William Murphy

AT THE APEX OF THE TRIANGLE FORMED BY NORTH STRAND ROAD AND ANNESLEY PLACE

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A Clock, a Road, and Some Islands: Updates on the Clontarf to City Centre Project

I recently took a walk down the North Strand section of the Clontarf to City Centre road project and was struck by a few things. Firstly, a new public clock has appeared! It’s positioned at the apex of the triangle formed by North Strand Road and Annesley Place, a welcome addition to the area. But it was the bus islands that really caught my attention, and not entirely in a good way.

Bus Islands: A Cause for Concern?

As I explored this newly redesigned section of roadway, I noticed many bus users stepping out onto the cycle lanes without looking. This is a worrying trend, and it highlights the potential safety issues associated with bus islands. More on that in a moment.

Project Progress: On Track, But Not Without Controversy

About a month ago, Dublin City Council confirmed that the roadway between Fairview and the Five Lamps — including Annesley Bridge Road and North Strand Road — would be made two-way again from Sunday evening, 1st September. This is a major milestone for the project, which has faced its share of delays and criticism.

Most sections were slated for completion by the end of September or early October, with the area around Marino Mart in Fairview being one of the last to be finished. From what I observed, the section along North Strand Road, from Five Lamps to East Wall Road/Annesley Bridge, seems to be largely complete, with new bus stops in place. The same goes for the stretch from Annesley Bridge to Fairview Strand/Edges Corner. However, “snag work” is likely to continue, perhaps even until the end of the year.

Addressing the Concerns of Local Businesses

Understandably, some Clontarf residents and business owners have expressed frustration over the project’s duration and impact. There have been claims that businesses were forced to close due to the construction. However, upon closer inspection, it appears that these claims have been exaggerated. In at least two cited cases, the closures were due to retirement and pre-planned sales of the premises, unrelated to the roadworks.

A Closer Look at Bus Islands

Now, back to those bus islands. While they offer potential benefits like improved traffic flow and dedicated cycle lane continuity, they also introduce a new element of risk for both pedestrians and cyclists.

What are they? Bus islands, also known as floating bus stops, are raised platforms located within the roadway, often separated from the pavement by a cycle lane. Passengers board and alight from buses on these islands.

Why use them? They allow traffic to flow more smoothly past stopped buses, potentially reducing congestion. In theory, they also shorten the distance pedestrians need to cross traffic lanes to reach the bus. And importantly, they maintain a continuous cycle lane, which is good for both cyclist safety and encouraging cycling.

Not a new idea: Bus islands have been around for decades, particularly in Europe. But they’ve become more common recently with the increased focus on cycling infrastructure and sustainable urban design. You’ll find them in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, and even Melbourne.

The Safety Challenge

The problem is that pedestrians may not be used to crossing cycle lanes, and cyclists may not anticipate pedestrians stepping out from behind a bus. This can lead to collisions, especially if people aren’t paying attention.

Here are some key safety considerations:

Pedestrian awareness: Pedestrians need to be extra vigilant when crossing cycle lanes, looking both ways before stepping out.
Cyclist awareness: Cyclists need to be aware of the potential for pedestrians to cross the cycle lane unexpectedly, particularly near bus stops.
Island design: Well-lit islands with clear markings and tactile paving can help guide pedestrians and cyclists.
Signage and road markings: Clear signage and road markings are crucial to alert everyone to the potential conflict zones.
Making Bus Islands Safer

There are ways to mitigate the risks:

Raised crossings: These can help slow cyclists and make pedestrians more visible.
Pedestrian refuge islands: Small islands within the cycle lane can give pedestrians a safe place to pause before completing their crossing.
Warning signs and signals: Flashing beacons or warning signs can alert cyclists to the presence of pedestrians.
Education and awareness campaigns: Public education is essential to inform both pedestrians and cyclists about how to safely navigate these new road layouts.
A Period of Adjustment

It’s important to remember that the Clontarf to City Centre project is still new. It will take time for people to adjust to the changes and learn how to navigate the new infrastructure safely. Dublin City Council will hopefully monitor the situation closely and make any necessary adjustments based on user feedback and observed behaviour.

Striking a Balance

Bus islands can be a valuable tool in creating more efficient and sustainable urban transport systems. But their success hinges on careful design and implementation, with pedestrian and cyclist safety being paramount.

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