Galway City Council calls for input on proposed bike lane extension
Photo: Corie Welch
Galway City Council (GCC) has revealed plans to expand pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on the west side of the city in Knocknacarra and is calling for public input.
The proposed plan
The Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network Scheme will stretch 870m, starting at the northern junction of Western Distributor Road and ending at the southern junction of the Rahoon Road. Current plans include a 14m wide cross-section with 2m raised adjacent cycle tracks as well as raised zebra crossings.
According to GCC, the overall purpose is to “provide a safe and attractive active travel route, catering for all users including commuters, leisure and family cycling groups”. It will connect Gateway Retail Park with residential areas and other employment hubs in an attempt to reduce vehicle congestion in the city.
Public concern
“I probably should be grateful that something is finally happening in Galway after a decade of nothing, but it’s hard to be optimistic looking at the poor quality of this design,” says Eoin Ryan, safety coordinator with one of Galway City’s cycle buses.
According to Mr Ryan, the design makes several concerning compromises on safety and fails to follow the National Cycle Manual. He speculates that the “Dublin-based design firm have probably not consulted any local families or cyclists to come up with the design”.
Consultation process
But GCC says the design falls into its 2022-2029 Development Plan which promotes connectivity in the city for pedestrians and cyclists. It also aligns with the National Climate Action Plan 2023 which aims to reduce transport related emissions by 51 per cent by 2030.
Galway City Council opened the consultation process on 29 January, asking the public to submit input to be considered and incorporated into the implementation of the proposed design. Submissions can be sent to planning@galwaycity.ie and will be accepted until 8 March at 4pm.
Mr Ryan, however, is not hopeful. “[I doubt] that this consultation will result in any meaningful change to the design, based on previous experience,” he says.
