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Dempsey releases a draft cycle design manual, for public consultation
Department of Transport Press Release
Dempsey releases a draft cycle design manual, for public consultation
07 - 12 - 2009
As part of the Government's new National Cycle Policy Framework, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, announced today, a public consultation process on new guidelines for cycle design in Ireland.
<
p>The new guidelines will supersede the existing manual, which dates from 1997, and will reflect international best practice. The draft guidelines have been developed by a steering group comprising representatives of local authorities, transport agencies and other related organisations, and co-ordinated by the Dublin Transportation Office. For the purposes of technical rigour, the draft has been reviewed and assessed by a group of international experts in cycle design.
Speaking today, Minister Dempsey said: "The National Cycle Policy Framework, which I launched in April this year, calls for a radical new approach to provision for cycling so that a culture of cycling can be created in Ireland. The new guidelines will be a critical element in the delivery of this objective, and in the promotion of a new way of thinking about how we use our streets."
The draft guidelines go beyond simply setting out design parameters for cycle routes. They also address the need to provide adequately for cyclists in sharing road space and the broader aim of ensuring appropriate (and lower) traffic speeds to encourage larger numbers of cyclists.
The Minister continued: "The guidelines are not cast in stone at this stage. Even when the final version is published in the new year, the guidelines will be dynamic, to be updated electronically as is needed."
The Minister said in conclusion that details of the draft are available from the National Transport Authority (info@nationaltransport.ie) and he urged the public to submit their comments to the National Transport Authority by Friday 8 January 2010.
ENDS
Further information:
Press Office Department of Transport (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091
Note for Editors
• The National Cycle Policy Framework was launched in April 2009. It sets out a comprehensive strategy to create a culture of cycling in Ireland so that by 2020, 10% of all trips will be by bike. (In 2006, just 2% of all trips were by bike)
• This means that there will be an extra 125,000 cycling every day by then (up from 35,000)
• The National Cycle Policy is comprehensive; ranging from better cycle provision to education and awareness
• Good progress is being made under each of the different elements of the Policy
• Action 18.4 of the Policy states that "We will produce new design guidance to supersede the existing cycle guidelines manual...to reflect best international practice and latest thinking on creating a cycling friendly infrastructure..."
• The Dublin Transportation Office was dissolved on 1 December and its functions have been transferred to the National Transport Authority. The NTA has now assumed responsibility for the publication of the new Guidelines.
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