Following the announcement last week that Louth and Meath County Councils are between them to receive Active Travel Grants of €19m, the Drogheda Cycling Group has come up with some proposals which they plan to reveal at a public meeting in the Barbican Centre, on Monday 13th February at 7 PM.
At the meeting Drogheda Cycling Group, which has been campaigning for improved cycling infrastructure in the Drogheda area, will reveal their proposals for the redevelopment of the Drogheda Dual Carriageway/Dublin Road to allow for greater active travel access in the town.
Some of their active travel proposals include:
- Reducing the Dual Carriageway from two lanes for private cars to one each way – the second lane would be used for Public Transport and Active Travel improvements.
- Increasing the number of pedestrian crossings at major junctions
- The development of pedestrianised areas
Chairperson Noel Hogan said:
“We believe in access for all, but the lack of safe Active Travel options is seen in the traffic congestion in Drogheda every evening.
“This isn’t caused by cyclists, or pedestrians. It’s caused by too many cars. We need to give people safe alternatives to car use if we are to encourage active travel in Ireland’s largest town.
“Thankfully, the Dual Carrageway running through our town means we are not short for space. The M1 has bypassed the town over a decade now – there is no excuse why Drogheda cannot be an active travel example to the rest of Ireland.”
Treasurer Daniel Danko said:
The biggest barrier to cycling is that our streets and communities are not designed to make active travel feel safe and easy.
“When we think about designing new streets or redesigning the old ones in our communities that are to be cycle-friendly, we help to develop healthier, happier and economically vibrant places.
“Delivering this requires investment to build separated cycle lanes and create an environment where people feel that it’s safe and pleasant to cycle.
“Public awareness is important to increase enthusiasm and support, promote self-mobilisation and action, and mobilise local knowledge and resources.
“We need to see more funding dedicated to cycling, to enable local authorities to plan and then build networks of high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure.”
New bicycle racks to be installed at Laytown, Duleek and Mosney
Meanwhile, in more cycling related news, East Meath Councillor, Sharon Tolan has welcomed the news that a number of new bicycle racks have been procured by Meath County Council and will be installed in a number of areas over the coming weeks.
New bicycle racks will shortly be installed at Seafields in Laytown, Laytown Car Park, Mosney Bus Stop on the R132 and outside the Council offices in Duleek.
“I am delighted that finally these bicycle racks have now been procured and are ready for installation” she said.
“I have been working on this for some time now, highlighting to our Area Engineer the need for these types of facilities to encourage more people to cycle.
“We already know that many people are cycling from Mosney and leaving their bikes at the top of the road chained to the lamppost. We did install one bicycle rack at that location a number of years ago but with more people using the bus service, this is full very early every day.
“I hope these new racks will make a big difference in the East Meath area and encourage more people to leave the cars at home and get out on their bikes.”
