New cycle tracks have created ‘a ‘dangerous situation’ for motorists

KILLINARDEN Community Council have shared their concerns about the installation of cycle tracks in their area, including the impact that narrowing roads to facilitate them is having on motorists.

The community group’s issues centre on the development of delineated cycle tracks up through Killinarden as part of the D24 Neighbourhood Cycle Track.

The track was installed last year and encompasses Killinarden Way and Killinarden Heights, and the busy junction between those areas, and leads down to Aylesbury and the Old Bawn Road.

In correspondence seen by The Echo, members of Killinarden Community Council detailed their numerous issues with the installation of the cycle track.

Among the issues are the “absence of any consultation” with the community prior to the installation, and the narrowing of the road to facilitate the track.

Writing about the issue with the road being narrowed, a member of the community group stated it has created “a very hazardous and dangerous situation” as cars and buses try to pass each other.

“Lanes are too narrow for emergency vehicles to pass,” they wrote.

“A few weeks ago, an ambulance was recently stuck in traffic on the Whitestown Road for 10 minutes as it was unable to negotiate safely through the traffic.

“Buses do not have a verge to drive into when stopping. The bus stops will be moved to the edge of the road. No cars can overtake, they have to wait until the bus moves off again.

“The section of road from the junction of the lights at the shopping centre/community enterprise centre to the bend opposite Donomore Crescent will become even more hazardous during the winter months as this section is hilly and usually has an accumulation of ice and snow.”

A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council previously told The Echo that the roadway had been reduced by three metres “which is consistent with current guidelines for urban roads which also serve as bus routes.

“This reduction in lane width has a calming effect on speeds and has no impact on the road capacity.”

The council told The Echo this week that a public consultation has been held in advance of the installation of the cycle lanes, and posters were erected along the route and posted on social media highlighting it.

The council added: “Those that engaged with the project lead provided valuable local knowledge.

“In one instance the principal of a school in Killinarden sent a letter to the Mayor in November 2023 commending the council and the contractor working on the council’s behalf for their efforts.

“There were two special briefings held with councillors pre- and post-consultation.

“There was a public meeting on August 16, 2023, and following this meeting there was a list compiled of residents’ concerns.

“There was a special briefing to councillors in the chamber on September 14, 2023, where the rationale for design decisions was explained, residents’ concerns were discussed and a list of nine design changes were agreed.