Our main aim was to introduce ourselves and to raise some matters of concern and to share some future ideas 💡
Here is a synopsis of this very cordial meeting.
1. We asked for a full audit of cycling infrastructure in the county looking especially at parts that do not comply with National Cycle Manual. Poor signage, too narrow etc
AGREED
2. We asked questions about future planning for bicycle infrastructure across the county and see if it is following any cycling master plan.
PLANS FOR FURTHER CYCLING INFRA IN NEW ROSS, GOREY, NEWTOWN RD. – NOT FOLLOWING A GRAND PLAN BUT TAKING OPPORTUNITIES AS THEY ARISE.
PLAN TO SEEK FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES WHEN OUR NEW ROADS OPEN.
(It was agreed that pinching of further cycle paths as happened in Cloch should not occur again.)
3. Future additions of a children’s road cycling training facility in Mim Ryan Park.
DELIGHTED TO REPORT THAT A SPACE HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THIS BUT CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE FUNDING
we suggested that this area could be set out with hedging, trees etc and leave the space clearly defined for this project.
This will be the only one of its type in the country!
4. We asked for member of WEXBUG to be placed on the Transport SPC.
THE VALUE OF THIS WAS AGREED BY ALL PRESENT AND REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE MADE TO PROGRESS THIS.
5. We are seeking the appointments a full time cycling officer
AGREED IN PRINCIPLE BUT BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS HAVE LEAD TO THE NON FILLING OF MANY POSITIONS.
THERE IS A HOPE TO HAVE THIS AS A PART TIME ROLE.
WEXBUG WILL WRITE TO CO. MANAGER IN SUPPORT OF THIS.
6. Part of cycling campaigns feeds into pedestrian facilities too.Are there any plans to follow the lead of Dublin City Council?Dublin city council is changing all traffic lights across the capital so pedestrians will have an amber light for up to three seconds longer, giving them more time to cross the road. The initiative is a response to Ireland’s ageing population, and follows research that shows one in three Irish adults aged 65 to 74, and three in five aged over 75, currently do not have sufficient time to cross the road..
THE COUNCIL WILL CONTACT DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL WITH A VIEW TO LOOKING MORE CLOSELY AT THIS.
7. Ciclovia. We initiated a conversation around bringing a ciclovia to Wexford. This has been going in Kilkenny since 2014. We suggested that we aim to have one in Wexford for bike week 2020.
VERY POSITIVE VIBES FROM ALL PRESENT.
8. Tar & chip surfaces. We explained the hazards of such surfaces for bicycle riders, especially where a larger chipping is used.
IT WAS AGREED THAT WHERE POSSIBLE THESE LARGE CHIPPINGS WILL BE AVOIDED ESPECIALLY ON THE COUNTY’S CYCLING ROUTES.
9. We asked for the placement of large bicycle road marking on some roads that a frequented by bicycle riders. These carry no legal standing but act as a permanent reminder that cyclists are present.
AGREED & WEXBUG WILL SUGGEST STRATEGIC SPOTS WHERE WE THINK THESE SHOULD BE.
10. We suggested that Min Ryan Park have an area where the Cycling without Age trishaw could be used.
WILL BE LOOKED IN TO.
Overall we all came away really happy with the outcome of our meeting.
Many many thanks to Ruth and Maura who were excellent representatives of our group.
Phil.
