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In the context of major construction works in the central city to accommodate a new tram line, Luas Cross City, the 2015 Dublin Transport Study made several progressive proposals. \u00a0I’ve made the following personal submission.<\/p>\n
1.3 Preamble<\/b><\/p>\n
The overarching aims of the study are highly commendable. Study after study of cities and transport policies show that provision for private car use -which currently dominates our streetscape- damages local economies, stifles economic and social growth, and damages the quality of public space for everyone.<\/p>\n
To set out a logical and coherent framework for transport is highly commendable.\u00a0 Various schemes, notably Dublin Transportation Office plans beginning in the late 1990\u2019s, have made similar proposals for transport integration and it is high time that they are enacted.<\/p>\n
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3\u00a0 Challenges and Requirements<\/b><\/p>\n
3.3\u00a0 Cycling<\/p>\n
The Study cites two measures which have already been implemented for cyclists in the city: the Grand Canal route and the Drury Street carpark.\u00a0 It\u2019s notable that, in the city itself, cyclists are today still presented with the same multi-lane, one-way system that has prevailed for over two decades.\u00a0 Even the recent Grafton Street Quarter designs failed to grab the chance to provide cyclists with a good environment.\u00a0 The city centre has an extremely hostile environment for anyone thinking of using a bicycle, and the Study\u2019s proposals go a long way towards a solution.\u00a0 Cycling must be kept in mind during all phases of development.<\/p>\n
This is not to gainsay the NTA\u2019s stated \u2018hierarchy of road users\u2019 which gives pedestrians the highest priority -a logical approach given the existing modal split (p. 16).<\/p>\n
3.5 Dart Underground is conspicuous by its absence in the Study.\u00a0 Allowing heavy rail to link up from north to south and connect with Luas and bus services is surely crucial.\u00a0 Potential future implementation of Dart Underground must be a long-term goal.<\/p>\n
The Study\u2019s emphasis on inter-modal transport is commendable.\u00a0 Integration of public transport ticketing should be accelerated to the highest international standards.<\/p>\n
3.6\u00a0 The Study\u2019s focus on reducing through-traffic is commendable, particularly in private motor vehicle modes.\u00a0 Building on the existing orbital route system will yield capacity benefits.<\/p>\n
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4\u00a0 Rebalancing provision of space\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
By freeing road capacity for more efficient modes, It\u2019s clear that the Study\u2019s measures and policies will result in additional transport capacity both within and into the city centre.\u00a0 The influence of carpark owners must be confronted.\u00a0 Adjustments to carpark entrances is a good idea to allow private motor vehicle access without damaging the quality of urban space.<\/p>\n
Studies in New York before and after cycleways were installed showed up to 49% increase in retail sales on 9th Avenue, Manhattan, as well as the intended road safety improvements: 6\u00a0 Inter-modal transport connecting bus rapid transit with cycling must be facilitated with cycle parking at stations and high-quality links to busy cycling routes.\u00a0 Cycle parking strategies analysing demand at stations and potential provision should be prepared as part of the Study.<\/p>\n
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7\u00a0 The work of Dublin Cycling Campaign in analysing street layouts for Luas Cross City ought to be carefully examined.\u00a0 Attaining a 15% modal share is not best supported by the designs as they stand, the quality of offering for cyclists is not high enough.\u00a0 Taking full advantage of the features of cycling by allowing contraflow travelling etc. will be necessary.<\/p>\n
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8 The Study needs to highlight the difference that getting more people to walk and cycle can make to the overall health of the City. These new proposals need to be included within the Healthy City Dublin agenda.<\/p>\n
8.2\u00a0 The network of cycle routes shown is commendable.\u00a0 Contraflow cycling on the well-known desire lines should have been provided decades ago.\u00a0 Cycling through the new pedestrianised Suffolk Street should be accommodated.<\/p>\n
Consideration of bicycle parking is laudable.\u00a0 Inconsiderate bike parking will increase as an issue and must not be allowed to discourage walking or accessibility, or to become another stick used by regressive commentators to incite hostility against cycling.\u00a0 Thus a fair enforcement regime may be worth considering.<\/p>\n
The work of Dublin Cycling Campaign on bicycle theft should inform the Study.\u00a0 Theft discourages cycling to a significant degree.<\/p>\n
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10.3 Public Transport<\/b><\/p>\n
The concept of enhanced transport interchanges is commendable.\u00a0 It must be noted that bus predominance in the city centre is proving an issue for cyclist, with the \u2018wall of steel\u2019 effect (buses end-on-end parked or moving slowly) damaging the quality of street users\u2019 experience and perception of safety.\u00a0 Completion of the rationalisation of routes, in line with NTA\u2019s work based in turn on Aris Venetikidis\u2019 studies, is urgently needed so that most routes avoid the core.<\/p>\n
The coach parking facility proposed will also help alleviate this effect.<\/p>\n
The quality of driving (levels of consideration for others) is critical for vulnerable road users.<\/p>\n
10.4 The overwhelming public support for the Liffey North Quay cycle route must surely encourage Council to implement this plan urgently.\u00a0 It is very uncomfortable to travel east-west through the city centre on a bicycle now.<\/p>\n
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10.4.5\u00a0 Taxis and enforcement\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
To provide for even more taxis in the central city area appears counter-productive considering that over 10,000 taxis are already causing saturation of taxis on the streets.\u00a0 Taxis overspilling ranks and parking inappropriately must be dealt with by unbiased enforcement, as for other unlawful or inconsiderate road use.<\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed have shown reluctance to fully enforce the regulations around drivers parking on cycle lanes (communications with Dublin Cycling Campaign, July 2015) so some consideration of enforcement, whether in conjunction with Garda\u00ed or with a force of parking wardens, ought to form part of future plans.\u00a0 This might apply also to the 30 km\/h zones which are widely flouted currently.<\/p>\n
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11\u00a0 Benefits and supporting evidence for Study-<\/b><\/p>\n
There is overwhelming evidence nationally and internationally, professional and academic, that progressive urban strategies in the same philosophy as this Study make more economically successful, attractive and liveable cities.\u00a0 The Study will assist Dublin to align with the policies of the 2002 National Spatial Strategy, the 2010 Urban Design Manual, recommendations of the Irish Planning Institute, and other bodies.<\/p>\n
The health benefits for citizens potentially released by the Study\u2019s proposals deserve highlighting. The UN\u2019s Health Economic Assessment Tool might be employed to evaluate these; the economic benefits of improved population health are immense, and calculating those in fiscal terms may be helpful in promoting the Study\u2019s aims.<\/p>\n
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