Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Background: In Ireland from 2011 to 2016 the number of people using cycling as their main mode of transport to work and education has grown 34% to 82,123 people. Currently cyclists compose 2.7% of the total commuting population and two thirds (54,061) of all cyclists were in the capital (Dublin) and its suburbs. Less than 1% of the �¢���¬10 billion Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme for 2016-2021 in Ireland is dedicated to spending on cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Improved cycling infrastructure is likely to play a key role in improving cycling participation and with this in mind the UN Global Outlook on Walking and cycling report recommends allocating at least 20% of transport budget to non-motorised transport. Reducing risk of injury for cyclists by improving infrastructure will likely increase cycling participation and its associated benefits to the health of the population. Intersections and transitions from paths to roads are a dominant feature in reported cycling incidents and it is with this in mind that this study was conducted. Aims: The aim of this study is to provide detailed information regarding cycling patterns and infrastructure in Dublin City with a view to improving cycling safety. Methods: 8 main commuter cycling routes into Dublin City Centre from suburban areas were selected for analysis based on All Ireland Research Observatory (AIRO) census mapping of transport options by electoral division (Ashtown, Beaumont, Ayrfield, Clontarf, Pembroke, Rathmines, Kimmage, Kilmainham were mapped to O�¢����Connell bridge in Dublin City Centre). The routes were traversed and points of conflict and obstruction for cyclists along the route in both directions were mapped. Results: Maps of conflict points, typical examples and design solutions used in other jurisdictions will be presented in poster format.

Biography

Robert Conway graduated with a degree in Medicine from University College Cork in 2014. While completing specialist training in General Internal Medicine he has furthered his interests in medical informatics and public health, completing a postgraduate diploma in medical informatics at University College Dublin and currently studying for a masters in public health at Teesside University. Robert is particularly interested in the application of information technology to analyse and solve modern day health problems.
Email:rcbobbyconway@gmail.com