Getting Around
Getting Around We commend the strategy’s recognition that road space in Dublin needs reallocation, and the lower target of 20% for private car commuting. We are pleased that the document recognises that pedestrians and cyclists have priority, but recommend a more
explicit hierarchy of road users. Dublin should embrace the 8-80 framework, where everyone from age 8 to 80 can use and travel the city’s public space easily and independently.
Traffic Light Timing Dubliners break lights every day. This is a symptom of people being stuck in a road system which simply isn’t designed for them. Traffic light timings are a key part of changing that system, and improving the safety and convenience of the public realm. We propose three main ideas. Firstly, wait times between green pedestrian lights must be shortened across the city. On Dawson Street, for example, pedestrians have to wait for up to ninety seconds for a green pedestrian light. In practice, this means that most people simply run across the road. This can be stressful to both pedestrian and road user, cause accidents, and generally interrupt good traffic flow. Secondly, pedestrian crossing times should be reassessed to include those who have difficulty walking quickly, particularly over wider roads. Short crossing times effectively bar some elderly people and some people with disabilities from the city centre. Consultation with representative groups would be useful in this area. For example, although frequent, the crossing times at the Spire are too short for some road users to cross safely. Finally, countdown timers should be spread across the city, particularly at busy pedestrian junctions. Such lights are already in use to good effect on the O’Connell Street Bridge crossings (pictured above) and the Spire. These will likely improve compliance with lights and increase efficiency, as crossing times can be anticipated by pedestrians and road users alike. All of these changes can measurably improve the public realm for pedestrians, creating a safer, more relaxing and more convenient place to walk and wander.
Cities, not Thoroughfares The strategy document mentions the wide variety of journey types through the city each day. For a functioning traffic system and a quieter, cleaner and more efficient city, it should be established that Dublin city centre is a destination, not a thoroughfare. Road design should reflect that Dublin is a place to go to, not to go through. Those traversing the city should be further diverted and encouraged to use routes that do not go through the centre of the city. A part of this process could involve delisting parts of national roads (such as the N1, N2, N4, N11 and N81) which go through the city. This would also restore Council control over these routes, which would simplify public works and maintenance. Any approach which likens the city to a dual carriageway or motorway will only lead to further worsening of the public space.
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