Residents of a south Dublin seaside town have slammed a proposed cycle path in the area claiming it will “create traffic chaos”.
Dublin City Council is set to introduce a two-way cycle path in Sandymount on a trial basis from the end of October.
This will result in the Strand Road being reduced to just one lane for cars for the span of six months.
One resident, Simon Lycett said that the cycle was a good idea as long as it wasn’t “at the expense of shutting Strand Road down”.
He told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk this morning: “We’re very keen cyclists and we don’t want to be portrayed as nimbys or rick people from Sandymount objecting to something.
“We’d very much think a cycle way is a good idea as long as it’s put in in the right way and it’s not at the expense of shutting Strand Road down which will cause traffic chaos throughout Sandymount.”
The cycle lane will run from Merrion Gates to Sean Moore Rd as bollards an orcas will be installed for protection.
More permanent protective structures will be put in place if the trial is successful.
Another local cycling enthusiast Rodney Davitt said he wasn’t happy with the fact that the residents were never consulted on the plan.
He added: “[There was] no consultation with either the residents or our city councillors who are meant to represent us around here.”
The comments come as Dublin City Council has launched a new campaign to encourage Dubliners to cycle more.
The On Your Bike! initiative was launched to coincide with ‘Bike Week’ which takes place from September 19th to September 27th.
The Council will promote the virtues of cycling using billboards, social media, and the virtual world.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu said: “Bike Week is a great opportunity to come together locally and nationally to promote cycling.
“Cycling has so much to offer our city and our people. While we have seen a massive increase in cycling numbers in recent years, it is not the case in all demographics. We want to see a greater mix of people on bicycles.
“I firmly believe cycling has something to offer people of all ages and abilities and we are encouraging everybody to give it a go.”
