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Q&A: Here's where Ireland's political parties stand on cycling ahead of GE2020

We asked each political party where it stands on cycling policy in Ireland.

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WITH THE GENERAL Election less than a fortnight away, TheJournal.ie has been asking each political party for their positions on a variety of issues affecting people across Ireland. 

Throughout the rest of the campaign we’ll be publishing their responses on the issues that matter, including homelessness and housing, health and transport.   

First up, cycling.

A shift in how Irish people commute over the past decade has put cycling on the political agenda. 

In recent months, grassroots organisations like Dublin Cycling Campaign and IBike have held “die-ins” at the Dáil and protests aimed at encouraging active travel and disrupting cars blocking dedicated cycle lanes. 

So, where do Ireland’s political parties stand ahead of General Election 2020?

We asked each party a series of questions: What measures they’d take to improve cycling infrastructure and safety, reduce theft and, specifically, what funding they’d allocate to cycling if they were in Government. 

For Fine Gael, more Gardaí means fewer bicycle thefts. For Labour, segregated cycling lanes are key to protecting cyclists on Irish roads. And for Renua, “worrying about how the average Metrosexual cycles to work at Google” is not top of their priority list. 

Would you increase annual spending on cycling and, if so, by how much

Fine Gael: A spokesperson told TheJournal.ie the Government’s Climate Action Plan includes a “massive increase for sustainable transport modes and by 2035″ which it said “will achieve a target of an additional 500,000 public transport, walking and cycling journeys every day”.

The party also plans to ring-fence €600 million from Carbon Tax receipts for cycling and walking over the next 10 years.

Fianna Fáil: The party’s Transport spokesperson Marc MacSharry, meanwhile, said his party plans to increase the Cycling Budget by €50 million.

Labour: Transport spokesman Senator Kevin Humphreys said his party will dedicate 20% of the National Transport Budget to the development of cycling and walking infrastructure.

Solidarity-People Before Profit: The party said it would increase funding for cycling and that it will take its “cue from The Irish Cycling Advocacy Network in terms of the works required and resultant cost”. 

The Social Democrats: Transport spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan told TheJournal.ie that his party is “committed” to increasing cycling funding in the short-term to 10% of the Land Transport Budget.

In the medium-term, O’Callaghan favours increasing the Transport Capital Budget by 20% to be spent on cycling and walking.

The Green Party: The party’s Transport spokesperson Cllr Patrick Costello said it has committed to increasing spending on cycling to 10% and walking to 10% of national land transport budget.

“This is in line with recommendations from the UN environment programme to address climate change,” said Costello. 

Aontú: Following queries from TheJournal.ie, the party put forward General Election candidate for Dún Laoghaire Mairead Tóibín as their spokesperson on this issue. She said she is in favour of increasing spending for cycling infrastructure but did not say by how much. 

She said she is reluctant to commit to a spending amount “without knowing extent of need throughout Ireland”.

Sinn Féin: The party did not respond to questions put to it by TheJournal.ie. The party’s manifesto, however, states that “locating and developing Greenway and cycle tracks is of great importance” and that “having sufficient cycle lanes will increase the number of cyclists”.

The party is calling for the National Cycle Policy Framework to be revised to encourage cycling and that has called for a nationwide and cross-border review of possible Greenway and cycle track sites with input from local authorities and community and interest groups”. 

What specific measures will you take to improve existing cycling infrastructure in towns and cities as well as create additional infrastructure

Despite a 43% increase in Irish people cycling to work between 2011 and 2016, campaigners consistently point to a lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure in Ireland. 

We asked each party what measures it will take to address this.

Fine Gael: The party said it will shortly publish a plan to increase the numbers of people cycling on a daily basis to work from 57,000 now to at least 120,000, the spokesperson said. 

They said that by late-2020 the party “will have developed cycle network plans for each of Ireland’s Five Cities and will commence implementation immediately thereafter”.

Fine Gael also plans for The National Transport Authority to produce a Park & Ride Implementation Plan for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway in order to reduce congestion. This strategy will include provision for secure bicycle lockers. 

Other measures outlined by Fine Gael include:

  • Reversing decline in the number of children walking and cycling to schools by tasking The Department of Transport to work with Schools, Local Authorities, Green Schools Programme to identify barriers. 
  • An examination of local Speed Limits and road conditions. 
  • Offering primary school children cycling training through Cycle Right Programme. 

Fianna Fáil: Marc McSharry said his party will invest in high-quality segregated cycle lanes and plans to roll out secure bike storage across the Dublin Rail Network and provide funding for the retrofitting of cycle racks on Buses and Trains. 

Labour: Kevin Humphreys said his party will “prioritise delivery of a network of fast, safe and segregated off-road Cycling Highways,” as well as CCTV enforcement on cycling and bus lanes to prevent vehicle intrusion.

Solidarity-People Before Profit: The party said it favours mandating local authorities – particularly in cities – to provide segregated cycle lanes and is in favour of expanding scheme like DublinBikes. 

The Green Party: Patrick Costello said the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Cycling Network - a roadmap for cycling routes across Dublin – “has been gathering dust” and needs to be implemented in order to provide “a network of safe, segregated cycle lanes”.

