Drogheda R132 Active Travel Scheme proposals would benefit cyclists, pedestrians and motorists and could improve road safety in the town, according to Drogheda Cycling Group.
The group has come out in support of Louth County Council’s proposed Active Travel Scheme along the R132 between the Bridge of Peace and MacBride Train Station, which also incorporates part of the Marsh Road.
The Part 8 proposal is currently open for public consultation, with submissions accepted until 5pm on Tuesday, 1st September.
Drogheda Cycling Group chairperson Noel Hogan said the benefits of the scheme would extend beyond people travelling by bicycle.
“Louth County Council’s proposed Active Travel Scheme for the dual carriageway in Drogheda will benefit cyclists, motorists and walkers,” he said.
“It’s obvious that cyclists will benefit from a safe, segregated routeway to and from the train station. Pedestrians will benefit from safer pedestrian crossings and shorter crossing distances at junctions.
“But what is often overlooked is that motorists will also benefit.”
Group points to international research
Hogan said encouraging more people to cycle could reduce the number of cars using local roads.
“Studies have consistently shown that building cycle lanes encourages people to shift from cars to bicycles. Every time that happens it’s one less car on the road,” he said.
He pointed to research highlighted in a 2024 Planetizen report on cycle infrastructure and congestion.
The article cited the experience of New York City, where the average time taken by cars to travel along a major thoroughfare reportedly fell from 4.5 minutes to three minutes following the installation of bike lanes.
That example relates to New York rather than Drogheda, and the effect of the proposed local scheme would depend on its design and how people use the route.
Hogan added:
“Building cycle lanes means cars and bicycles aren’t in the same lane, so the car driver isn’t stuck behind the cyclist. Even if you never cycle, you’ll still benefit from cycle lanes being built.”
Research on cycling infrastructure has also found potential road safety benefits. A 2024 study highlighted by Planetizen found that delineated bike lanes reduced vehicle speeds at a busy junction, while separate research found such infrastructure could reduce collision risk between motorists and cyclists.
‘Not cyclists versus drivers’
Hogan said the debate around the proposed Drogheda scheme should not be framed as a conflict between motorists and cyclists.
“With the fuel crisis showing no sign of abating it’s obvious that more and more people are going to shift to active travel and away from driving. We need to prepare for this inevitability,” he said.
“It’s not a question of cyclists vs drivers. It’s about making Drogheda a better place for both.”
The proposed scheme forms part of Louth County Council’s plans for the R132 corridor between the Bridge of Peace and MacBride Train Station and includes works along part of the R150 Marsh Road.
Members of the public can view the Part 8 documentation and make a submission through Louth County Council’s online consultation portal before the deadline on 1st September.
