Councillors to visit Netherlands on cycling mission in January

SIX Cork city councillors are to visit The Netherlands at the end of January, to learn from the Dutch Cycling Embassy’s expertise.

The Global Bicycle Cities Index 2022 named Utrecht the world’s most bicycle friendly city, and it also has a population similar to that which is predicted for Cork city by 2040.

Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy brought the matter before council, and six representatives were selected to make the trip; Independents Thomas Maloney, Paudie Dineen, and Kenneth O’Flynn, Terry Shannon of Fianna Fáil, and Derry Canty of Fine Gael.

Independent Cllr Mick Finn was to be the sixth representative to travel, but he has now confirmed that he will not be taking part, and a replacement will be found.

Mr Finn explained: “I had expressed interest in going as Utrecht seems to be an exemplar when it comes to cycling and sustainable transport and this is such a regular and pressing issue in Cork.

“However, we also got approved in my work - Cork ETB - to go to a Europe Goes Local event in Denmark where we will be exploring European opportunities for youth organisations in Cork. I haven’t mastered the art of bilocation yet!

“These trips are important for new approaches to issues in Cork and learning from best practice. Some might say they are junkets but I challenge those by saying to go on one and see the workload.”

Three of those attending the trip explained to The Echo why they chose to put themselves forward, and what they hope to learn there that they will bring back to Cork.

Mr Moloney said: “The council are looking to do a study visit, to learn about best practice over there, and they’ve looked for a number of volunteers, I said if I’m available then I said I’m happy to put myself forward, depending on definite dates being confirmed and if I can get time off work.

“With the amount of infrastructure and works that are going on in Cork city, some of which can be conscientious, it’s important we inform ourselves as best as possible on what Utrecht have seen to be the benefits and any potential pitfalls.

“I’ve seen many cycle lanes opposed with legitimate reasons, by people who are not against active travel but down to the area and the circumstances.

“Personally, I voted against cycle lanes in certain areas so I think it’s important to go out there inform ourselves as best possible,” he added.

Mr Dineen shared: “I’m interested in going because personally, I feel in Cork and even nationally we get the perspective on cycle lanes incorrect sometimes - in some way we put the cart before the horse regarding the planning.”

He explained that he is against cycle lanes that run against traffic for safety reasons, saying: “I’d like to go there to see how do they do it, and if they’re doing it right how are we getting it wrong? That’s the basis for me going.

“The demographics and geography and everything is different in Utrecht, but I still think it’s important to see how are the cycle lanes constructed, where do they put them etc.

“Cork is a very different city, it’s very old so our roadways are a bit more complicated - but there’s a right and a wrong way to do cycle lanes and I think we get it wrong sometimes just for the sake of constructing them.”

He gave the example of the Curragh Rd junction where the cycle lane goes into the centre of the road as “one example of how we get it wrong - it just doesn’t make sense.”

Meanwhile, Mr O’Flynn explained: “Utrecht has established itself as a global benchmark for sustainable urban transportation.

“Utrecht’s achievement in becoming the top cycling city offers valuable insights and inspiration to urban centres seeking to improve their transportation systems and create more sustainable communities.”

He said that Utrecht’s success can be attributed to several factors, such as extensive cycling infrastructure, explaining that they have invested heavily in dedicated cycling paths, advanced signalling systems, and convenient parking facilities.

Secondly, he named their safety measures to protect cyclists, including separated cycling lanes from vehicular traffic, improved intersection design, and traffic education initiatives, which have “significantly reduced accidents and increased the confidence of cyclists.”

Finally, he shared: “Utrecht has effectively integrated cycling with its public transportation network, making it easy for commuters to combine cycling with bus, tram, and train services.”

Mr O’Flynn continued: “By investigating and visiting Utrecht, cities around the world have the opportunity to learn from its success and adapt its strategies to their own urban landscapes.

“As a member of council committed to our city, I believe that sharing best practices and collaborating internationally are crucial in addressing the transportation challenges faced by Cork today.”