Cycling group seeks meeting with council over planned mobility changes to Cork city

THE Cork Cycling Campaign has expressed concern about reports of planned changes in mobility in Cork city centre.

The group is seeking an urgent meeting with councillors and city council officials to discuss details of the plans.

The Cycling Campaign stressed that critical input from civic groups was vital to developing effective action plans and ensuring local government accountability.

Cork Cycling Campaign noted that even temporary removal of cycling infrastructure went against advice from local, national, and international groups such as the World Health Organisation and Cork Chamber.

The group pointed to de-pedestrianisation of Oliver Plunkett Street as an example of a self-defeating and unnecessary action.

With vehicles confining pedestrians to narrow footpaths, social distancing becomes impossible and increases the risks of disease transmission. Fewer pedestrians also means fewer passing customers for shops in the area. It is exactly these sorts of measures that require wider stakeholder input.

The organisation said Cork should learn from the examples of Dublin and other world cities that are intentionally creating pop-up cycle lanes and increasing space for people cycling and walking.

Pointing to positive measures, Cork Cycling Campaign expressed their delight at the pedestrianisation of the Marina, a long-sought measure and currently receiving enormously positive reaction on social media.

The Cork Cycling Campaign’s Dean Venables noted: “We recognise that these are unusual times. Right now, public health is the number one priority and everyone in the city should work together towards that goal. That includes social distancing, physical activity like safe walking and cycling, and access to green space. Cork should look to other cities for examples of good practice as restrictions are eased.” 

Cork Cycling Campaign works with local councils and public bodies, community groups, and other institutions to advocate and advise on improved cycling infrastructure and to encourage people to cycle. The Campaign’s focus is primarily on everyday cycling – that is, cycling as a form of transport while also supporting the development of recreational cycling facilities.