COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
MOTION NO. 17
MOTION: Councillor G. Kenny
That this Area Committee along with Dublin City Council look into the possibility of allowing the barrier gates which line the new Grand Canal pathway to be open on a pilot basis at certain times. I would propose that the barrier gates be opened at a peak time on a pilot basis for one month, for example; opening the gates from 7AM to 9AM.
REPORT:
As part of the construction of the Grand Canal Way Green Route cycle/pedestrian route kissing gates were erected to ensure that access to the route by motorbikes/ scramblers and horses is minimised. However, it is recognised that these gates do not allow for ease of movement along the route for cyclists. As part of the recent extension to the route a revised kissing gate design was prepared which will make it easier for cyclists to use the route whilst at the same will maintain safety along the route.
An existing kissing gate, located at the ramp to the Outer Ring Road, has been modified to include this template cycle gate, resulting in a restricted gap being provided within the gate to allow bikes to be wheeled straight through and thereby avoiding the cumbersome kissing gate mechanism. The trial cycle gate came into operation during the week of 10th October 2011. A sign was erected on the trial cycle gate requesting users to make submissions to SDCC, via email, in relation to the trial gate. Approximately 20 emails were received, all of which reflected positively on the cycle gate, saying that it made using the route much easier. A number of users also suggested that further modifications could be made to the gate to allow for panniers to move freely through the gates. The continued success of the route depends on balancing the need for cyclists to easily access the route whilst at all times maintaining safety and security by restricting access to motorbikes and horses to the route. The trial cycle gate has been in use for approximately one month and as a result of the feeback received, the design will be amended slightly to provide an additional gap of 75mm for cyclists to get through the gate.
Modifying the existing kissing gates to include a cycle gate will allow cyclists to move along the route at greater ease and therefore will improve the accessibility and usability of the route at all times of the day, which is considered to be a more satisfactory solution than opening the gates at limited times of the day. It is also considered that the design of the cycle gate has managed to achieve both objectives, namely providing easier access for cyclists whilst also restricting motorbikes and horses along the route.
It is planned modify all existing kissing gates along the entire route before the end of 2011.