Read on Twitter
Thread.
@IrishPedestrian and http://Cyclist.ie call on national government to provide safe space for pedestrians and cyclists across the country during the current crisis as a matter of urgency.
Other cities and governments are implementing measures now.
@IrishPedestrian and http://Cyclist.ie call on national government to provide safe space for pedestrians and cyclists across the country during the current crisis as a matter of urgency.
Other cities and governments are implementing measures now.
First and foremost I would like to underline the absolute necessity that people have access to fresh air and exercise for their physical health but above all, their mental health.
We cannot keep our vulnerable cocooned indefinitely so we must prepare NOW for the months ahead.
We cannot keep our vulnerable cocooned indefinitely so we must prepare NOW for the months ahead.
So, yesterday @DubCityCouncil started to implement measures to make more space for pedestrians and cyclists. @LimerickCouncil responded to a cross-party call for more space by issuing an RSA 'advisory' to walking on the right hand side of the road.
This is totally unacceptable and an affront to the efforts made by our local Councillors @sasanovak48 @jamesjcollins @seanohartigan @JLeddin @ConorSheehan93 @ElenaSecas @JerryODea Cllr. Catherine Slattery, Cllr. Abul Kalam Azad, Cllr. Sharon Benson
@PedestrianLK and @LimerickCycling are advocating for safer streets for social distancing to make life easier for people walking and cycling to work and to the shops. Safer for children to play and cycle within their 2km. Easier for people in wheelchairs and with buggies to move.
1. A reduction in the speed limit to 30km/h in all built up and urban areas.
2. Automated pedestrian crossings with NO MANUAL BEG BUTTONS.
3. Wider footpaths. Segregated cycle lanes. Quiet and/or pedestrianised streets.
2. Automated pedestrian crossings with NO MANUAL BEG BUTTONS.
3. Wider footpaths. Segregated cycle lanes. Quiet and/or pedestrianised streets.
These measures could be rolled out in a matter of hours or days using paint, bollards, planters. Just have a look at the plethora of newspaper articles showing whats being done in Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Hungary....
What are our local authority's afraid of? That when we return to 'normal' that people will might like the temporary changes and not want to go back to the way it was?
This mindset is why IPN and http://Cyclist.ie are calling for policy change at national government level.
This mindset is why IPN and http://Cyclist.ie are calling for policy change at national government level.
These temporary actions in response to the Covid-19 emergency, would be strategic in creating a positive culture change to make our towns and cities more liveable & contribute to a much needed boost in footfall required to aid the economic recovery when we move beyond the crisis.
This is in line with current government policy for both urban and rural regeneration development funds (URDF & RRDF). Therefore, while many of the changes are cost neutral or low cost, funding could be allocated these sources.
How could it be implemented?
1. Temporary application of DMURS to existing street patterns. The DMURS standard reduces carriageway widths to 3m so most of our streets already have ample room for the reallocation of space, without a reduction in car lanes
1. Temporary application of DMURS to existing street patterns. The DMURS standard reduces carriageway widths to 3m so most of our streets already have ample room for the reallocation of space, without a reduction in car lanes
2. Dedicated teams in each local authority to liaise with residents and local community groups. (Similar to the tactical urbanism strategy being rolled out in NZ)
3. New space to be allocated fairly and with consideration of universal needs across city centre, suburbs, towns and villages to avoid people ‘flocking’ to centralised areas. Every neigbourhood should have spaces for walking and cycling.
#streetsareforpeople #changingstreets
#streetsareforpeople #changingstreets
We have an opportunity now to address this situation and make our cities and towns more liveable.
We are facing into a time of real challenge for people and businesses across the country. Keeping the status quo is not an option. We need to create a new normal.
#COVID19ireland
We are facing into a time of real challenge for people and businesses across the country. Keeping the status quo is not an option. We need to create a new normal.
#COVID19ireland
