Network has more holes 'than Swiss cheese'

Cork’s cycling network has “more holes in it than Swiss cheese” with many key routes yet to be completed, a local cycling advocacy group has said.

The Cork Cycling Campaign is calling on Cork City and County Councils, along with the NTA, to prioritize the completion of planned primary routes from the 2017 Cycle Network Plan and the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS).

The group said these routes must also tie in with future BusConnects sustainable transport corridors (STCs), to create a coherent cycle network.

To highlight this, the Cork Cycling Campaign has launched a new comprehensive webpage on its website corkcyclingcampaign.com.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “While recent years have seen an increase in cycling infrastructure, critical gaps remain preventing the development of a truly connected and cyclist-friendly city. The Cork Network has more holes than Swiss cheese.

“These routes are essential to creating a coherent and future-proof network, linking workplaces, schools, shops, and transport hubs.

“With BusConnects STCs also shaping Cork’s transport landscape, aligning investments in cycling infrastructure will maximize connectivity and ensure sustainable mobility options for all,” added the spokesperson for the group.

The cycling routes outlined on the newly launched webpage are the Carrigrohane Straight (Ballincollig to city); the North Ring Road (Silversprings to Blackpool); North Main Street, South Main Street, CCMS Phase 8; Christy Ring Bridge, Kyrl’s Quay; Washington Street to the South Mall; Clashduv, Turners Cross; Middle Glanmire Road; Dunkettle to Little Island; and Tramore Valley.

The page also outlines the many benefits that water-based transport in the form of a pedestrian and bike ferry would bring to Cork.

The proposed Cork Harbour ferry service would provide a practical and sustainable commuting option between Mahon, Little Island, and Eastgate Business Park, with an aim to ease daily travel for workers while integrating with the City to Mahon BusConnects STC.

The Cork Cycling Campaign said: “Beyond commuting, the service could support leisure and tourism routes, linking the Marina Promenade, Blackrock, and Passage Greenway with an easy return to the city by water, offering locals and visitors a scenic, car-free way to explore Cork’s waterfront.”

To learn more, visit corkcyclingcampaign.com/projects-campaigns/connectivity-of-the-cork-cycle-network.