The outline for a proposed two-way cycle path in Dublin 4’s Sandymount has been sent to city councillors. The local authority is seeking input on the plan.
The plan involves making Strand Road one-way and will be rolled out on a trial basis for six months, beginning at the end of October.
The traffic lane will use what is currently the inbound lane with the cycle route on the coast side.
A continuous and protected cycle track will run from Merrion Gates to Sean Moore Rd.
City-bound vehicular traffic will be banned with the outgoing flow limited to the building side of the road.
Only 10% of traffic on Strand Road is locally generated, Dublin City Council says, and so a substantial amount of through traffic will be removed as well as HGVs and LGVs.
Two-way traffic will remain between Sean Moore Rd and Marine Drive to allow the number 18 bus route to remain as is.
- The No 1 and No 47 bus routes will use Gilford Road,
- The existing sea front car parks will remain,
- A right turn from Merrion Gates on to the Merrion Road will be put in place to facilitate access towards town.
Providing cycle facilities while maintaining two-way traffic is extremely challenging, the council says, because the beach area is environmentally sensitive and an important natural heritage site.
Footpath size
Two-way traffic would also necessitate removing all current on-street parking, as well as reducing footpath size.
Most informal parking along Strand Road will remain and the changes are expected to considerably reduce traffic volumes along the stretch.
The six-month trial of the cycle path will be evaluated for adverse impacts with a view to a permanent arrangement.
Momentum
Engineers say the momentum for the change comes from the pandemic, since public transport capacity is likely to be restricted for some time to come.
Private car volumes are currently at 74% of pre-COVID levels.
The move is in line with ‘active mobility’ policies to encourage walking or cycling for those within 5km (walking) and 10km (by bike) of their destination.