Drogheda Cycling Group to launch active travel proposals at public meeting

The Drogheda Cycling Group is hosting a public meeting at the Barbican Centre, Drogheda on Monday, February 13, at 7pm.

The group will be launching their proposals for the redevelopment of the Drogheda Dual Carriageway/Dublin Road to allow for greater active travel access in the town.

Some elements in their active travel proposals involve:

• Reducing the Dual Carrageway from two lanes for private cars to one each way – the second lane would be used for Public Transport and Active Travel improvements.
• Increasing the number of pedestrian crossings at major junctions
• The development of pedestrianised areas

We believe in access for all, but the lack of safe Active Travel options is seen in the traffic congestion in Drogheda every evening,” explains Chairperson Noel Hogan.

“This isn’t caused by cyclists, or pedestrians. It’s caused by too many cars. We need to give people safe alternatives to car use if we are to encourage active travel in Ireland’s largest town.

"Thankfully, the dual carriageway running through our town means we are not short for space. The M1 has bypassed the town over a decade now – there is no excuse why Drogheda cannot be an active travel example to the rest of Ireland.”

The group believes that public awareness is important to increase enthusiasm and support, promote self-mobilisation and action, and mobilise local knowledge and resources.

The biggest barrier to cycling is that our streets and communities are not designed to make active travel feel safe and easy,” adds Treasurer Daniel Danko. “When we think about designing new streets or redesigning the old ones in our communities that are to be cycle-friendly, we help to develop healthier, happier and economically vibrant places. Delivering this requires investment to build separated cycle lanes and create an environment where people feel that it’s safe and pleasant to cycl”e.

The group is hoping to see more funding dedicated to cycling, to enable local authorities to plan and then build networks of high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure.

They encourage anyone with an interest in cycling or making the town more accessible to active travel to attend the public meeting on at the Barbican Centre, Drogheda, on Monday, February 13, at 7pm.