Facilitating cycling for health & well being
Tuairim
I have cycled in and around Cork City for the past fifty years - travelling to college, work, for recreation, etc. Now as a retiree I am cycling still and find it a way to bolster my health & well-being. I welcome and commend the recent committments to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists and appreciate the upgrades in the city's cycling infrastructure. In particular may I mention the cycle lanes on Ballyhooley Road, Capwell Road, Centre Park Road, and the development underway on the Marina / Blackrock old railway line
However, there is much left to do. I lived in Amsterdam 1992-1999 and so have experience of what a cycle-friendly city can (should!) be - i accept this is aiming high from a low starting base: but I urge you to be ambitious!!
In particular, I would urge you to aim for a CMATS target of 13% to 20%. I urge you to create cycle routes - particularly here on the Northside. For instance, creating a route using Wellinton Road - Ballyhooley Road - Old Youghal Road - Mayfield; extending the new cycle lane on Ballyhooley Road back to Dillons Cross and out towards White's Cross. I further urge you to work closely with your County colleagues to prioritise the Lee to Sea Greenway - this will be a major boon to receation cyclists like myself.
I would finally urge you to be creative - make urban living enjoyable as they've done in Amsterdam - facilitate Car Free days, community festivals, expand your excellent Christmas Tree lights to involve active participation by locals, etc.
Thank you.
