Cyclists back city plan
Sligo Cycling Campaign congratulates Sligo County Council and the Business Improvement District on the first phase of the Town Centre Mobility plan.
Irrespective of whether we arrive in town by car, bus or bike we then all go about our business on foot, so It is entirely fitting that the mobility plan starts with allowing business to operate by creating more space for pedestrians to shop and queue while maintaining appropriate distancing .
The government advertisement for phase 2 of the reopening of Ireland is aired several times a day and includes the advice to walk or cycle where possible.
This is also the advice of the World Health Organisation, one reason being that air pollution is a risk factor for Covid 19 .
Many people took up walking and cycling during the restrictions but as roads have become busy again this is becoming more difficult.
Last week, in response to the announcement of phase 1 of the mobility plan we sent councillors and Chief Executive, Ciaran Hayes our ideas for improvements to cycling infrastructure which could be implemented in forthcoming phases.
Our plan suggests six actions that should be considered straightaway and others that are important in the longer term. Immediate actions are -
•Altering of traffic light sequences to favour pedestrians
•Provide networked cycle routes
•Improve road markings where cycle lanes merge into general traffic lanes
•Permit bicycles to access the town centre via Kennedy and Rockwood Parades
•Introduce contra-flow cycling on some roads
•Provide more bike-parking in the town centre
Longer term, if Sligo is to be an attractive town for residents and tourists alike it must look at implementing 30 km/h speed limits, develop a safe segregated bike route between Strandhill and Rosses Point and provide safe segregated routes to school.
Galway City Council plans to discuss 30 km/h speed limits at its September meeting.
Sligo County Council should do the same.