PICS: Cyclists Took To The New Luas Line In Protest At Lunchtime Today

A group of cyclists gathered to today to protest against the new Luas Cross City Line and the dangers it has caused for cyclists in the city.

As well as practical problems with the layout, protestors took issue with new signs advising cyclists to 'dismount' and walk in certain areas.

The event was organised by iBike Ireland, and saw 35 or more cyclists dismount and walk from College Green and along part of Nassau St.

#cyclistsdismount as instructed by @luascrosscity pic.twitter.com/O5QKNqYxAn
— Ciarán Ferrie (@ccferrie) December 12, 2017

Stephen McManus, one of the co-founders of I Bike Dublin, told TheJournal.ie:

'It is quite obvious that cycling was a complete afterthought, that no planning was put in place and it is today very dangerous as there were a number of accidents.

“And now they have decided to make themselves safer they put signs saying cyclists dismount, so basically exonerating themselves of any responsibility.

'So what we are doing is making a statement here by dismounting. There is nowhere to go so we are going to be walking on the street and making a point that it is an absurd policy. They can’t just turn their backs and close their eyes on the issue.'

In the original Luas Cross City plan, cyclists were banned from cycling in certain areas on the Luas line. When Dublin City Council refused to enforce the ban, the NTA erected a number of 'Cyclist Dismount' signs, with cyclists urged to walk from the Molesworth St junction on Dawson St through to College Green.

A spokesperson for the National Transport Authority of Ireland explained:

'In this area, cycling in the tram line involves dealing with a restricted width between kerbline and tram track, with a high number of trams, buses/coaches and taxis which will all be using the same street space.

'This gives rise to the possibility of bicycle wheels becoming caught in the groove of the tram track leading to accidents and incidents.

'For that reason, the NTA believes that, particularly at the busiest times of the day, cyclists are best advised to dismount for these sections.'

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PICS: Cyclists Took To The New Luas Line In Protest At Lunchtime Today

'So what we are doing is making a statement here by dismounting. There is nowhere to go so we are going to be walking on the street and making a point that it is an absurd policy. They can’t just turn their backs and close their eyes on the issue.'

'This gives rise to the possibility of bicycle wheels becoming caught in the groove of the tram track leading to accidents and incidents.