Connected city/ sustainable and active travel
CMATS could lead to a transformed sustainable transport system with a significant shift toward walking, cycling and public transport and to enshrine this principle in all development across the city. Connected city; sustainable and active travel
The feasibility of a managed bike storage facility, in which residents and commuters can pay to store bicycles for extended periods of time. In the longer term, the River Lee itself has the potential to support water taxis or other forms of alternative transport, reducing demand for land-based public transport in the city centre area. For investments to truly have a resilient outcome, the public must continue to be informed about the advantages of active transport, as these projects require support from those who use the networks on a day-to-day basis. In London, for example, there has been a sizeable backlash against newly installed bicycle routes and the introduction of low traffic neighbourhoods, so it is vital to both communicate the logic behind these decisions and involve communities early on to get maximum buy-in.
The city centre’s historic urban form of narrow streets presents some challenges to expanding transport capacity, and pinch points for public transport exist at Patrick Street, South Mall and Kent Station. However, the walkability and accessibility of the city centre is a key strength, and the City Council has been proactive in supporting sustainable and active travel modes in recent years The implementation of proposals under the CMATS, including BusConnects and the development of a light rail system have the potential to be transformative, widening the availability and accessibility of public transport options to/from the city centre. In the interim, there is scope to evaluate and address current constraints to support sustainable and active modes of travel, and to grow the14km of bus lanes within the city centre area. In responding to the pandemic, the Council provided more outdoor space and active travel options: pedestrianizing 17 streets and installing 43 new bike racks with some 500 bike parking spaces and developing new cycle routes into the centre at Horgan’s Quay, Centre Park Road and Monahan Road. There is significant opportunity to build on these actions and further support walking and cycling as safe and attractive modes of travel. Improved signage and the expansion of dedicated bus lanes and set-down areas can help reduce congestion and improve the public transport experience. The potential for improved arterial routes along the quaysides to nearby destinations such as UCC and MTU should be evaluated, based on road layouts, traffic flows and flood risk.
Comparative learnings: Secured bike parking facilities, Amsterdam. Bus lane expansions, New York, Mult-modal transport system, Lyon Stakeholders: Bus Connects, Bus Éireann, Cork City Council, Iarnród Éireann, National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Waterways Ireland
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