m of pathway at each access on and off the 8.5 km route to delineate cycling and walking for users of the route.