42 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
Metropolition Town Centres and To support sustainable travel, proposed Age Friendly Town Centres Urban Expansion Areas new carriageway layouts and junction Changes to age-profiles of the CMA will geometries will be assessed against Urban Expansion Areas (UEAs) were require that the public realm and transport Design Manual for Urban Roads and identified by the Cork Area Strategic Plan network will need to adapt to consider Streets (DMURS) standards and principles as the best locations for the development the needs of older people, those with to ensure consistency in quality. of new communities in Metropolitan Cork. mobility, visual or hearing impairments Each UEA has been divided into specific and those with buggies. These include land use zonings and included within the District and Neighbourhood provision of attractive public seating areas respective municipal district local area plans. Walking Network particularly within shopping areas and The Walking Strategy further identified mid-points between residential areas and Within the Metropolitan areas, UAEs are a series of district and neighbourhood town centres. subject to the development of Masterplans centres of which local improvements to by Cork County Council. Areas targeted the network and provision of local services Innovative solutions including providing for pedestrian priority improvements within a 20-minute walking catchment publicly-accessible toilets, addressing should include the town centres should be targeted to support local site-specific concerns and enforcement themselves, their adjoining residential walking trips and the need to travel of illegal parking on footpaths will help areas and schools. longer distances. address some common barriers to walking. Regular audits with a variety of Given the high level of out-commuting These include the southern section of stakeholder groups representing older experienced in the Metropolitan towns, the Cork Docks area, Ballinlough and people, pedestrian groups and those with the enhancement of walking routes to Beamount and the growing cluster of disabilities are envisaged to identify and stations on the suburban rail network, student accommodation at the Lee Fields. address site-specific issues. and the design and layout of residential development, will be key to promoting Improvement in Walking Routes Accessibility and Universal Design safer and higher walking levels as part of to Schools linked trips. Universal design is the design of an environment so that it can be accessed, There are high levels of car usage understood and used to the greatest for relatively short trips to places of New local road links will be provided education, particularly for primary schools in some areas to support access to extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability and disability across the CMA. Walking will become planned UAEs at Ballyvolane, Water a more attractive choice through the Rock, Ballynoe, Blarney/Stoneview (including visual, auditory, physical, sensory and cognitive). implementation of safe, legible, pleasant and Ballincollig and the planned walking routes and improvements to the Monard Strategic Development Zone. The principles of universal design will be pedestrian and cyclist environment within The development of these areas in the immediate vicinity of the school. These predominantly greenfield sites offer the considered in the development of the pedestrian network for the CMA. could include best practice examples opportunity to integrate high quality and such as the EU-funded ‘School Streets’ pedestrian (and cycling) environments projects in Edinburgh and Hackney, and at the outset. ‘Walking Buses’ from designated drop- off areas. Further detail is provided in the ‘Supporting Measures’ chapter. CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | DRAFT TRANSPORT STRATEGY 43
EXAMPLE OF WALKING, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND URBAN REALM IMPROVEMENTS IN DOUGLAS VILLAGE
CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 45
Wayfinding Opportunities to improve permeability to Local Amenity Routes Lack of awareness of routes and distances existing developed areas should be sought The Walking Strategy is proposed to to destinations is often quoted as barrier in conjunction with the implementation of enhance the primary pedestrian network to walking. Much of Cork’s existing way- the public transport, pedestrian and cycle by increasing the permeability to existing finding signage system consists of finger network enhancements provided for within and proposed amenity routes by better posts, that are inconsistently applied, often CMATS including: integrating them into strategic walking damaged and primarily aimed at visitors. Provision of direct, high-quality