TU Dublin studies find that the Coastal Mobility Cycle Route in Dún Laoghaire has become well established and effective
The Dún Laoghaire Coastal Mobility Route has been an effective addition for the people of Dún Laoghaire and Dublin, according to new studies by TU Dublin. The studies show that changes, which were initially implemented during the pandemic, have largely been welcomed by the adjacent business community. The studies also show that the Coastal Mobility Route has proven to be the most used cycleway within the County Council area and one of the most successful in the Dublin region.
Speaking at the release of the latest two stages of research by TU Dublin, Dr Sarah Rock of the School of Architecture, Building and Environment, who leads the study team, said
“The Coastal Mobility Route has been shown to have attracted people into the area and allows a wide range of people to use the route for transport as well as recreation purposes. It is one of the best performing routes in the Dublin region and seems to have been accepted as a positive contribution to the area with most local businesses welcoming it. A number of issues have also been flagged in the report that were highlighted in our consultations, such as pedestrian comfort, signage, traffic speeds, and engagement with local stakeholders”.
The findings demonstrate that:
- The Coastal Mobility Route is the highest-performing cycle route within the DLR county area and is one of the best performers across Dublin.
- Mobility patterns continue to be influenced by pandemic legacy impacts, with public transport usage still in a state of recovery but with trips by bike significantly increased through the provision of quality cycle infrastructure.
- Most businesses and business groups interviewed along the route were either positive or value-neutral regarding the Coastal Mobility Route’s economic impact and had an associated acceptance or support for its ongoing presence.
The study finds that the cycle route is well-used by a wide range of age groups. However, it also recommends greater development of the network of protected routes to further increase participation among women, teenagers, children, older people and those with additional needs.
TU Dublin advises that a particular emphasis should be placed on reducing the impact of traffic speeds and volumes (for motorists, but also, in places, for cyclists) and increasing pedestrian comfort and safety along the coastal route. The area is a popular amenity destination, placing further importance on developing a connected and attractive active travel network and the increasingly critical role that public transport must play in the future. Continuing to roll out these priority measures and developing an accessibility-for-all network will be key.
A number of businesses noted that the Coastal Mobility Route:
- brought better working conditions,
- improved footfall, and
- better links with the wider Dublin region.
Based on the findings, TU Dublin also presents a series of recommendations to improve the business operating environment and economic development. These include wayfinding, ongoing stakeholder engagement, good public realm design and deliveries/loading management.
Coastal Mobility Route Research on Video
TU Dublin | CMR Research Findings Short Version (3 minutes)
TU Dublin | CMR Research Findings Short Version (8 minutes)
Links to Reports
Read the TU Dublin CMR Ph1b Mobility Update report
Read the TU Dublin Report on CMR Economic Development & Business Community Feedback