Cycling in South Dublin

Cycling as a form of transport, sport and means of recreation, is growing in popularity as evidenced by the growing number of cyclists we see on our roads and within our parks. It’s been suggested that the growth in cycling might be attributed to the introduction of the cycle to work scheme – a scheme that allows PRSI employees to offset the cost of purchasing against their tax. Although, in addition, some might argue it’s our growing self-awareness – both physical and mental, increasing awareness that the planet on which we live is at a bit of a crossroads or an acceptance that the monthly spending on fuel, tax and insurance is simply no longer worth the investment.

Cycling ticks many of the boxes to our growing concerns on environment, finance and health. It’s a form of exercise, good for the planet as it requires no fossil fuels and compared to the running costs of one or two cars it makes sound financial sense. Reasons for cycling may be some or none of these and are perhaps personal, but most of us can agree with John. F. Kennedy when he said: ‘Nothing compares to the simple pleasures of a bike ride.’ So why not use Bike Week 2019 as an opportunity to take out the bicycle and enjoy the simple pleasures of cycling in South Dublin.

South Dublin County Council is acutely aware of our responsibilities to all road users; however, we are also aware of the need to make sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling, more attractive for our citizens if we are to meet our climate change objectives. A recent observational study identified over 195km of cycle route length within the South Dublin County Council jurisdiction which can subclassified as: Greenway (Off-Road) making up 6% of the total length; Segregated (On-Road) making up 69% of the total length and Carriageway (On-Road) making up 25% of the total length.

Recent data from the SDCC Grange Road Greenway totem (cycle counter) shows that annually the number of cyclists using the facility has grown from 10,392 in 2014 to 66,372 in 2018. Tallaght Main Street is a good example of an on-road segregated cycling scheme linking Tallaght Village to Tymon Park, Dodder Valley Park and Spawell. Recent research by Kantar, on behalf of the National Transport Authority, interviewed users of the scheme with the results indicating there has been a 32% increase in cycling along the route. Interestingly the number of pedestrians using the area has increased by 34%. In its simplest form the data suggests that greenways and segregated cycling infrastructure are positive for both cycling and other green forms of transport such as walking. One might go as far to suggest that the development of such infrastructure creates healthier communities in which to live, work and socialise.

If you are new to cycling, getting back on the saddle after a cycling hiatus or simply want new places to explore by bike then South Dublin County Council has the appropriate cycling space to suit your needs. For example, the Grange Road Greenway might be modest in length, but it’s traffic free, thus making it the perfect environment to begin your cycling journey. It’s suitable for all ages, is bounded by a wildflower meadow and adjacent to St. Enda’s Park. You can also try one of our many parks which incorporate some of our best cycle routes such as: Griffeen Valley Park accessible from Esker, Willsbrook and the Grand Canal; Tymon Park accessible from Tallaght Main Street or Spawell and Corkagh Park accessible by the segregated cycling facility along the R136. Recently installed cycle counters have captured over 20,000 cyclists accessing Corkagh Park since November 2018.

If you are planning on getting back in gear as part of Bike Week 2019 we have some advice and events worth considering:

If your bicycle has been out of action for a while, we strongly recommend a service to check that everything is working OK. South Dublin County Council will be hosting free bike maintenance sessions at their offices in Tallaght on Tuesday 25th June and Clondalkin on Wednesday 26th June. Both from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Weekends and the summer holidays mean the roads are generally quieter making it a great opportunity to start cycling. South Dublin County Council is hosting several cycling events that may be of interest to you. On Sunday 23rd June why not cycle to Flavours of South Dublin, Rathfarnham Castle. There will be a designated area in which to park your bike and we will have free meal vouchers for the first 100 cyclists. On Monday 24 June we are hosting a Biodiversity Cycle at Tymon Park from 6.30pm, meeting at the Wellington Lane entrance. Our lunchtime cycle on Friday 28 June leaves County Hall at 12.45pm meandering through Tallaght Main Street, around Tymon Park before heading back to County Hall.
If you are an adult and new to cycling then you might be interested in attending an information session being held in Ballyroan Library, Rathfarnham on Tuesday 25 June at 6.30pm. You can register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bike-maintenance-and-safety-information-session-tickets-63330768032 
 

Cycling for South Dublin County Council is not just about Bike Week, we are continuing to work on developing our cycle network, supporting Cycle Right Training in our Primary Schools and connecting with our stakeholders to help improve the cycling experience and cycling identity for our jurisdiction. Bike Week 2019 is a week-long event highlighting the many positive and enjoyable aspects to cycling and we hope to see many of our citizens on their bikes.

Additional Notes

Bike Week is an initiative of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and is a celebration and promotion of all that is great about bicycles and cycling. See: www.bikeweek.ie for further information.

About South Dublin County Council

South Dublin County Council is one of four local authority areas in the Dublin region.

The Council provides and funds a broad range of services including housing, roads, walking and cycling routes, parks and playgrounds, libraries, sports facilities, litter control, arts centres, enterprise units, fire services, community infrastructure and financial support. It also serves as a platform for local democracy with 40 councillors spread across seven electoral areas.

Bounded by the River Liffey to the North and the Dublin Mountains to the South, the County lies 16 kilometres south-west of Dublin city centre and has an administrative footprint of 223sq. kilometres.

The County has nine main villages Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Templeogue, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle and is bounded by adjoining counties of Wicklow, Kildare, Dublin City, Fingal and Dún Laoghaire.