“New Study Reveals Walking and Cycling Remove 680,000 Cars Daily from Top Five State Cities’ Roads”
A recent study conducted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) has revealed that opting for walking or cycling instead of driving removes approximately 680,000 cars from the roads of Ireland’s five largest cities on a daily basis.
The Walking and Cycling Index, jointly conducted by the NTA, local authorities, and sustainable transport charity Sustrans, analyzed the walking, cycling, and wheeling habits of individuals in the metropolitan areas of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick/Shannon, and Waterford.
The survey indicated that over half of adults in each of the five areas engage in walking activities at least five days a week, with 15 percent cycling at least once a week. Moreover, there is widespread support for enhancing walking and cycling infrastructure, with nearly three-quarters of Dublin residents advocating for increased investment in such measures.
Recommendations for improving accessibility include upgrading footpath surfaces and providing more resting spots along streets. Additionally, suggestions for incentivizing cycling include implementing signed cycle routes on quieter streets and constructing cycling tracks separated from traffic and pedestrians.
Despite potential implications for other traffic, the majority of respondents expressed support for the installation of dedicated cycle tracks. The report highlights the environmental benefits of walking, cycling, and wheeling journeys, which collectively save 160,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions across the five areas annually, equivalent to 2,200 flights from Dublin to London.
In economic terms, the NTA estimates that active travel across these metropolitan areas generates an annual benefit of €3 billion. Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the NTA, emphasised the importance of encouraging active travel as a means to contribute to a more sustainable future for Ireland.
The findings underscore the growing desire among residents of Ireland’s largest cities to embrace walking and cycling as integral components of their daily routines, signalling a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation.
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