Climate Talk Episode 2 - Active Travel

In Climate Talk Episode 2, we take a look at Active Travel. So What is Active Travel? well, you may also know it as Sustainable Transport. It’s a term which covers public transport (for example buses and trains) and walking, wheeling or cycling.

There is currently a review ongoing of the bus networks in Waterford city, to improve and future-proof the system for the next ten years. This also includes the area of Waterford City which is in County Kilkenny.

"1,100 Residents surveyed in Waterford City"

The recently-published document ‘Walking and Cycling Index 2023’ is the biggest-ever survey of what people think about walking, wheeling & cycling in Ireland, with over 1,100 residents surveyed in Waterford City. It shows that 76% of people in Waterford City support and want to see more cycle routes physically separated from traffic, even if this means less room for cars. The report also shows that 52% of residents walk or wheel at least five days a week. These numbers are important when considering that Waterford drivers were delayed in traffic by an average of 52 hours per year according to a 2022 report. It’s easy to see how crucial it is to provide options for those who wish for an alternative. By reducing the number of cars on the road, we make the experience better for those who do drive.

Read the report here: Waterford Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index

This high support for active travel amongst the public could be a feature of our culture in Ireland. We’re only one generation separated from a time when almost everyone walked or cycled to work or school. Our levels of public support are higher than in the UK or the US. Here in Waterford, we have great places for people to practise and get confident – the Greenway and the ‘Learn to Cycle’ track in Dungarvan. Parents’ influence is all-important in helping the next generation to be confident cyclists. The Galway Cycle Bus is a great example of a community initiative to encourage this.

Three major new cycling routes in the city are being developed –on the Cork Road, from Mall to Whitfield Hospital, on the inner ring road from Ash Road to Passage Road, and from Tramore to Waterford. These routes will give a second transport option for thousands of people in Waterford. Allowing people to be active as part of their commute.

Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. It will take place from Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th May 2024. There will be lots of exciting events happening throughout Waterford during the week. You can download the whole programme here: BIKE WEEK 2024

As our transport habits change, we can expect that there will be more cyclists on the road in the future. Cycling safety actually improves as the numbers of cyclists increase, even without spending money or carrying out more work. This is due to increased visibility and awareness of cyclists, which can lead to changes in motorist behaviour as they share the roads.

Workplaces are also getting involved in making it easier for their staff to leave the car at home. Waterford City and County Council are working towards the Smarter Travel Mark and we’d encourage other workplaces to also get involved.

The health benefits of cycling are many. According to the Walking and Cycling Index, the reduction in cars on Waterford City roads due to walking, wheeling and cycling could help prevent 186 serious long-term health conditions. Cycling in Waterford City prevents a range of serious long-term health conditions, hip fracture, dementia and coronary heart disease. Reducing idling is particularly important in school zones due to the impacts of exhaust on children’s lungs. Children are more at risk because of their faster rates of respiration and the amount of time they spend playing outdoors. Just one minute of idling can create up to 20 litres of harmful pollutants.

The benefits of cycling are not just to our health but there are also benefits to our economy. A recent Transport for London report shows that walking and cycling improvements can increase retail spend by up to 30%, with customers in general purchasing smaller items, but more often. New cycle lanes in London have helped some streets carry up to 5% more people at the busiest times.

Read the report here: Walking and cycling: The Economic Benefits

European car-Free Day is organised by the European Commission as part of Mobility Week. In over a thousand towns and cities across the continent, people will be going about their business on their bikes, skateboards or by walking. This is an opportunity to experience, and promote, a different way of using our streets while also organising fun events. Waterford City and County Council marks European Car Free Day each year in Waterford City Centre and in Dungarvan but this year we would like to open it up to where you live. Do you live on a street that isn’t a main thoroughfare? Are you happy to liaise with your neighbours on how to organise street events that don’t use the car? If you are we would be happy to hear from you.

Car Free Event

We are looking for 4 streets/communities that would like to host a Car Free Event in their area. If you are interested please contact [email protected]

If you wish to find out more about this topic don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected]