The National Transport Authority is currently running a joint public consultation with Dublin City Council seeking your views on major transport changes planned for Dublin city.
Published in June, the “Dublin City Centre Transport Study” is a set of proposals which, according to the NTA, is intended to enhance overall movement in the city and achieve the objectives set out in the current Dublin City Development Plan.
The overall aim is to shift more people away from cars, so no arguments there. According to the development plan, the goal is to achieve:
“ … modal share targets crossing the canals of 55% for public transport, 15% for cycling, 10% for walking and 20% for private car use in the annual cordon count by 2017”.
Read that quote again and see if you can spot the missing piece in the transport puzzle.
Yes, once again the National Transport Authority seems to be intent on ignoring powered two wheelers – that’s motorcycles, scooters and mopeds – in key transport plans designed to make the city work better for everyone.
For the benefit of readers not familiar with the National Transport Authority they are – among other things – the body responsible for the strategic planning of transport in the greater Dublin area (Dublin and surrounding counties). The organisation has a long history of completely ignoring the needs of motorcyclists. You can read more about that here if you wish but rest assured MAG Ireland will be submitting observations on the current transport plans on behalf of motorcyclists.
In 2014 motorcycles represented just 0.74% of traffic crossing the canals – the lowest figure yet recorded and down by almost 50% since 2006 (source here). This sort of drop happens when the economy falls off a cliff but it is made worse when the use of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds is deliberately ignored or actively discouraged in transport policy planning.
Dublin Canal Cordon motorcycle count
2006 – 2013
In fact the National Transport Authority has steadfastly refused to recognise the modal distinction between a motorcycle and a car in its activities which is why you can’t legally use the bus gate on college green while cyclists and those on electrically assisted bicycles can.
It’s just not good enough and we want you to help us change it!
The public consultation is being carried out in conjunction with Dublin City Council and runs until July 16th. This is your opportunity to have your say on how motorcycles, scooters and mopeds can help to get Dublin moving.
The consultation is a short online survey and Question 9 asks:
How do you normally travel to Dublin city centre? (Please select all that apply)
- Private car
- Bus
- Luas
- Other rail
- Cycle
- Walk
As you can see, motorcycles are once again being ignored.
However, Question 10 (“Do you have any further comments?“) gives you the opportunity to tell the transport planners what you think of this oversight.
Remember, be polite and keep it short and simple. Remind them that a motorcycle, scooter or moped is the ideal choice where distances preclude cycling. Remind them that you have just as much right to the road as the car driver, cyclist or pedestrian. Remind them that it is unacceptable to ignore motorcyclists in transport planning.
This is where you come in.
It’s time to play your part. Click the following link and complete the survey:
https://consultation.dublincity.ie/traffic-and-transport/transport-study-consultation/consultation/
If you find it unacceptable that motorcyclists are being actively ignored or discouraged by transport policy makers please consider joining us.