Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Transport the new measures he will introduce to reverse the continuing decrease in the number of persons cycling in Dublin, as witnessed by a further reduction in the number of cyclists recorded in Dublin City Council's latest annual canal cordon traffic count; his views on whether the transport environment in the city may be described as one that is safe for cycling; if his attention has been drawn to the criticisms that have been raised regarding the design quality of many of the cycling facilities that have been introduced in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9745/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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While there has been a significant decline in the number of bicycles crossing the canal cordon inbound during the morning peak, this has to be seen in the wider context of a decline in most modes of transport crossing the cordon, including the private car. The bus is the only mode to have shown a consistent increase. The reduction in the mode share of cycling, notwithstanding greatly improved provision for cyclists, probably reflects a long-term trend, influenced by a number of factors, including: increased car ownership, increased affluence, access to additional public transport options, the ageing of the population, and a perception, especially on the part of parents, that cycling in the city is relatively unsafe.

The decline in cycling as a mode of travel to school has been an important factor in the overall reduction in cycling. The safer routes to school pilot projects co-ordinated through the Dublin Transportation Office have included schools where the use of bicycle was identified as part of the solution. While there is a positive disposition towards the bicycle, for example, inclusion of parent-financed on-road cycle training as part of the school curriculum, and significant expenditure on bicycle facilities, this has not translated itself into additional bicycle trips in these schools. I have asked the DTO to provide a comprehensive report on these pilots, in order that multi-departmental actions can be identified in relation to sustainable healthy school travel.

It is not at all clear that the perception that cycling is relatively unsafe is correct. The trend in cycling fatalities in the city council area over the period 1997 to 2003 has been encouraging. According to statistics provided by the National Roads Authority, there were cycling fatalities in 1997 but none in 2003. Figures for 2004 have yet to be published.

It is generally accepted that there were design problems with cycle facilities implemented some years ago. However, the standard of new cycle facilities has improved very significantly over recent years. The DTO is currently working on a new guidance manual for cycle facilities. This version will address changes in legislation and traffic management in the period since 1997. However, research being conducted by the Dublin City Council on the factors that influence the decision of Dublin commuters to cycle or not to cycle suggests that the presence or absence of these facilities may not be the most important factor.

The emerging implications for policy are that a more holistic approach, which involves addressing their real and perceived safety concerns of potential cyclists, is called for in order to create an attractive environment for cyclists. In the light of this, I will be asking the DTO to advise on the future direction of cycling policy for the greater Dublin area.