Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

When we speak about road conflict and frustration, there are different consequences for different users and cyclists have a higher risk of death. Cyclists are also more likely to get off a bike and not cycle again. There are not many drivers who have a frustrating driving experience and never drive again but this happens with cyclists. It is not just about individuals and there is a negative social consequence if the collective social policy goal we have identified nationally is that we want people to cycle. It makes it everybody's business and not just the business of those involved if people are deterred from cycling. We have heard about the work on design but what about the work on cycling promotion and encouraging people to do it? That is what is different about potentially having a cycling office in the Department as opposed to having people who can offer expertise on the detail of cycling design. The Department or a local authority could have a cycling officer who is not just looking at how to accommodate the needs of cyclists but how we can create new cyclists in future. It is a stated collective public goal.

There was mention of a figure of approximately 12% or 14% of budget for active travel from the National Transport Authority. What part of that relates to cycling? The Department mentioned an increase of €385 million in the budget, with over €354 million relating to capital increases. I am on the climate action committee and I know there is a 10% target so does the Department envisage that 10% of the new capital infrastructure might move to cycling? How can this be accelerated?