Implementation of National Cycle Policy Framework gathers pace - Minister Dempsey

Mr Noel Dempsey T.D., Minister for Transport, has promised continued action of creating a culture of cycling in Ireland, saying that increased levels of cycling will be a key element in delivering a sustainable travel and transport system in Ireland by 2020. He was speaking at a cycle seminar in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, jointly hosted by the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Department of Transport.

His Excellency Ambassador Robert Engels, in his opening address, said that cycling is a first choice travel option for many people in the Netherlands going about their daily lives - business people with their briefcases, Prime Ministers and Ministers, mothers and fathers with children and students. Even though the numbers of bicycles in the Netherlands, currently about 18 million, now outnumber the population (16.5 million), and there are some 29,000 km of bicycle paths, there is still more to do. And that's because cycling is good for public health, is good for the environment and promotes quality of life.

Minister Dempsey echoed Ambassador Engels' sentiments. "There are many Irish people who could - if they so desired - adopt cycling for many of their journeys. For example, in 2006, over 200,000 people drove less than 4 kilometres to their places of employment - this distance could easily be covered in less than 20 minutes on a bike. The health benefits of cycling for 20 minutes in terms of cardiovascular exercise, compared to the same time spent sitting in a car, are almost too obvious to state. And in terms of achieving a low carbon society with improved quality of life - the bicycle is hard to beat."

The joint cycling seminar, attended by a wide range of people from cycling groups, the State and semi-State sector, heard Dutch experts outline benefits, ways and means of promoting cycling and local authority experience in the areas of planning and urban design for cycling. Irish contributions focussed on actions to date on delivering the National Cycling Policy Framework (launched in April 2009), planning for a national cycle network and delivering for cycling at a local level.

Key lessons learned from the seminar included the need for -

Ø A sustained focus over an extended period on turning the National Cycle Policy Framework into reality;

Ø Co-ordinated action by all stakeholders - government bodies at all levels, non-governmental organisations, cycling associations and cycling retailers;

Ø Support for cycling not only for commuting purposes but for leisure, recreation and sport also;

Ø Reinforcement of the wide benefits of cycling in terms of improved public health, more enjoyable urban spaces, tourism opportunities and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

 
Minister Dempsey with his Excellency Ambassador Robert Engels.