Benefits of the Proposal

The re-allocation of existing road space for dedicated cycle lanes has the potential to create a coherent and legible cycle network for the entire Curraheen and Bishopstown area. The existing cycle lanes working in conjunction with routes through low-traffic housing estates will mean that cycling will become an option for many people living in, visiting, and working in this community.

The scheme would create a 15-minute neighbourhood as nearly all local services could be reached by cycle routes.

On a practical level, this means that the following trips are achievable:

• A family living in Halldene going for a leisure cycle on the Curraheen Greenway on a Sunday outing can reach the Greenway by using a protected cycle lane and a new toucan crossing
• A retiree living in Uam Var who recently purchased an e-bike to increase their activity levels can cycle to the shop for paper and milk
• School children living in Curraheen Drive can cycle to school with their parents
• A healthcare worker living in Bridgefield can cycle to CUH using a combination of dedicated cycle lanes on the Curraheen Rd and low-traffic estates in Bishopscourt.
• The many economic benefits this scheme can unlock, like other schemes
• How cycling can help to improve lives

The scheme will connect three existing cycle routes (the Curraheen Greenway, Rossa Avenue, and Melbourn Rd) along a new spine that services the entire community.

How you can help?

 Cycle lanes are not just for ‘cyclists’. They offer many people living in a community the opportunity to travel in a way that is cheap, healthy, and non-polluting. Even if you don’t cycle, you may consider supporting this proposal in order to help reduce congestion in the area or help people lead more active lifestyles. As part of the 2021 Climate Action Plan, we have to reduce our transport emissions by 50% over this decade. This scheme will help people swap the car for walking and cycling for local trips.

There are three things YOU can do to help this scheme be realised:

- Raise awareness: speak to your friends and family who live in Bishopstown and Curraheen and might be interested in promoting this scheme.

- Make a submission to Cork City Council in support of the scheme. Please outline the reasons you support the scheme and if you have any concerns, please share them also. You don’t need to use any technical language or terminology to make a submission. Just speak from your head and your heart!

- Introduce yourself to your local elected representatives and politicians via an email or a phone call. Please tell them what the scheme means to you and why you are supporting it. You can find out who your local Cork City Council Councillor is at this link.

FAQ

 Q: Is there a policy background for these proposals?

Yes! Cycle lanes along Curraheen Road were included in the 2007 Bishopstown and Wilton Area Action Plan which was adopted by Cork City Council. The Cork Metro Area Transport Strategy (2019) also indicates that a primary cycle lane will feature on the Curraheen Rd

Q: I can’t cycle, what benefit will this proposal bring to me?

Just like driving, cycling is not an option available to everyone due to a number of reasons. However, when people who can cycle do, it frees up space for people who need to drive. There is a demand for parking at several trip destinations along Curraheen Rd and we expect that as cycling levels grow in the community, less demand will be placed on a limited number of parking spaces.

Q: When will public transport be improved for Curraheen and Bishopstown?

Under the draft BusConnects Plans, a ‘Number 2’ bus will service Bishopstown Rd every 7-10 mins and Curraheen Rd every 15 mins. In the second half of 2021, plans will be released for new bus priority, cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the area.