routes. Many of these are located in pedestrian connections to high capacity areas immediately adjacent to rivers and An integrated map-based system along public transport corridors, bus stops and are proposed as Greenways in the Cycle the lines of the Legible London system major walking destinations; Network Plan and include areas north of is proposed to provide a wider range of Provision of traffic-calmed Quietways for Ballincollig town centre, areas near the users with a better understanding of the pedestrians and cyclists; Old Passage line and the Lee Fields. surrounding area, highlighting accurate Requiring quality design and pedestrian distances and times to destinations and Minimising conflict between pedestrians accessibility audits in planning encourage users to choose their own and cyclists will become a more pressing applications for new residential areas; walking route to their destination. concern as the popularity of these areas Provision of pedestrian and cycle increase. Where full separation between Improving Permeability crossings to link areas that are separated pedestrian and cyclist movement is by roads or other physical barriers A permeable street network is a key not possible, site-specific interventions including the use of countdown signals at including traffic calming of adjacent component of supporting more accessible, appropriate crossings; and walkable and cycle friendly environments. residential streets, low level bicycle However, much of the residential Planning and design that ensures rumble strips and considerate walking and development layout across the CMA in accessibility for persons with mobility cycling campaigns to reduce conflict may recent decades has tended to favour challenges. be appropriate. impermeable, cul-de-sac layouts leading to circuitous routes to local services, schools The NTA’s Permeability Best Practice Guide and public transport stops. is available to assist local authorities and other organisations in tackling the issues Quality permeability measures and traffic that impact on permeability providing management measures including Home a basis for addressing the legacy of Zones, DIY Streets and traffic filters severance in Irish urban areas. to restrict rat-running by vehicles and facilitating street play, should be considered in relation to all future developments. CYCLING
A aily car trips potentially cycling trips a e in the AM cycling trips
P I Cycle Net ork Cycle Net ork Cycle Net ork Net ork
E re uces the risk of hearth isease type 2 iabetes an so e cancers Strategy cost esti ate is appro i ately usConnects E E T cycle ele ents
Cork City Council Black Ash Park & Ride CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 47
07 CYCLING
Cycling is a low cost, sustainable and Cork Metropolitan Cycle Key priorities for development of the The vision for the Cork growing mode of transport in the Cork Network Plan 2017 Cycle Network Plan are as follows: Metropolitan Area. The NDP 2018-2027 Metropolitan Area Cycle The 2017 Metropolitan Cycle Plan is Designating a coherent network of east- commits to the delivery of walking and the starting point for the CMATS Cycle west and north-south cycle routes across Network Plan is to provide cycling networks for all of Ireland’s cities. Network. The 2017 Plan was devised the area which will provide access to all Translating this at a regional level, the Cork a coherent, safe and to increase cycling mode share from its major trip generators; Cycling Network Plan for the CMA and attractive cycle network present low base and to provide a clear The first priority in terms of access will surrounding towns was published in plan for the development of the cycling be employment areas and third level that will support a shift 2017 and forms the basis for much of network to encourage greater levels of education followed by schools. These this chapter. from the private car to cycling trips to places of employment, priorities have been established to education, recreation and leisure. support proposed modal shift targets. cycling for employment Additional cycle links have been proposed Cycle links to new development areas and education trips as well to align with the CMATS proposed public The routes outlined in the 2017 Network have also been prioritised; transport networks including BusConnects as provide a strong basis Plan have largely been retained and and new orbital link roads. These Providing the highest possible Level updated to include new primary for increasing leisure and upgraded routes will be characterised by of Service on identified corridors of routes. These include future high- high quality facilities designed to National high demand; tourist cycling. quality, segregated routes developed Cycle Manual standards and in many Identifying and maximising opportunities