Released in January, the new National Cycle Plan promises 3,500km of safe cycling corridors, “connecting 2.8 million people in towns and cities”, while newly laid cycle paths in various parts of the Republic give priority to cyclists over drivers. But to what extent do these initiatives advance sustainable transport and, specifically, cycling?
The National Household Survey in 2022 showed 2 per cent of all trips are cycled, which is low compared to other countries, says Brian Caulfield, professor in transportation in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.
“The overall amount of cycling in Ireland remains low, but it is growing,” he adds. “In the cities we are seeing a big increase – where the infrastructure exists. However, we can’t click our fingers and create a cycling culture like they have in Amsterdam or Copenhagen. In those cities it took time, but we are on a positive trajectory.”
Bike path infrastructure roll-out has been slow, with high-profile projects such as the proposed path in Salthill in Galway having been postponed or cancelled, says Prof Caulfield.
“In transport we have lots and lots of plans – it’s delivery where we have failed. The biggest obstacle here is the planning [process], and getting projects started.”
Cycling will, of course, help to move the sustainable transport dial, but bikes alone will not make us meet our emissions targets.
“What we really need is much more delivery of public transport projects to help us meet this target,” says Caulfield. “The recent budget, from what I have seen, hasn’t made any changes in the bike-to-work scheme.
“We have very little information on the success of this scheme, how many bikes are sold and how are they being used. The grants are not insignificant and should be monitored in the same way we have for SEAI electric car grants.”