He said similar strategies should be developed in urban centres outside of Dublin. 

Improved infrastructure like segregated cycle lanes is also the most effective measure to ensure cyclist safety, Costello said. 

The Social Democrats: Cian O’Callaghan said his party would invest in cycling parking, particularly at transport hubs and would “insist” that associated costs with this service is “minimised or eradicated” for commuters. “Some current costs charged by public transport providers are outrageous,” said O’Callaghan. 

Among improvements to cycling infrastructure, O’Callaghan said his party would:

  • Upgrade maintenance of cycle lanes and improve road design to ensure roundabouts are safer, hostile junctions are redesigned that drains and potential hazards are positioned properly. 
  • Ensure road upgrades and new roads comply with best practice and road safety standards. 
  • Construct a network of cycle lanes – segregated if possible. 
  • Programme traffic lights in order to give cyclists a head-start. 
  • Promote contra-flow cycle lanes to improve safety and increase the number of cyclists. 

Aontú: Mairéad Tóibín, meanwhile, said it’s “prudent” that every new road or surface upgrade in urban area include “defined areas” for cyclists. 

The Aontú candidate is in favour of segregated cycle routes through parks, coastlines and towns “or along green spaces to encourage greater enjoyment of the exercise and less traffic congestion,” she said. 

Are you in favour of extending schemes like DublinBikes to suburbs as well as towns and cities throughout Ireland

Fine Gael: The party said it favours expanding the DublinBikes scheme.

Fianna Fáil: Marc MacSharry said it plans to expand the DublinBikes scheme to more suburbs across Dublin and in Cork and Galway, too. 

Solidarity-People Before Profit: The party also said it is in favour of expanding DublinBikes. Like Fine Gael, the party did not provide details on how it would do so. 

The Labour Party: Kevin Humphreys said his party has called for the expansion of schemes like DublinBikes since 2016.

The party has proposed extending current scheme in Dublin City out to Swords, Tallaght and Dún Laoghaire, Humphreys said, adding that bicycle-sharing scheme should be expanded in Cork and Galway and that new schemes should be introduced in Limerick and Waterford.

The party said it plans to establish a ‘Pilot County Towns‘ model for these schemes, starting in an initial five locations.

The Green Party: DublinBikes and Coca-Cola Zero Bikes in Cork, Galway and Limerick have “been a great success and further expansion should be supported”, said Patrick Costello. 

The rollout of dockless bicycles in Dublin – bikes which don’t require a dock like DublinBikes do – have provided more options for cyclists. He said that Dublin City Council’s Bye-Laws have helped avoid “chaos” experienced by other cities implementing stationless bicycles. 

Costello said that Ireland should look at E-Bike Sharing as part of any extension of stationless bicycles. 

The Social Democrats: Cian O’Callaghan said his party is in favour of expanding schemes like DublinBikes.

O’Callaghan said his party is “not satisfied” with how such schemes are currently managed and that enhanced maintenance and more appropriate locations will lead to more people using them. 

The party is also in favour of reviewing charging structure to examine how usage could be incentivised. 

Aontú: Mairéad Toibín said her party is in favour of extending DublinBikes to more suburbs as well as introducing similar schemes in towns and cities around Ireland. Tóibín said such schemes should be extended one location at a time in order to assess their success. 

What measures will you take to expand Ireland's Greenway Programme and ensure dedicated cycling routes are delivered in more rural areas

Fine Gael: The party said it will identify and invest in new Greenways and cycle routes throughout Ireland. 

Fianna Fáil: Marc McSharry said his party “will continue to provide for the further development of the Greenway system, with a view to better integrating Greenways with cycling facilities in local towns and villages.”

“We note the inclusion of the SLCR Greenway in the new Northern Ireland Agreement and will work with Departments in Northern Ireland to advance this proposal.

We will also ensure that a portion of Greenway funding will be made to local authorities to assist with the development of Greenway proposals.”

The Labour Party: Kevin Humphreys said providing funding for local authorities to expand Ireland’s Greenways and improve road upgrades include space for cyclists is a priority, said Humphreys. 

Solidarity-People Before Profit: The party pointed to their first response to this question. 

The Green Party: Patrick Costello said that the success of Ireland’s Greenways is welcome but that routes have focused on tourism and not commuting

He argues in favour of improving and providing links from towns and villages to nearby Greenways, which “can help improve existing infrastructure and create new infrastructure,” he said. 

The Social Democrats: Cian O’Callaghan, meanwhile, said his party is supportive of the National Greenways Strategy. However, he said, funding is insufficient to meet demand. 

The Social Democrats are, he said, in favour of investing significantly in additional Greenways and cycle routes. 

Aontú: The party said it was in favour of more Greenways throughout Ireland. 

Are you in favour of major cycling projects being leddesigned by the National Transport Authority or should these projects be the remit of Local Authorities

Last weekend, hundreds of cyclists in Dublin took to captial’s roads to protest at the delay to the much-vaunted Liffey Cycle Route

The chronically-delayed route in Dublin was designed by the NTA after being removed from Dublin City Council’s remit after Councillors and engineers failed to agree an approach. 

