Trial of Sandymount cycle route to commence on January 15

The trial of Sandymount cycle route will begin on January 15 after an alternative plan by residents was rejected by the National Transport Authority.

The trial proposed by Dublin City Council will involve a two-way cycle route on the road with traffic confined to one lane outbound from the city centre.

Local residents concerned about traffic heading to the East Link Bridge being diverted through residential streets had proposed an alternative plan.

This would have involved using the seaside footpath as the cycleway and cyclists would merge with traffic at bus stops.

The City Council says the alternative proposal by residents was not viable, and the National Transport Authority would not provide funding for it.

The Strand Road cycle route will involve cutting traffic down to one in lane some parts to allow for a two-way cycle track.

It also stated that the proposal for cyclists to merge with traffic at bus stops by going around buses would pose a safety risk and force traffic to stop.

The City Council says work will now continue in preparation for the trial in January 2021.

This includes:

• Establishing a Forum for stakeholders to be chaired by the Lord Mayor, which will hold its first meeting late November.
• Undertaking speed and traffic count surveys.
• Considering various measures to mitigate the impacts of diverted traffic.
• Preparing an information campaign for people affected by the trial.
• Ensuring that advance notification and signage are in place prior to start of trial