Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Cork, and it’s easy to see why. It’s an environmentally friendly, space-efficient way to get around the city while staying active and healthy. However, not all roads are as safe as they should be for cyclists. Some junctions pose serious risks, with poor design and a lack of driver awareness leading to frequent near-misses and, unfortunately, accidents.
We have highlighted ten of the most dangerous junctions in the city - locations where cyclists regularly face hazards due to poor visibility, confusing layouts, or drivers failing to give way. But these are just some of the problem areas; there are many more that need attention.
Our goal is not just to identify these dangers but to push for real change. We are committed to working with Cork City Council to improve road safety, making Cork a safer place for everyone - whether they’re cycling, walking, or driving.
Overview
- Location On Google Maps: Link
- Relevant Tweets from Brian Daly and Esandi
Cyclists have been facing a concerning issue at this location as drivers often fail to acknowledge their presence and frequently make turns across the designated cycle lane without yielding the right of way. This has led to a notable increase in near-miss incidents at this particular junction.
The Cork Cycling Campaign has repeatedly brought up its concerns with Cork City Council, urging them to take immediate action to enhance the safety of cyclists.
Note: There are plans announced to fix this intersection with the Cork Docklands to City Centre Road Network Improvement Scheme. Please voice your support!
- Location on Google Maps: Link
- Relevant Tweet from Cork Cycling Campaign
The ongoing issue at South Terrace/Georges Quay is a serious concern. Drivers routinely enter the solid white line cycle lane and illegally cut across it as the street bends. This behaviour poses a significant safety risk to cyclists and demands immediate attention and enforcement of traffic rules.
- Location on Google Maps: Link
- Relevant Tweet from Kevin Long
Motorists frequently assert the right of way and make abrupt manoeuvres across the central bicycle lane at this junction. Members of the Cycling Campaign have documented numerous close calls occurring at this particular intersection.
- Location on Google Maps: Link
- Relevant Tweet from Mick O'Sullivan
Illegally applied double yellow lines have been painted over, and vehicles are parked in a manner that diminishes the visibility of oncoming traffic at this intersection.
Location on Google Maps: Link
Making a right turn from Brian Boru Street onto Patrick's Quay can be hazardous, given the traffic approaching from behind and oncoming vehicles. The green light on the Brian Boru Street cycle lane does not provide a safe opportunity for crossing to Patrick's Quay.
- Location on Google Maps: Link
Navigating this junction on a bicycle can be challenging and fraught with danger in various directions. Motorists frequently encroach upon cycle lanes at multiple points. The bus route intersects with the cycle lane while heading southbound, and bus drivers frequently fail to yield the right of way to cyclists using the cycle lane. A complete redesign is necessary, preferably a Dutch roundabout will take its place.
- Location on Google Maps: Links
The cycle lane abruptly terminates, leaving little space for cyclists to merge or make a right-hand turn onto Wilton Avenue.
Additionally, a drain positioned at the exit of the cycle lane poses a safety hazard due to its alignment with the direction of travel, which can potentially trap a bicycle's front wheel.
The Cork Cycling Campaign is advocating for a safer transition that includes physical protection, allowing cyclists to securely establish their position on the roadway, thus reducing the risk of being struck by motor traffic from behind.
- Location on Google Maps: Link
The Advanced Stop Lines (ASL) box is frequently disregarded by drivers, creating a hazard for cyclists who may be susceptible to left-turning vehicles that fail to yield the right of way to cyclists proceeding straight towards North Mall.
- Location on Google Maps: Link
Left turns from Washington Street pose a left-hook risk for cyclists due to drivers not being attentive to those in the cycle lane. Establishing a position within the right-hand lane ASL box to make a right turn onto Grand Parade is exceedingly challenging.
Furthermore, the entry point to the Grand Parade shared space path is inaccessible for cyclists as it involves navigating through a highly congested pedestrian-only crossing point.
- Location on Google Maps: Link
Drivers frequently obstruct the cycle lane as they wait to access the carriageway, and they often make turns across the cycle lane without giving adequate consideration to cyclists in the lane. We respectfully request enhanced safety measures to provide better protection for cyclists from traffic entering and exiting the Merchant Quay car park.
Safety is an increasing worry
The RSA's Child Casualties Report 2014-2022, published in 2023 as part of Irish Road Safety Week 2023, highlights the concerning impact of road traffic incidents on children in Ireland. The report reveals that 56 children lost their lives over this period, while 852 sustained serious injuries, including 93 cases in Cork.
One key step towards safer cycling is the updated Cycle Design Manual (CDM), launched by the National Transport Authority (NTA). This new manual replaces the previous National Cycle Manual from 2011 and sets updated guidelines for designing cycling infrastructure.
Going forward, all new road and cycling projects must follow these improved standards to ensure safer streets for everyone.
"The report shows that children cycling or walking in urban areas are at particularly high risk and it is vital that motorists slow down, observe carefully and share the roads safely with children"
RSA CEO Sam Waide
Source: Irish Examiner
Cork has the potential to be a leading city for cycling, but only if real action is taken to address safety concerns. Every day that these dangerous junctions remain unchanged, cyclists—young and old—are at risk. We cannot wait for another accident to spur action. We urge Cork City Council to take immediate steps to redesign these junctions, enforce safer driving behaviours, and prioritize cyclists in urban planning.
What Can You Do?
Your voice matters. The more people who call for safer cycling infrastructure, the harder it will be for decision-makers to ignore. Here’s how you can help:
- Contact Your Local Representatives – Let them know that cyclist safety is a priority.
- Report Dangerous Junctions – Share your experiences and help highlight problem areas.
Do you want to help make Cork better?
Perhaps you cycle in Cork and think cycling infrastructure could be so much better. Maybe you're tired of cycle lanes that disappear when you need them most. Perhaps you want cycle lanes to be fully segregated from other traffic so that your kids can cycle safely. Or you think traffic laws protecting cyclists should be prioritised and enforced, not ignored. Or maybe you're concerned about how Ireland’s high car-dependence continues to drive climate change? If these issues are important to you, here are some simple steps you can take to get involved!