Fine Gael: The party said that local authorities are best-placed to deliver cycling infrastructure but that certain major projects are complex.

“We believe local authorities should work with the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland,” the spokesperson said, adding who leads on major cycling projects depends on their complexity. 

Fianna Fáil: Marc MacSharry said the party will appoint Cycling Officers to every local authority as well as create a Cycling Division within the National Transport Authority with responsibility for designing and managing major cycling projects, in consultation with local authority Cycling Officers.

The Labour Party: Kevin Humphreys also said local authorities should appoint dedicated Cycling Officers to promote cycling.

He said that Councils should insist that planning and improving new and existing cycling infrastructure take priority over other road infrastructure. 

He added that local authorities should lead on implementing cycling infrastructure but that major projects across administrative boundaries should be in consultation with the NTA. 

The Green Party: Patrick Costello believes that local authorities are best-placed to lead public consultation on major cycling projects, said Costello. 

However, often there is “confusion”, he said, regarding roles and responsibilities of different bodies which contributes to transport issues in urban areas. 

“The important part is that infrastructure is built,” said Costello, adding that responsibility for cycling infrastructure should form part of a regional strategy and that there should be clarity of responsibility and proper public consultation at early stages of design. 

The Social Democrats: The party said it is in favour of strengthening local authorities and that major cycling projects should be the remit of Local Government. 

Said Cian O’Callaghan: “We’d ensure that a Cycling Plan is included as part of each local authority’s Development Plan,” adding that the Social Democrats would ensure that cycling is central to each Local Area Plan, Strategic Development Zone and Master Development Plan for individual sites. 

Aontú: Mairéad Toibín said the NTA should be responsible for providing and upgrading cycle lanes and that local authorities are better-placed to understand commuting distances on cycle tracks and “should coordinate with neighbouring local authorities to optimise conditions along these routes,” she said. 

What additional measures will you take to improve cyclist safety on Irish roads

On cyclist safety, Fine Gael listed a number of policies:

  • Provide help to local authorities to convert lightly-trafficked roads to designated Priority Cycle Routes. This includes introducing safety features, limiting access to vehicular traffic, improved surfaces/sight lines.
  • Update Guidance on Street, Road and Cycleway design in order to take account of international best practice. 

Fianna Fáil: Marc MacSharry said his party will introduce new legislation for Dublin Bus CCTV capable of detecting vehicles that illegally drive in or park in cycle lanes.

This, MacSharry said, will help with enforcement, adding that Fianna Fáil will initiate a full review of Speed Limits across Ireland.

Over at Labour HQ: Kevin Humphreys said that physical segregation of cycle lanes is key to improving cyclist safety.  

“We’ll call for continuous and segregated cycle lanes through urban centres, safe counter-flow cycle lanes, secure cycle stands in towns and at schools and safe routes for schoolchildren cycling to school,” he said. 

Solidarity-People Before Profit: The party said it favours increased provision of segregated lanes in accident black-spots. 

The Green Party: Patrick Costello has “long-campaigned” for safe routes to schools, he said. Recently, Costello has worked on School Streets projects and Quietways in Dublin. 

He said these are “two quick and simple ways to improve safety for people who want to walk and cycle.”

Regarding cyclist safety, Costello said enforcement is a key issue, including failure to tackle motorists parking in cycle lanes. 

The Social Democrats: Cian O’Callaghan said his party would improve cyclist safety by:

  • Strongly advocating for new laws promoting safe passing distances. These, O’Callaghan said, are crucial for rural areas.
  • Expand 30 km/h speed zones
  • Introduce penalties for utility-construction firms and local authorities who fail to properly and promptly reinstate cycle tracks and road surface. 
  • Extend RSA function by establishing a referral service to tackle local authorities who fail to comply. 

Aontú: Mairéad Tóibín said a major safety issues for cyclists is not having cycle lanes raised or distinct from the road and that surface condition is a serious consideration regarding cyclist safety.

Tóibín is in favour of RSA campaigns highlighting cyclist safety and said, equally, cyclists should be aware of their own vulnerability at higher speeds.

What measures will you take to tackle and reduce bicycle theft in Ireland

A 2014 survey of 1,500 cyclists by Dublin Cycling Campaign found 17% of bicycle-theft victims didn’t replace their bicycles. A further 26% reduced their cycling after their bicycles were stolen. 

Fine Gael: On bicycle thefts and enforcement, the party pointed to additional Gardaí appointed since 2014, saying that it will allocate funding for up to 700 new Gardaí per year over the next 5 years.

Increased Gardaí numbers, the party spokesperson said, allows redeployment of Gardaí from administrative duties to policing duties. 

“This increase in Garda and Civilian Staff numbers means a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide,” the spokesperson said. 

Fianna Fáil: The party said it will create a National Register for bicycles. Under this scheme, bike owners could register their bicycle with An Garda Síochána and fit it with a unique barcode. 

“This has been shown to reduce harm in other jurisdictions,” said MacSharry.  

Solidarity-People Before Profit: A spokesperson said that a lack of secure bicycle parking areas/lock-up facilities in Dublin which it said means cyclists are forced to park in areas vulnerable to theft.