and integrated into the design and Cork Metropolitan Cycle Network Plan 2017 cases, full or light segregation, where for high quality greenways and quietways; development of the Northern Distributor possible, from other modes including the Road and Southern Distributor Road and Responding to feedback from key provision of quiet ways and greenways. a new link from Dunkettle to Little Island to stakeholders and the public. Local traffic calming, improved priority and enhance connectivity. signalling at junctions and lower speed Based on the recommendations within the limits will be required in some instances, The proposed network was developed on National Cycle Manual a number of different particularly at complex junctions in an the basis of the following: infrastructure types are proposed at various urban context. locations within the network, including: Transport and land use proposals set Cycle Lanes: Incorporates a dedicated Other supporting infrastructure measures out in the policies and plans for the area; space adjacent to the kerb or car parking to further develop a cycling culture in Assessment of existing cycling and can take the form of mandatory or Cork will include the further roll out of bike infrastructure within the area; advisory cycle lanes; share schemes including consideration Guidelines set out in the National Cycle Mixed Streets: Suitable in low traffic of dockless bikes, shower and changing Manual; facilities, and a significant uplift in residential, environments where the cyclist shares the Agreed targets for mode share; and visitor and workplace cycle parking. road space with motorists; Detailed assessment of travel demand within the area using outputs from the cycling model. 48 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
• Cycling and Bus Lanes: Cycle lanes Kinsale Road – Airport; A proposed east-west ‘Lee to Sea’ can be provided alongside the bus Douglas Road; greenway incorporating the Lee Fields, lane or cyclists can cycle with the city quays, the Marina and the Old Skehard Road; buses within the bus lane; Passage railway line; Station Road, Carrigtwohill; • Cycle Tracks: Cycle tracks are different A Greenway linking City-Tivoli-Glanmire- from cycle lanes in that they are Northern Distributor Road; and Little Island-Carrigtwohill and Midleton physically segregated from motorised Southern Distributor Road. (Part of the EuroVelo 1 route) with a traffic in some way whether by a Primary routes are depicted in red on potential extension to Youghal via the barrier or through a level change; and the network map. In some cases, these old railway line; • Cycle Trails or Greenways: Roads will be shared with dedicated bus lanes A route following the Tramore River and paths through green areas and where carriageways are too narrow to including Douglas, Tramore Valley Park parks that are segregated from accommodate segregated infrastructure. and Togher; vehicular roads. Passage West to Carrigaline; • Quietways: Quietways are convenient Secondary Cycle Network Curraheen River Greenway; cycle routes on lower trafficked The secondary route network provides Old Bandon/Kinsale Railway residential streets and greenways. connections from residential areas and areas incorporating the Chetwynd Viaduct They are designed to be well- of employment to the primary network. They (below); signposted, direct and easy to follow comprise of a combination of off-road cycle Blarney Greenway Route; for those who would prefer to cycle on routes, cycle lanes, shared bus and cycle quieter, calmer routes. lanes and traffic-calmed roads. They often A route between Carrigrohane Road run parallel to primary routes, providing and Tower; and Primary Cycle Network an alternative link. Some key secondary Midleton-Ballinacurra- Whitegate* Primary routes have been designated routes to be improved include: as such because they experience the Evergreen Street/Abbey Street/ Additional greenways and/inter-urban highest level of demand. Primary routes Douglas Street; routes to those outlined above, may be investigated subject to changes in the are typically direct and provide medium- Lower Pouladuff Road to Togher Road; long radial connections to key destinations proposed population and employment across the CMA. These routes are Lee Road and Inniscarra Road; and distribution as part of the proposed supplemented by secondary and feeder Dublin Hill to Ballyhooly Road. periodical 5 year CMATS review. routes which may provide access to residential catchments. Some key primary Secondary routes are depicted in blue on It is noted that that both local authorities cycle routes to be improved within the the network map. are pursuing funding to complete a bridge CMA include: over the N40 to link Frankfield and Grange Greenway Cycle Network with the Tramore Valley Park. Segregated