More cycle lanes could be on cards

This from the Wicklow People: Wicklow town could get more cycle lanes despite the fact that those already in place are rarely used and come in for plenty of local criticism.

An audit being carried out by the Dublin Transportation Office will include a study cycle lanes and bus routes in Wicklow town.

They have advertised for companies all over Europe to tender for the contract, which will include the collection of details on the position and number of cycle lanes in town and the possibility of future lanes in other areas.

However, the cycle lanes already provided for in Wicklow haven't exactly been received warmly since they were installed. Their lack of use has been commented upon at many a town council meeting, with the other criticism being their width which results in seriously reduced road space for motorists. Dunbur Road in particular has been singled out as an example of where cycle lanes don't work.

Areas for improvement are an important part of the audit, and the successful consultants will also be asked to collect information on parking next to the lanes, traffic signals and potential hazards and features.

With a number of new developments planned for the town, Mayor Conal Kavanagh believes the audit could prove particularly beneficial with regards to the area plan for Marlton Road and the planned new VEC and national schools.

'Any review of the cycle lanes in town would be welcome. I don't think cycle lanes are suitable for the more traditional parts of town, but certainly in the area plan I know provisions have been made for cycle lanes. Also the new VEC school on the back road to Rathnew, by the junction with the inner relief road, would be an ideal place for cycle lanes for any of the students who want to cycle into school,' said Mayor Kavanagh.

All the information gathered will be kept in an electronic database by the DTO. They will maintain the database, while Wicklow Town Council and Wicklow County Council will provide further information updates.

The closing date for tenders is March 9.