Daily Archives: 15th April 2024

International Posts, Irish Posts

Dutch Cycling Embassy in Ireland

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Irish Cycling Campaign was delighted to be invited to the Dutch Cycling Trade Mission to Ireland networking event last week (on Wed 10 April 2024). 

The “B2B” (Business-to-Business) Marketplace Networking event was held in the offices of the Dublin Chamber of Commence. Dr. Damien Ó Tuama (National Cycling Coordinator with Irish Cycling Campaign and An Taisce), and Siobhán McNamara (from the Dublin Cycling Campaign Local Group of ICC) attended, representing everyday bicycle users and advocates on the ground.  

The aim of the mission was to deepen ties between the two countries in terms of achieving greater levels of sustainability – and building connections and potential collaborations between organisations from both countries. 

In a nicely crafted event format, the Ireland based invitees in the audience introduced themselves and their organisations, and this was followed by rapid-fire one-minute long presentations from each of the 16 Dutch companies on the Dutch Cycling Embassy trade mission. They each gave a brief insight into their expertises in different aspects of cycling policy and design. After the event, the Dutch delegation traveled to Cork where they did a similar networking event, and met the main players in the transport space.

From Irish Cycling Campaign’s perspective, we are very happy to see Dutch engineering, planning and mobility focused companies arriving in Ireland to seek out new business opportunities and to bring their cycling expertise here. With a significant slice of the transport budget now being spent on active travel, we have a great opportunity to draw on some of the best practice ideas in urban design, cycling route design, bicycle parking and the integration of public transport and bikes – and learn from the Dutch. Ultimately, we want to arrive at a situation where everyone in Ireland “has a real choice to cycle and is encouraged to experience the joy, convenience, health and environmental benefits of cycling” as per Irish Cycling Campaign’s vision.  

Presenting as shown in the photos above are (from top to bottom):

  • Sander van de Vecht (bike.box)
  • Angela van der Kloof (Mobycon)
  • Caglar Yuksel (Fietbass) 
Irish Posts

Bikes go Free on (some) Buses

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In a groundbreaking move last week, Bus Éireann has championed accessibility and sustainable travel by waiving the €10 fee previously required for the onboard inclusion of bicycles, extra luggage, and prams across its urban and regional services. 

This welcome change, effective immediately on all Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, marks a significant shift away from the previous policy, which often saw the cost of transporting a bicycle eclipsing the price of the journey itself.

While the removal of this fee heralds a more inclusive approach to travel, accommodating the needs of cyclists, families, and heavy packers alike, Bus Éireann has noted that the availability of space remains a determining factor in the acceptance of bicycles, prams, and pushchairs on board. 

It’s important to note, however, that the fee discontinuation does not extend to Expressway services, where standard charges will persist.

Neasa Bheilbigh, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of The Irish Cycling Campaign said “This is a small but positive step in the right direction, providing more sustainable journeys combining bus and bicycle. We will continue to push to abolish fees for carrying bicycles, on all routes and by all bus operators”

The Irish Cycling Campaign regularly meets with officials from the Department of Transport – and with the main transport agencies with a role in developing cycling policies and legislation – so as to advocate for improved outcomes for people with bicycles and this is one of the issues we raised in a recent meeting.  Do please help us to maintain a strong voice and champion all aspects of cycling by making a donation or becoming a member. See https://cyclist.ie/join/.  

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We’re interested to hear your experiences bringing your bicycle on a bus. Post a photo and tag us!

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