The Green Party: Patrick Costello said secure bicycle parking facilities is the “first step” to preventing bicycle theft, Costello said, adding Drury St. Carpark in Dublin is a good model to follow. 

He said that new apartments should be required to provide proper bicycle parking and argues in favour of amending Planning Laws and providing funding to build secure facilities. 

Costello also said providing information on theft-prevention to cyclists can help reduce risk and said Garda Stations should work with cycling groups to spread this information as part of a campaign. 

“Surveys show that many bicycles are stolen from homes and gardens where people didn’t have them locked,” said Costello, adding that Gardaí have said reuniting owners with their stolen bicycle is difficult.

He said cyclists should record serial numbers/details of their bicycle, lock it and use a high-quality bicycle lock. 

The Social Democrats: The party said it will ring-fence funding for Gardaí enforcement for cycling-related issues. 

Aontú: The party said tracking devices are good theft-prevention measure for cyclists. 

Meanwhile, TheJournal.ie also asked The Irish Freedom Party, The National Party and Renua its policy on cycling in Ireland. 

Neither The Irish Freedom Party nor The National Party responded.

Renua Party Chairman Séamus Ó’Riain, however, told TheJournal.ie that cycling in Ireland is “not top of our priorities” in light of recent violence in Co Louth and Co Cork. 

“A young man was chopped up and put into plastic bags in Drogheda,” Ó’Riain said. “Another stabbed to death in Cork.”

“You’ll have to forgive us but worrying about how the average metro sexual cycles to work at Google is not top of our list of priorities.”

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93 Comments
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    Mute Andrew Byrne
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    Jan 29th 2020, 12:59 AM

    Is there any responability on the Cyclist to obey the Rules of the Road .
    Maybe to be Visible that requires Lights and High Viz clothing .
    It is not any Motorists desire to inflict injury on another person .

    139
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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:12 AM
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    Mute Andrew Byrne
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:27 AM

    @Rory Mac Daibhéid: But can you honestly say it is abided by ?

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    Mute Bilbo Baggins
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:46 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: No more than speed limits are abided by. But they should be. No lights is dangerous for a cyclist

    26
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    Mute Ding Dong
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:20 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: I’d ask the same about motorists, sick of waiting at traffic lights for 2 or 3 to go through a red while I have the green. Speeding in built up areas is rife, I’ve been overtaken by other motorists for not breaking the speed limit.

    46
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    Mute Mr T
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    Jan 29th 2020, 6:59 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: Fully agree. The number of cyclists with no lights on their bikes is astounding and the Garda appear to turn a blind eye to this problem. They need to start fining them on the spot as would happen to motorists.

    21
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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:50 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: it’s just been shown in a study that motorists are far more likely to break the rules of the road than cyclists. But hey, don’t let the facts get in the way of your knee jerk reaction.

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    Mute Darren Davitt
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:13 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: They don’t even pay road tax!!!…..yawn

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    Mute Jazz Buckler
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:21 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: I totally agree re lights / visibility at night for cyclists.
    But get real here re breaking red lights – a similar cohort of motorists are running red light every day
    yes I see it Every Single F’ing Day plus many still have phones up to their ear. Now that is dangerous
    Check yo’self

    12
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    Mute Thomas Sheridan
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:41 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: How is this relevant to politics given that laws are already in place.
    What isn’t in place is any proper commuter cycling infrastructure. Grandiose plans for tourist cycleways through scenic but remote areas does nothing to address this problem

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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:26 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: I was answering the first question not the law abiding one.
    In general cyclists seem to have lights yes.
    I’m general they don’t obey rules.

    I find deliveroo cyclists seem very dangerous on the road.
    Cycling up one way streets is a big issue for cyclists also, putting themselves at danger seemingly oblivious to the law.

    Still the onus is on you the motorist to not injured cyclists as they are a vunerable road users. You have to assume to avoid accidents same as with bad driving in order that everyone gets there safe.

    A few campaigns of policing illegal cyclists would help reinforce the rules once or twice a year.

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    Mute Shane Hogan
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:13 AM

    @Rory Mac Daibhéid: If we had a campaign of policing illegal speeding motorists, Rory, do you think we might get the compliance level for urban speed limits above the current 2% level?

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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Jan 29th 2020, 11:39 AM

    @Shane Hogan: no I don’t believe so, or I don’t know about the 2% figure. It’s all about breaking down what is the urban road also.
    Why?
    Urban speed is the main issue with accidents involving cyclists by the way, it’s observations at junctions etc.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:31 PM

    @Bilbo Baggins: It is not a competition, they break the law so it is o if others do

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    Mute Marc Sweeney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:38 PM

    @Andrew Byrne: Would you try cycling around Dublin in the dark with no lights? You wouldn’t would you? And that’s why cyclists do light up. Stating that Hi Viz’s are the solution is nonsense. How about proper infrastructure that seperates bikes from cars completely, which is exactly what cyclists want.

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    Mute Craic_a_tower
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:12 PM

    @Marc Sweeney: No cyclist do not want separate bicycle lanes as we know it is completely impossible to have it everywhere. We want drivers to pay due care and attention. Most have no problem with ALL rules of the road being applied to ALL. Drivers need to learn that they are not the priority everywhere they go.

