Chapter 5 Sustainable Mobility
The use of cycles in preference to cars should be encouraged wherever possible both to tackle climate change and to improve the general health of the population. Any new roads whether to housing or industrial estates should be designed so that there are bicycle lanes on either side and at a different level from the road. This will require a change of mind-set on the part of planners and the public. Rather than try to re-invent the wheel and the cycle lane, look at other countries where they are well-established. At present in the county there are cycle lanes that do not allow for cycles to enter or exit side roads, such as on the Naas - Kilcullen road at Killashee because there are no kerb drops at the necessary places. It may take some time for people to learn how to use cycle lanes correctly so a start could be made by having all schools accessible by cycle lane and children trained accordingly.
Yield and Stop lines on minor roads should be placed behind cycle lanes to give cyclists on the major road priority.
Where possible, sufficient cycle parking should be available at bus stops and train stations to encourage the use of cycles within local areas. It is to be hoped that public transport at some stage will be able to accommodate bicycles and the council should be at the forefront in advocating this. The draft plan already includes the intention to do something but the commuting population is growing daily so the sooner a cycling infrastructure is established the fewer people will need to travel by car to work.