Connecting Cabra - Submission on GDA Transport Strategy

Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network

We welcome the publication of the draft cycle network for Dublin 2021.  However, we must express our disappointment that none of the cycle lanes identified for Cabra in the 2013 cycle network were delivered.  In some cases the reason for the non-delivery of the cycle lanes was that they will be delivered via BusConnects. 

According to a Noteworthy investigation ( https://www.noteworthy.ie/part-one-bicycle-blackspots-ireland-5081804-Apr2020/ ), each of these symbols on the map below represents a cyclist injured or killed in Cabra area - 2005-2016.  There were two deaths and C. 40 injuries reported to the RSA, and there were many more incidents that were not reported.

The response to COVID-19 showed that segregated cycling infrastructure could be installed quickly and cheaply with huge benefits to the community.  

These cycling routes have strong public support and should be delivered as soon as possible.  Again, the passing of responsibility between state bodies (NTA and DCC) for the delivery of these routes  is deeply unhelpful, and the delay continues to  result in unsafe road conditions in Cabra, and a resultant hesitancy to cycle.

As noted we support all the routes identified on the 2021 Cycling route map.  The recent traffic calming and introduction of filtered permeability on Grangegorman Lower is a welcome example of prioritising pedestrians and cycling. The recent development of the campus now sees over 12,000 users, with the numbers set to grow to in excess of 20,000, many of whom will travel through Cabra. Improving the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the area will greatly assist in ensuring the campus population use sustainable transport options.

We would urge that consideration be given as to how Grangegorman Upper/Lower  fits into the broader network. The previous version of the plan envisioned a greenway through Cabra along the former rail route, now the line of the  extended LUAS Broadstone  to Broombridge. The new version preserves the  crossing at Shandon Park and a route through/by Mount Bernard Park. However the greenway route now simply terminates at this point. We would suggest consideration be given to extending the route on-street via Dowth Avenue. and Charleville Rd to connect with  Upper Grangegorman and onwards south to the city centre as a primary route. This can then connect and continue along the proposed primary route on Queen St and southwards along Bridgefoot St. creating a strategic north-south primary cycle route.

Bike sharing and mobility hubs

With a  population of 25,000 in a small area, Cabra is very suited to bicycle sharing schemes.  However, the area is  currently excluded from such schemes, as the nearest DublinBikes is on Charleville Rd, just off the North Circular Road, and the area serviced by Bleeper Bikes (the purple area below) excludes much of Cabra.  Responses in our recent survey indicated the lack of Dublin Bikes was a barrier to more residents in Cabra cycling. These bike share schemes would have a great take-up, particularly for people who have no room to store bikes overnight, or are only occasional cyclists.

Similarly, the area along North Circular Road has a high percentage of rented accommodation, many of whom have no access to bikes or cars, so provision of mobility hubs, e.g. at Marlborough St or the junction of Blackhorse Rd and NCR would allow the development of Mobility as a Service.