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    Mute MickN
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    Jan 29th 2020, 4:26 PM

    @Connoroconner: Never the cyclists fault is it, never…

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    Mute Tony Mcgrath
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:00 AM

    They should change the law that cyclists cant break a red light

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    Mute Finn Faulkner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:35 AM

    @Tony Mcgrath: The most boring comment on cycling articles ever. Compare the damage a car can do versus a cyclist breaking a light. Over a tonne of steel and plastic rushing as the amber blinkers to red, versus a circa total weight 80kg cyclist doing circa 20kmh.
    Youre mad to compare the two. Youre just jealous that youre being overtaken. By half a horsepower.

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    Mute Sos
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:05 AM

    @Finn Faulkner: it’s just such a stupid argument. I was waiting to cross the road this morning, as a pedestrian, not an evil cyclist. Four cars went through the GREEN pedestrian lights. This is typical but people never see this as a problem that needs to commented on every time there is an article on commuting. Our lolly pop lady has to wear a camera as so many CARS drive across the pedestrian crossing when children are trying to cross safely into school. But of course, it’s cyclists that are the problem….

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:39 PM

    @Tony Mcgrath: Why is that most of them do the first chance they get.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:40 PM

    @Finn Faulkner: it is not a comparison and that ton of steel is not on the footpath travelling as fast as it can go.
    Stop trying to take away from the fact that cyclists are as uncaring as any other vehicle driver.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:41 PM

    @Sos: Strange I saw one van do that recently but lost count of the cyclists and I watch closely.

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    Mute Finn Faulkner
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    Jan 30th 2020, 12:25 AM

    @Gary Kearney: I never mentioned footpaths. Are you dense? And it is a comparison. You are obviously blinded by your dislike of cyclists. Sure, label us all because of the sins of a few.
    I dont think all motorists are guilty, but studies show that they break red lights frequently and accelerate hard when green turns to amber.
    Drop your pointless defence.
    And, bear in mind that when accidents happen involving motor vehicles, the injury and fatality rate is much higher versus a cyclist.

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    Mute The Blue Dot Observer
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    Jan 29th 2020, 12:42 AM

    Fair play Renua- hope you have a candidate in my area I can vote for.

    52
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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:14 AM

    @The Blue Dot Observer: Renua: You’ll have to forgive us but worrying about how the average metro sexual cycles to work at Google is not top of our list of priorities.”

    Wow that’s a serious statement, I had a good laugh at that.

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    Mute Mazza86
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    Jan 29th 2020, 5:30 AM

    @The Blue Dot Observer: It’s not often you hear a bit of frank common sense coming from political parties nowadays…

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    Mute ed w
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:13 AM

    @The Blue Dot Observer: you would rather all those cyclists get in cars and create traffic jams would you

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    Mute The Blue Dot Observer
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    Jan 29th 2020, 3:01 PM

    @ed w: I would rather having a working healthcare system
    I would rather no homeless
    I would rather affordable accommodation
    I would rather better public transport
    I would rather more Gardaí
    Then maybe when those are in place look at cycling – cycling isn’t the answer for someone living in Naas or other commuter towns and traveling to Dublin every day to work – public transport, frequent and reliable with sensible ticketing (like Berlin for example, one ticket per journey one way for 90 mins, not a ticket per bus or train or tram)
    That will bring people out of their cars
    I can’t cycle from Naas everyday, I’m not an Olympian. I can’t afford to live next to work.
    So yes, increase the traffic jams until the rest is sorted and then look to cycling.
    Perhaps I just live in the real world

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    Mute Craic_a_tower
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    Jan 29th 2020, 5:13 PM

    @The Blue Dot Observer: You don’t live in the real world if you don’t understand more cyclists on the road = less cars on the road. More cars on the road=longer commuting times. That is the real world. More people with active lifestyle=less people in hospital.
    Are you one of these people forced to live in Nass or one who decided you would get a bigger house there rather than a smaller place closer to work. Not one person I know was forced to buy somewhere they made a decision and most for larger properties and longer commutes. Who could possibly know that would cause more traffic?

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    Mute Eoin Wren
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:26 PM

    @The Blue Dot Observer: nothing can be solved in isolation. More cycling means healthier citizens which means less strain on the health system. It also means less traffic people get to spend more time with their families.

    Do better cycling facilites help commuters from Naas ? Why not ? Many countries have train systems with bike carriages secure bike lockers proper cycle lane networks around train stations. Why not look for a plan that allows you cycle to Naas train station, take the train and then cycle to the office. If we go about assuming we can’t do these things then we will never get anywhere

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    Mute Finn Faulkner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:44 AM

    Im posting this as a rural cyclist. I abide the rules of the road, am visible with strong LED lights, and try to average 17-20mph. I dont take up a quarter of my road space, Im more near an 8th. And I pull over if there is buildup behind me.
    Im golden.
    Apart from the motorist that, despite seeing me, chooses to risk my life as I might add up to 30 additional seconds to their journey.
    So get lost with your “road tax”. And have some patience. Is it my fault that youre late and rushing to your destination? No.
    The sum of my carbon emissions makes the average motorist a criminal. So make some room for our cyclists.
    In regards to cycling in Dublin, ah sure jaysus, thats some Death Race 3000 crap. Leave me outta that zoo.

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    Mute John McAlister
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:07 AM

    @Finn Faulkner: I’d rather be a cyclist in Dublin where you can move out to the centre of the road, granted you’re going at a high enough speed this not impacting drivers behind you, rather than a rural cyclists who have to navigating bending roads and 80kph limits

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    Mute Finn Faulkner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 12:01 PM

    @John McAlister: Thats a good point. My last spin through Dublin was like watching a RSA safety add. Of what to do, and what NOT to do. Some real eejits out there both motorists and cyclists

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:02 PM

    @Finn Faulkner: Carbon emission makes a person a criminal, not opinionated are you. Some people need to use a car NEED not want but they are criminal are they.

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    Mute Finn Faulkner
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    Jan 30th 2020, 12:20 AM

    @Gary Kearney: Not opinionated, are you?
    Gary, are you Yoda in disguise?
    Opinion I have, and tired of your offended irrationality, I am.
    Goodnight, I bid thee.

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    Mute John
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    Jan 29th 2020, 12:49 AM

    Renua bottom feeding again to stay relevant lol

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:56 AM

    @John: stay relevant?

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    Mute Rebecca Ní Smurchú
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:13 AM

    @John: Were they ever relevant?

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    Mute Billy Hanley
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:04 AM

    Thank you to thejournal.ie for this outstanding piece of journalism. More and more people are cycling in Ireland, for all sorts of reasons, and yet our infrastructure is not fit for purpose. In particular it is not a safe environment for children.

    Lots of Irish media outlets don’t get this. Thejournal.ie does and the big population of cyclists out there most definitely notices this, so thank you.

    Its sad to see the begrudgery from drivers, it’s pathetic.

    They see cyclists as a nuisance rather than what they are, voters and taxpayers who are equally as entitled as drivers to a safe passage on our roadways.

    Most cyclists are drivers also.

    Let’s be 100% clear on this. Car drivers break the law MORE than cyclists. This is a statistical fact, not an observation made by people seeing what they want to see.

    Compliance with speed limits in DUBLIN centre is 2%. In other words, 98% of drivers don’t obey speed limits.

    Don’t talk about cyclists and red lights without addressing this also.

    Thanks.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:45 PM

    @Billy Hanley: No mainstream media coverage, are you trying to be funny. Is the irish Times the other day not good enough.
    Yoy throw around figures where could I find them as I would like to know them.
    I suspect that they are biased.
    I finally realised why some cyclists dont wear helmets, it gets in the way of their halo

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    Mute Billy Hanley
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:46 PM

    @Gary Kearney: here you go Gary, it came from the Road Safety Authority.

    https://www.98fm.com/news/new-figures-show-2-drivers-respect-30kmph-speed-zones-920927

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    Mute Andrew Byrne
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:55 AM

    Fare play for bringing the most important issue to the fore .
    Homeless ?

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:55 AM

    @Andrew Byrne: you’re right. every single party policy that has nothing to do with homelessness should be scrapped. Every Journal article that’s not about homelessness should be removed from the app. Let’s have the next leaders debate a single topic issue: they should be forced to talk about homelessness and nothing else until they solve the problem live on air.

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    Mute Mark Watkins
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    Jan 29th 2020, 11:19 AM

    @Andrew Byrne:
    “A young man was chopped up and put into plastic bags in Drogheda, another stabbed to death in Cork.”

    And you’re worried about the homeless?

    Please forgive my facetious answer there Andrew, I’m sure The Journal will get around to asking the political parties for their policies on the homelessness crisis soon. I for one am glad the parties have policies in more than just one area and at my doorstep I’ve been asking politicians what they’re going to do to make my commute time, and my leisure time with my children, safer.

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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Jan 29th 2020, 12:01 PM

    @Andrew Byrne: God Lord what is your intellect when an article on Transport is reduced to
    Wha about de homeless!!
    Like a parrot you can train them to repeat words not understand them.

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    Mute nothing witty
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    Jan 29th 2020, 5:11 AM

    For me as a cyclist in Galway, the greatest risk isn’t cars, it’s the shocking state of the roads. I’m more likely to be hit by a car because I’ve had to swerve to avoid a pothole, which are particularly hard to see in advance when it’s dark. I never break a red light but I’ve learned the contempt which car drivers display for cyclists (I include my own father amongst them!) means I have to constantly be on guard. Many cyclists do break rules, should have a licence, don’t have sufficient lighting etc, but not all of us.

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    Mute Oisín O'Connor
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:05 AM

    Some good proposals in there. It all comes down to who will actually go through the painful process of implementing them. Civil servants and the car industry won’t let go of the status quo easily, and the politics of space comes into it at local level. Central govt can give you all the funds in the world, but the local council need to be brave with the space.

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    Mute Craic_a_tower
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:10 AM

    @Oisín O’Connor: why do you think civil servants don’t cycle? The vast majority of government buildings provide secure locking facilities for bikes. Lots of them cycle. It is politicians not allocating money that is the problem.