routes along the City Docks Greenway networks comprise of traffic waterfront areas including the EuroVelo free or low-trafficked routes and typically A bridge would support onward connections Route 1 from Cork City Centre to Tivoli comprise of re-purposed derelict railway to the City Centre and Docklands area and and Little Island; lines, routes through parks or alongside will need to be supported by appropriate Sallybrook/Glanmire - City Centre via rivers. Access to greenways can be local traffic calming, dedicated infrastructure Lower Glanmire Road (see below); supported through filtered permeability from measures on the South Douglas Road and potentially, permeability measures through Model Farm Road to Glasheen Road; residential or other built up areas. Some key indicative areas for greenways* include: the St Finbarr’s Hospital site. Old Youghal Road; * Subject to compliance with EU habitats and/or Birds Directives CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 49
EXAMPLE OF GREENWAY AT CHETWYND VIADUCT WHITECHURCH ITEC RC Cycle Network Map
SALLYBROOK ALL ROOK
BLARNEY LARNE BROOKLODGE ROOKLO E C TOWERTO ER
GLANMIRE LANMIRE
GLOUNTHAUNE LO NT A NE MIDLETONMI LETON C CARRIGTWOHILLCARRI T O ILL
CORK CIT
P C LITTLE ISLANDI LAN
M C I T C ALL NACORRABALLINACURRA C C M C C BALLINCOLLIG ALLINCOLLI
ROCHESTOWNROC E TO N PASSAGEPA A E WEST E T
FRANKFIELD RANK IEL
COBHCO MONKSTOWNMONK TO N
CORK AIRPORT
RINGASKIDDYRIN A KI
BALLYGARVAN ALL AR AN WHITEGATE ITE ATE
CARRIGALINECARRI ALINE
LE EN A
reen oute rimary econdary nter rban “This is an example of a potential comprehensive cycle service plan that would deliver demand requirements. RIVERSTICKRI ER TICK This is subject to further development work prior to finalisation and subject to change and periodic review. WHITECHURCH ITEC RC
CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 51
SALLYBROOK ALL ROOK
BLARNEY LARNE BROOKLODGE ROOKLO E C TOWERTO ER Inter-Urban Network Links from Cobh residential areas to GLANMIRE LANMIRE The Inter-Urban cycle route proposals primary network;
GLOUNTHAUNE LO NT A NE MIDLETONMI LETON consists of links between the Metropolitan Links from residential areas in Passage C CARRIGTWOHILLCARRI T O ILL towns and the Cork City network. These West and Monkstown to existing
CORK CIT routes will comprise of low trafficked Greenway; routes on selected minor or de-trunked P Residential areas in Ballincollig to the C LITTLE ISLANDI LAN roads and in some cases, off-road River Lee Greenway; M C I facilities, often referred to as quiet ways, T C ALL NACORRABALLINACURRA Residential streets around CIT, CUH, C C M along a road verge as is common in C C Bishopstown and Model Farm Road; BALLINCOLLIG ALLINCOLLI Denmark, Germany and Holland. Key and parts of the inter-urban network include: Local links from residential areas in Midleton to Dunkettle / Lower Glanmire ROCHESTOWNROC E TO N Blarney, Stoneview, Tower and Monard PASSAGEPA A E WEST E T Road (parallel to rail corridor); to the proposed Blarney Greenway. Blackpool to Monard (via Old Mallow FRANKFIELD RANK IEL Road); Supporting Measures Utilisation of the N28 from Ringaskiddy to Cork City once M28 motorway is in Cork City Cycle Hire Scheme and COBHCO other Bicycle Sharing Schemes MONKSTOWNMONK TO N place; and A public bicycle sharing scheme can be Ballincollig Regional Park to Sundays very effective in widening the catchment CORK Well (via Lee Road). AIRPORT area of public transport and addressing the ‘last kilometre’ of a trip. The Cork Feeder Cycle Network RINGASKIDDYRIN A KI Share Bike Scheme was launched in
BALLYGARVAN ALL AR AN Feeder routes connect with primary and December 2014 and currently comprises WHITEGATE ITE ATE secondary routes and greenways and 31 stations and 300 bikes across the are typically cycle-friendly advisory routes City Centre. CARRIGALINECARRI ALINE where traffic calming and management measures allow cyclists and motorists to The success of the scheme to date mix safely. Some key feeder connections suggests significant potential for identified in the Plan include: expansion. Expansion of the scheme Residential streets in Blackrock and will be on an incremental basis with a LE EN A Ballintemple to the Old Passage Line- particular focus on the strategic cycle reen oute South Docks Greenway; network, high capacity public transport rimary corridors and stations, and inner econdary A feeder route linking the Ballybrack nter rban suburban areas. Valley with the proposed Park and
RIVERSTICKRI ER TICK Ride at Carr’s Hill and a greenway to Carrigaline; 52 CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY
Larger, long-stay cycle parking hubs in urban centres and at bus and rail stations across the CMA that are secure and sheltered can help foster a cycling culture and support linked trips, particularly for commuters.
