A NEW online planner has been launched to help Dublin’s cyclists find the easiest way to their destination.
The National Transport Authority’s online Cycle Planner covers an area north from Malahide and Swords, south to Bray, and as far west as Lucan and Clonee.
The planner is available as a free smartphone app from the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store as well as online at journeyplanner.transportforireland.ie/cp.
Cyclists using the planner can map their journey at home, see how long it will take and even learn how many calories they’re likely to burn on the way.
Routes can be stored on smartphones for offline use. The planner was launched last month by Minister for Commuter and Public Transport Alan Kelly.
“Cycling has taken off massively in Dublin and this App is another step towards creating a cycling-friendly culture,
? he said.
“It will assist people of all cycling levels get to and from work, cycle for leisure, go for a bike ride with their kids or for any other reason people may wish to cycle.
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Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Gerry Murphy, believes the new planner will come in handy for cyclists of all levels of experience.
“If you have young children and want a quiet route it will guide you,
? he said.
“If you are looking for your quickest way to work or college it will show you. And for those who use the great Dublin Bikes scheme it links into those locations and shows journey routes from the stand where you pick up your bike.
“Yes, we know that we need more and better cycling routes and each year we are investing significant capital sums in more off-road provision and better on-road arrangements.
“This planner fills a big gap with its clear display of options showing the level of traffic, the hilliness, banned right turns and, for those who are health conscious, the amount of calories burned.
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Cyclists using the new planner can select different types of routes for their journey, depending on its purpose and the kind of cyclist they are, or who they’re with.
For example, the
‘Easier’ option will suit starter cyclists, or people cycling with their children as it sets out a route that avoids heavy traffic and difficult junctions and favours park routes or residential options.
The
‘Direct’ option returns the shortest route from A to B, using cycle tracks where available, but also incorporating cycling alongside heavy traffic if required.
The planner also has pre-set maps installed for some of Dublin’s popular leisure routes including the Dodder River Cycle Way, the Dublin Bay Coastal Route and the Canal Cycle Ways.