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    Mute Oisín O'Connor
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    Jan 29th 2020, 11:09 AM

    @Craic_a_tower: there are senior civil servants (in government departments and councils) who cycle, but who also block progress on cycling projects. By same token, Paschal D used to cycle to the Dáil but has been woeful at allocating funds. (Btw my own father was a civil servant who used to cycle into work in town for years)

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:46 PM

    @Oisín O’Connor: That is total BS, the cycling lobby has more friends in high places and 80% of an entire party in its pocket

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    Mute Colm Curran
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    Jan 29th 2020, 12:29 AM

    Ah least now I know where sf stand on at least.one topic . They couldnt care less lol there goes the green vote. But like their stance on everything in a weeks time ul have Mary Lou riding all around the country telling everyone she shud hav started riding years ago and she loves the freedom. Anyhow back to reality it seems that the shinners concentrated on health housing n forgot bout climate oops watch the cringe catch up

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    Mute SF Knee Knockers
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    Jan 29th 2020, 4:37 AM

    @Colm Curran: SF can and do promise anything because they know they won’t be in power and won’t be held to their promises. They can then throw stones at the govt for the next few years.

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    Mute Dean O'Rourke
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:45 AM

    @Colm Curran: ah yeah cause we’ve loads of extra money lying around to pay for increased carbon taxes…because let’s face that’s all we’re looking at when we talk about “climate”. None of the parties have any real solutions. Cycling lanes aren’t gonna fix the climate

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:58 AM

    @Dean O’Rourke: no, but cycling lanes and proper cycling infrastructurewould help ease traffic congestion as has been proven time and time and time again in every city that has tried it.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:00 PM

    @Connoroconner: Really and what about vulnerable pedestrians or any pedestrian.
    Dont say Copenhagen and Amsterdam are wonderful and safe
    places for pedestrians as they are not.

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    Mute Travis O Bickle
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:53 AM

    How about enforcing the use of cycle lanes. Too often I see cyclists riding on the road alongside a cycle path.

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:09 AM

    @Travis O Bickle: as a cyclist I would have no problem making the use of cycle lanes obligatory for cyclists provided the lane are safe and fit for purpose and if we could tackle the problem of cars parking in them. I got 2 punctures in 2 days in a cycle Lane because they are never maintained or cleaned. But we are a long way off from all cycle lanes being suitable and safe.

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    Mute Alan Kelly
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:26 AM

    @Travis O Bickle: and? Can we enforce motorways too? Too many times I see cars still using town centres when there is a perfectly good bypass (which cost millions!) around the town?

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    Mute Rebecca Ní Smurchú
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:16 AM

    @Travis O Bickle: There’s usually a good reason for a cyclist not using a cycle lane – they’re about to turn right, the cycle lane has cars parked in it, the cycle lane is in poor condition and hazardous.

    By Heuston also the line of taxis there next to the cycle lane means that it can be quite unsafe to cycle in it due to the risk of being “doored” or getting hit by a unindicating taxi.

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    Mute Craic_a_tower
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:42 AM

    @Travis O Bickle: no you can’t due to liability. They did make them mandatory but the legal advisors explained it meant the local councils would be liable for any injuries caused from not maintaining the cycle lanes. So the changed the law. Most cycle lanes are unusable due to maintenance, exiting, cars and pedestrians blocking them. There should be points for parking illegally in cycle lanes. When you see the Gardai parking in them when they go to get stuff in a shop you know they will never enforce the law.

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    Mute Shane Hogan
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:55 AM

    @Travis O Bickle: Would you be thinking of including these cycle lanes in your enforcement Travis? https://irishcycle.com/2015/11/05/images-25-reasons-why-cyclists-dont-use-cycle-lanes/

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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Jan 29th 2020, 11:42 AM

    @Travis O Bickle: horses, cyclists and the motor car are all entitled to use the public highway.
    Trying to force them onto a footpath is both wrong and unconstitutional.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:38 PM

    @Rebecca Ní Smurchú: Yes because its not the shortest route. As regards Hueston they want the cycle lane inbetween the taxi rank and the pavement so that up your chance of being doored

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    Mute Still-Not-News
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:14 AM

    Al la carte politics, or as Boris put it a minestrone of promises vote SF No1

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    Mute Andrew Dillon
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:46 AM

    @Still-Not-News: have the boys from “head office” not told Mary Lou what her opinion is on cycling yet??

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    Mute Me Darlin' Dublin
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    Jan 29th 2020, 6:36 AM

    I see all the mainstream media are turning on the smaller parties and Sinn Fein. Their FFG/Labour mask is slipping further down their faces as the Shinners are connecting with pensioners and the disadvantaged. At 60 years of age I know who I’ll be voting for. Do you?

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:02 AM

    @Me Darlin’ Dublin: the main parties always turn on the smaller parties and indeed each other. Nothing new there.

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    Mute Billy Hanley
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:18 AM

    This is an interesting discussion and the surprise for me reading it is how well thought out the Soc Dems are on the issue.

    My vote wouldn’t normally go that way being honest. But if you hid the party names, it’s the Soc Dem policies that I’d be most impressed by on cycling.