Bike Lockers and Hangars Lack of secure cycle parking is a proven barrier to cycling. Individual bike lockers and shared on-street hangars offer security to bicycle owners and provide an innovative solution to cycle parking requirements particularly where internal storage space is limited.
Wheel Ramps Access from hillside residential areas to open spaces, shopping areas and greenway routes in many of the inner suburban areas of Cork City and metropolitan towns like Cobh requires cyclists to negotiate steps. Wheel ramps Supplementary funding streams, including Cycle Parking can help cyclists more easily move bikes site-specific development contributions There is widespread evidence of up ramps while minimising pedestrian/ from large office, student accommodation inappropriate cycle parking, with bicycles cyclist conflict in narrow shared areas. and other mixed-use development within chained to lamp-posts, balconies, planned regeneration areas such as the staircases, railings and street signage in Showers and Changing Facilities Cork Docklands, will be considered to urban areas across the CMA, indicating The addition of end-of-trip facilities support incremental expansion and low- significant unmet demand for formal cycle in workplaces such as showers and car or car free development. parking facilities. changing facilities can significantly enhance the attractiveness of cycling Other bicycle sharing scheme systems To support existing and future demand, (and running), particularly for longer including dockless bicycles will also be a significant uplift in provision of high distances or in inclement weather. considered, particularly in areas outside quality, short stay cycle parking in the the City Centre and inner suburbs where City Centre, metropolitan town centres, Targeting an uplift in these end-of-trip expansion of the existing Cork Bikes and neighbourhood centres, rail and bus facilities will be considered by both scheme is unlikely to be feasible in the stations, public buildings, shopping areas local authorities when revising statutory short to medium term. These schemes and workplaces is required. Development Plans. Workplaces should be supported by a significant should also be encouraged to avail of uptake in cycle parking provision in Cycle parking standards for new government grants to retrofit premises district centres, places of education and employment, education and residential to facilitate showers and cycle parking or neighbourhood / local centres. developments will be reviewed. consider contributing to shared facilities. CORK METROPOLITAN AREA | TRANSPORT STRATEGY 53
EXAMPLE OF PROPOSED PRIMARY CYCLE NETWORK
Permeability and Wayfinding term opportunities to retro-fit cycling (and Promotional Events Lack of permeability is a key constraint for walking) permeability and align funding The use of cycling promotional material cyclists and pedestrians throughout the streams with those set aside for local ward including school and workplace cycling CMA. Low cost measures such as filtered level environmental improvements. challenges, dedicated cycling apps, permeability will be used to unlock access, regular maintenance and cycle training reduce severance and rat-running and Clear and legible cycle route signage is is supported. To increase the likelihood form direct connections to local services proposed in parallel to the development of their success, promotional events and longer distance dedicated cycle of the cycle network and can include on- should be closely aligned with physical routes, including the proposed east-west carriageway signage to minimise street infrastructure improvements. ‘Lee to Sea Greenway’. clutter. Map-based wayfinding systems should also be considered on the docking The possibility of Cork hosting one-off Both local authorities will undertake stations of bike share schemes as is the events such as Car Free Day, EU Mobility permeability studies within existing built-up case in other European cities. Week, Ciclovia and conferences such as areas to identify short, medium and long- POLIS, ECOMM and Velo-City should be actively pursued with the Cork Convention Bureau.