BEFORE there is any further development at Annacotty Business Park (ABP), a fully protected cycle lane must be provided.
That’s according to Green Party councillor Seán Hartigan, who points out that all vehicular traffic accessing ABP has to travel on the R506. This road has high traffic levels particularly in mornings and evenings, with many cars travelling over the speed limit, posing threats to pedestrians and cyclists.
“A significant percentage of employees at ABP travel to work along the R506 on foot, by bicycle, and by electric scooter. The path is also used by residents and students travelling from and to Ahane National School,” he explained.
“Walking and cycling infrastructure to ABP along the R506 is inadequate, the path, particularly the section close to the flyover, is too narrow and pedestrians, even when on the path, can be dangerously close to the mirrors of passing trucks.”
Cllr Hartigan took the view that it is extremely dangerous to cycle on the R506 from the junction with the R404 due to the narrow carriageway, high levels and speed of traffic, along with a high percentage of wide goods vehicles using the road.
“Most cyclists and electric scooter users recognise this and use the path to cycle or scoot on, in both directions. While this is illegal and not ideal, from a personal safety point, it is the only sensible course of action.”
The City East representative now wants to see an assessment of current and future traffic levels on the R506 before there is any further development at ABP.
He is also calling for a survey to assess current and future numbers of people cycling, walking, and scooting on the R506, as well as the provision of adequate safe cycling, walking, and scooting infrastructure.
