LIMERICK City and County Council has been called upon to conduct a comprehensive audit of all locations across the Metropolitan District where cycle paths intersect with road junctions.
This was proposed by Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley to ensure adequate signage is in place to clearly indicate right of way for both cyclists and motorists.
Cllr Beasley, at this month’s Metropolitan District meeting, took the view that where cyclists do not have right of way, additional signage needs to be installed at busy junctions requesting cyclists to wait and dismount when crossing.
“As Limerick continues to expand its cycling infrastructure under the new Active Travel programme, an increasing number of cycle paths now intersect with busy road junctions. While the expansion is welcomed and necessary, there is concurrently inconsistent signage at the intersection points, creating confusion and safety risks for both cyclists and motorists,” Cllr Beasley claimed.
“At many junction cycle path intersections across Limerick, it is unclear who has the right of way. Cyclists are unaware whether they should stop or continue. Motorists are unsure whether they should yield to cyclists or proceed. Inconsistent signage across different locations creates further confusion, particularly with risk to children, elderly and inexperienced cyclists.”
The City North representative urged the Council to ensure infrastructure is safe as they invest further in cycle infrastructure in the city, adding that “adequate signage at cycle path junction intersections is a fundamental safety requirement”
Independent councillor Maria Donoghue seconded the proposal, deeming it a “sensible” ask.
“Anything that improves the safety for all of our road users, and particularly cyclists, because they are quite vulnerable, is a good idea. If there’s a lack of clarity, then you will have collisions and you will have danger,” Cllr Donoghue said.
Labour Party councillor Padraigh Reale also showed his support for Cllr Beasley’s motion. According to new statistics in from the Walking Wheeling Index, he revealed, only 56 per cent of people feel safe cycling.
“If we can bring a practical motion forward to improve the safety of all road users, not just cyclists, but pedestrians and traffic users, and more clarity on who is right away, I fully support the motion,” Cllr Reale commented.
In response, the Council’s Director of Transportation, Mobility, and Public Realm, Patricia Liddy said that all cycle lanes installed by Active Travel will be reviewed as part of their delivery programme.
“Where there is a specific concern raised, we can review the location to determine if any remedial action is required,” she concluded.
– Local Democracy Reporting Scheme