The Drogheda Cycling Group has urged Louth County Council to seize the opportunity presented by the proposed development of cycle lanes on the dual carriageway to make Drogheda a safer place for all road users.
In its submission to the Council the group has welcomed the proposals but has called for the council to go further – implementing island style bus stops, raised pedestrian crossings and other measures to calm traffic in the area.
Chairperson Noel Hogan said that if the group’s proposals were promptly implemented it would help make active travel a real alternative to the private car for short trips into and around Drogheda including the morning school run.
“It is vitally important that no stone is left unturned to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users” Hogan said.
The Drogheda Cycling Group Chairman says that a strategic few bollards are all that are needed on a cycle path.
“We have asked the council to consider developing traffic calming measures alongside their cycle lane proposals to improve safety for all road users. These include:
1. Raised Pedestrian Crossings at busy junctions – these would emphasise that the pedestrian has priority while also acting as a traffic calming measure.
- “island style” bus stops such as are already being developed in parts of Dublin. These would avoid the problem of cyclists “bunching up” behind buses when they are collecting passengers.
- Traffic calming measures to be developed at the entrance to Scotch Hall multi storey car park to deter motorists from “undertaking” – this could be done in a few days if the will was there.
- The use of bollards and/or other protective measures at certain points along the route to prevent motorists from “mounting” the cycle paths.
- Traffic lights placed at the slip road on John Street to prevent dangerous “rat running” which is currently causing cars turning onto Mary’s bridge to get “stuck” in the yellow box and delaying traffic”.
“In this time of heightened concern about road traffic injuries and deaths, Louth County Council has a great opportunity to lead by example and put safety front and centre in Drogheda. To do so will greatly benefit all road users – cyclists, pedestrians and the vast majority of motorists who drive with care”.
