Sir, – “Never let a good crisis go to waste” is a maxim worth consideration in light of the elevated fossil fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis. We are all too aware of the growing gridlock caused by vehicles in our cities and towns, much of it resulting in rising pollution and emissions.
Micro mobility – bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters – is becoming a more visible transport mode and is significantly cheaper than travelling by car. However, these users are most vulnerable on the road while travelling alongside cars that can weigh up to 2,000 kgs.
There is a large network of broken-line painted cycle lanes intended to prevent motorists encroaching on cyclists and e-scooters, but this is insufficient protection and discourages new users. These partial cycle lanes need to be replaced with fully segregated ones. Narrower lanes for motorists will reduce their speeds, which is likely to generate multiple benefits. This improved safety could reduce congestion and emissions, create quieter streets and, most importantly, result in fewer deaths and injuries on the roads. – Yours, etc,
MARK FOX,
RM Block
Shankill,
Dublin 18.
