Bicycle Blackspots - Headford Road Galway - Noteworthy Investigation

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[@RedKnight-fn6jr]

When are bicyclists over the age of 18 going to accept that it is reasonable for them to pay towards the upkeep of the roads - bear in mind:
1) Bicycle infrastructure costs a lot of money and frequently results in the reduction of service levels for both motorists and pedestrians;
2) It is only reasonable to accept that motorists are already being unfairly taxed and to pay even more (for less road space in towns) is unacceptable;
3) It is also reasonable to accept that the private motor transport still has a legitimate role in urban life - hospital trips, welfare, business, trades etc.
4) It is obvious that public service vehicles need reasonable roads to operate - ambulances, fire units, public transport, mobility services, municipal etc.
5) Parked bicycles on the street can be very unsightly and disruptive to other road users, particularly pedestrians - it also takes on-street car spaces;
6) Bicycle infrastructure goes largely unused during the day unlike tram services and motorways which are well used all day - bicycles are also left idle;
7) Bicycle infrastructure is largely provided with the commuter in mind - commuting forms two relatively short spikes in travel demand - inefficient practice;
8) Consideration must be given to the findings (during the Covid-19 lockdowns) that working from home is a viable option - this can reduce peak demand;
9) Authorities need to cease 1990's thinking which lays all the blame on motorists - focus should instead be placed on reducing peak hour travel demand;
10) Much more consideration is needed regarding viable public transport options in our urban areas - light rail, park'n'ride, better fare structures for rail etc.
In short, bicycling should be considered as a recreational pastime as it is no longer a mode in tune with the technology of today - inter-velocity compatibility
issues lead to much disruption on our roads today - the fact that bicycles are frequently used at a velocity that is incompatible with both pedestrians and motorists
creates the need for separate infrastructure for which there is little space in most Irish towns and cities. In the country along many of our characteristic narrow
roads, bicyclists are causing huge problems for ordinary country citizens like myself who feel that it is reasonable to be able to travel reliably at 50-60 kph along
such roads - faster speeds should be done on the highways and motorways. There isn't the economic justification for bikeways in the country, nor is there
there any justification on environmental grounds. In most cases, the rural road network has grown organically in line with socioeconomic and demographic
trends - this situation should remain as is! If bicyclists want more provision, then they will have to accept financial contribution (through a license) plus increased
competency through a basic practical and theory assessment at specified locations. Also, the tax burden on motorists should be reduced.

[@Silex-Flint]

Most cyclists are also car users and are taxed equally as those who don't cycle. Parked cars also unsightly and disruptive to road users taking on street bike spaces.

[@RedKnight-fn6jr]

@@Silex-Flint Okay, so I shouldn't have to pay for public transport because I already pay for my car - especially in a short hop zone. At the very least, should motorists have to pay for parking at stations if cyclists don't have to pay for anything?

[@topman6727]

There would be a much higher uptake of cyclists on the roadways around galway city if there were segregated cyleways. It's just not that safe to cycle in and around galway city with the current infrastructure. Take a look at other European cities to see how well cyclists have been catered for and you will see how lacking galway is. I am mainly a car driver by the way