Safe Routes To School approved by Cork city councillors at final meeting before elections

TWO Safe Routes to School (SRTS) schemes have been approved by city councillors to proceed to detail design stage and onto construction.

The schemes, one for Bishopstown Community School and one for Glanmire Community College, were passed by councillors today at the last full meeting before the local elections on Friday.

The SRTS programme was developed to promote walking, scooting, and cycling to school and to create safer walking and cycling routes.

The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Both the Safe Routes to School scheme proposed for Bishopstown Community School and Glanmire Community College went to public consultation in April.

Bishopstown

A report issued to councillors stated that five submissions were received during public consultation stage on the Bishopstown scheme, with “broad acceptance” overall of the proposals.

The main elements of the scheme include upgrading the existing controlled crossing on Melbourn Rd to that of a toucan crossing, including associated works to connect the existing cycle lanes; the provision of raised continuous footpaths across vehicular entrances to highlight pedestrian priority at the front of school area; the provision of uncontrolled courtesy crossings and new signage.

Glanmire

Meanwhile, the Glanmire scheme received one submission during public consultation.

The main elements of this scheme include a planned upgrade of the existing controlled crossing adjacent to Glanmire Community College to that of a raised toucan crossing, as a means of calming traffic in the interest of cyclist and pedestrian safety; an upgrade of the existing zebra crossing to the east of Hazelwood to that of a raised zebra crossing; the provision of raised continuous footpaths across vehicular entrances and new signage.