COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor A-M. Dermody

"That the Chief Executive explore the idea of funding a school bike scheme, not unlike the National Bike to Work Scheme which has been a huge success for both citizens and bike shop proprietors.  The proprietors of such shops tend to be small businesses operating in the villages throughout our county.  In recognition of the part played by these small businesses, who in turn make up a large share of the commercial rate payers, is it possible to set up a schools “bike to school” scheme throughout the County.  Such an incentive would follow on from the Council’s “Safe Cycle Programme” and would serve to elevate some of the traffic congestion around our schools.  If an affirmative response is provided at this meeting I will take a separate motion to the next Council meeting."

REPORT:

The Chief Executive in his introductory report to the Budget 2015 has outlined the Councils intention to introduce an initiative to pilot a 'Bike to School Scheme'.  It is intended that the Council will seek to partner with a number of schools throughout the County with a view to increasing cycling as a means of travel to school.  It is not intended to fund bicycles as part of this pilot.  It will build on our Safe Cycle Programme and encourage the increased use of the growing infrastructure of cycleways /lanes and permeability routes now in place.  The involvement of shop proprietors in the provision of safety equipment and clothing can also be considered as part of the initiative.