'No logic' in new Ranelagh cycle lane, say locals

Local residents in Ranelagh have said there is 'no logic' in the new cycle lanes being installed through the village.

Dublin City Council has announced that bus lanes will be altered in Ranelagh and replaced with a segregated larger cycle lane from Clonskeagh to the city centre. Car parking spaces near Merrion Square will also be turned into cycle lanes as part of the councils active travel plans.

But residents and business owners from Ranelagh say that this decision does not make sense for the community. "There is absolutely no logic in this decision whatsoever. Ranelagh is a very busy commercial area, especially with delivery trucks every morning," business woman Olivia said on Newstalk this week.

Read more: Artists fear 'death' of Merrion Square art exhibit due to cycle lane

"There is a Tesco delivery van at 6:30am, as well as important deliveries for pharmacies and other businesses, and cycle lanes would make these deliveries very difficult. There is rarely a time in Ranelagh where there is not congestion, and I don't think adding cycle lanes is going to solve the problem, it's only going to take up more road space.

"There are already cycle lanes at the top and bottom of the town, but the road in the middle of the town is very narrow so I believe the cyclists will only add to the traffic." Olivia also added that everyone using bikes is not an option for all of the residents of Ranelagh as "there are many elderly people living here and bikes are not the safest for everyone."

Norma, a regular bus user from Churchtown, said that she is "horrified" at the idea of the bus lanes being taken away. "I have been using the bus all my life to get in and out of town and I don't know what I would do without it," she said.

"I live 25 minutes away from my nearest Luas stop, so that's not really an option for me."

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