Cyclists concerned over plans to replace hard shoulders

A cyclists’ representative group has expressed concerns about the use of cycle lanes replacing hard shoulders on rural roads.

Unless the cycle lanes are swept and maintained regularly, the traditional hard shoulder is safer and cleaner and the least expensive option for the National Roads Authority, experienced cyclists say.

Shane Foran, regional spokesperson for national lobby group Cyclist.ie, said provision for cyclists on a planned new €64m peninsula road to Dingle in Kerry, was welcome. However, his group had concerns about providing cycle lanes instead of a hard shoulder on the N86 Dingle to Camp as well as other tourist routes.

The group has written to the NRA to outline its concerns on the matter.

Hard shoulders have represented a key component of the national cycling infrastructure since the 1970s, said Mr Foran.

“A key advantage that hard shoulders have over cycle lanes is that they are effectively self-cleaning.”

In contrast, he said, cycle lanes tended to accumulate debris and became unusable unless subject to specific sweeping regimes.

The group has told the NRA: “Ireland is currently experiencing a boom in cycling. Sports cyclists and triathletes on narrow tyres are particularly ‘puncture sensitive’.

“A plausible outcome of using cycle lanes rather than hard shoulders on rural roads is that it will make sports cyclists more likely to use the live traffic lane rather than the space currently occupied by the hard shoulder.”

An oral hearing by An Bord Pleanála into the new route is being held this week. Opposition to the planned upgrade of the national secondary road is increasing amid concerns “the personality and character” of the winding tourist route will be lost. Hundreds have signed a petition against a proposed realignment.