    The two main parties seem to be recognising this as an issue, though the budget suggested by fianna fail is disappointing.

    Against that, the failure of Sinn Fein to respond tells it’s own story, ie much like Renua they couldn’t care less.

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:00 AM

    @Billy Hanley: Ruth Coppinger called to my door during the locals and we got talking about their transport plans, which she went through in detail with no mention of cycling. When I asked her why cycling wasnt a part of their transport policy, she was just flummoxed and started to waffle. This blind spot re cycling as a part of the solution to traffic congestion is common across most of the parties which shows how little they have studied the problem. Any expert in the area of transport or traffic knows the provision of proper cycling infrastructure for commuting cyclists has to be part of any solution to city congestion.

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    Mute Jim O Brien - TechBuzz Ireland
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:07 AM

    Nothing to see here regardless how they cycle..

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    Mute Billy Hanley
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:17 AM

    @Jim O Brien – TechBuzz Ireland:

    Every time there is an article about cycling you are here with your negative angry comments.

    Why is techbuzz Ireland so hostile to cyclists?

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:00 AM

    @Billy Hanley: hes obsessed with cyclists. Must be that body hugging lycra that floats his boat. He needs a pedal and crank.

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:01 AM

    @Jim O Brien – TechBuzz Ireland: what are you trying to say? Comment makes no sense.

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    Mute Trevor
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    Jan 29th 2020, 3:44 AM

    Any party or candidate who promotes the building of greenways on our railways should be lined up against a wall and shot

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:04 AM

    @Trevor: why?

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    Mute Shane Hogan
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:57 AM

    @Trevor: So you don’t like all that tourist business that the Waterford and Mayo greenways have brought in Trev?

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    Mute paul kelly
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:57 AM

    A close pass at 80kmh is like someone recklessly discharging a firearm and missing your head by 30cm – you dont forget and you suffer a certain amount of PTSD.

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:36 PM

    @paul kelly: Same with a cyclist passing you at 20k on a footpath.

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    Mute David O'Connor
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    Jan 29th 2020, 7:22 PM

    @Gary Kearney: maybe you should spend some time away from the phone…

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    Mute DERMOT DE BARRA
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:10 AM

    Cyclists must be insured and licenced as road users are

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    Mute Alan Kelly
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:12 AM

    @DERMOT DE BARRA: why? Do you even know why motorists need a license and insurance?

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:17 AM

    @DERMOT DE BARRA: motorists need to be insured because of the risk they pose: cyclists dont pose that same level of risk

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    Mute Alan Kelly
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    Jan 29th 2020, 8:31 AM

    @Connoroconner: the risk and also the damage they cost. Damage to infrastructure (from crashes), damage to the environment and most of all damage and DEATH to people!

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    Mute Shane Hogan
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    Jan 29th 2020, 10:58 AM

    @Alan Kelly: Do pedestrians need to be licensed and insured to walk across the road Alan?

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    Mute Alan Kelly
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:30 PM

    @Shane Hogan: dunno… I’m a cyclist! I never walk anywhere! :)

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:35 PM

    @Connoroconner: They do pose a risk to people health and can cause injury and damage. They are the only legal road user who are uninsured.
    pedestrians get hurt regularly by cyclists hitting them.

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    Mute Ronan Foley
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    Jan 30th 2020, 1:30 PM

    @Gary Kearney: “pedestrians get hurt regularly by cyclists hitting them” Do you have any stats to back up that assertion. How many pedestrians were hospitalised last year after being hit by cyclists? You’re buying into a myth

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    Mute Séan Ó Nuanáin
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    Jan 29th 2020, 9:00 AM

    VÓTÁIL AONTÚ

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    Mute Niall Dunne
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:10 PM

    As a cyclist in Dublin city centre going across the quays for work every day the biggest issue is not having dedicated cycle lanes. The docklands have this new cycle own lane and its wonderful. Everywhere else we share the bus lanes with buses and taxis. Buses are generally fine but taxi drivers don’t care about cyclists and almost hit me at least once a week

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 1:33 PM

    @Niall Dunne: No the docklands sont, they have shared space cycle lanes, unsegregated from pedestrians. Who are supposedly top of the safety hierarchy of urban design. A white line is not safe segregation for pedestrians especially vulnerable ones

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:09 PM

    Cycling is grat and cyclists should be safe but not at the cost of endangering pedestrians and particularly vulnerable ones.
    If you want to take all the road then you may have to contribute to it apart from your standard taxation as all other vehicle users do.
    Its not unfair a vehicle is a vehicle after all.
    You want everything your way and thats not fair or safe for the rest of the non cycling community.
    A 80 kg cyclist hitting you can break bones or kill you. Thats the fact of it. Tet pedestrians have them flying past them at every angle.
    As regards why motorists get annoyed at you. That could be due to some of the stupid things they face and the attitude of a lot of cyclists.
    I will be called a hater and worse but I am not.
    I want cyclists to be safe but you cannot have everything your own way.
    Vulnerable Pedestrians and Pedestrians are on top of the safety hierarchy and they must come first

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    Mute Diarmuid Walshe
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    Jan 29th 2020, 2:26 PM

    Bloody cyclepaths.

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