Cyclists Call For 30kph Speed Limit

Cyclists called for a plan to curb speed limits in Dublin to be rolled out nationally last week.

The calls came after Dublin Council announced plans to cut speed limits in the capital to just 30kph.

Dame Street, D'Olier Street and Westmoreland Street together with parts of Temple Bar are among those to have the existing 50kph (31mph) cut by the end of the year.

According to bike advocates, forcing motorists to drive at 30kph would help cut traffic gridlock across Ireland and boost public health and the environment.

Shane Foran, of the Galway Cycling Campaign, claimed that society in general would benefit if the plans announced by Dublin City Council were implemented in urban areas across the country.

"Higher speeds just mean you get to the traffic jam faster," he said.

"In many cases, travelling by bike these days is quicker than by car."

Mr Foran also said that reducing speed limits could lead to motorists spending less time sitting at junctions.

"Measures to reduce motorised traffic, and motorised vehicle speed are top of the list when it comes to making cities walkable and cyclable and are of far more value than the piecemeal imposition of so-called cycle-paths," he continued.

"A 40% reduction in the speed limit in urban areas would be a major improvement and would be a big help to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, as well as disabled and older people."