Litir Chumhdaigh
This submission is to highlight the requirement for updated cycling mode share data for use in the city development plan
The current mode share figure and target figure are based on outdated data. The figures shown are from the CMATS2040 plan. Mode share figures for CMATS are based on the 2011 national census. The modelling figures are also based on 2011 and 2012 SWRM modeling, see attached CMATS baseline report. The 2017 Cork Cycle network showed a mode share of 1.7% for cycling. It is known from Strava Metro data for Cork that there has been a significant uptake in cycling since then , especially so after Covid restrictions where people felt the streets were safer for cycling with less vehicular traffic. The CMATS2040 report also covers a much greater area , including towns such as Midleton & Carragaline. The area covered under the City Development is smaller and would have a higher concentration of cyclists and a greater cycling mode share. The development plan states that an evidence based approach was used and that a number of supporting strategies and studies were carried out. A Transport study has not been carried to assess the baseline current transport mode shares for this city developement plan cycle.
A transport study for Cork should be carried out to provide accurate and up to date cycle mode share data for Cork City area , as opposed to using 2011 census data for the greater metropolitan area.
As stated in Core strategy chapter 2 , an evidence based approach should be used in aiming to meet sustainable development goals. A key element of the transport strategy is therefore based on outdated data. A more accurate and up to date assessment of cycle mode share for Cork would lead to more ambitious cycle mode share targets aligned with sustainable development, liveable 15 minutes neighbourhood , and climate actions goals set out in other chapters
