Cyclists will make their way to the Dáil this evening to demand major investment in Dublin’s cycling infrastructure.
The protesters are calling on local election candidates to earmark at least 20% of council transport spending for cycling and pedestrian projects.
The Dublin Cycling Campaign says the event will remind candidates that cyclists have a voice ahead of the European and local elections.
Join us next Wednesday 15th May for a mass cycle to Dáil Éireann to reinforce the message that people who cycle are also voters - #ibikeivote!
All are welcome, especially candidates for the upcoming local & European elections. More details here: https://t.co/EbGCMqoY2k pic.twitter.com/qUR6ukFrl1— Dublin Cycling Campaign (@dublincycling) May 10, 2019
In a statement, it said there are two major reasons why cycling infrastructure fails to get over the line in Dublin – the Government has failed to provide enough resources and councillors have been voting the projects down.
Spokesperson Colm Ryder said the event has “very much” been timed to coincide with campaigning for the local and European elections.
“It is a big European issue and to the local elections as well in the sense that candidates will need to take on board the message of climate change, the message of sustainable transport and the message that our cities and towns will need to change in the coming years,” he said.
The campaign is urging all local and European election candidates to sign up to the Cycling for All plan – which aims to make cycling in the city “attractive, enjoyable and safe for people of all ages and abilities.”
Come out today & show your support for people who cycle. Remember the councilors we elect will be in power for the next 5 years. Has your preferred nominee signed up for https://t.co/87ajnUDkCJ ? #cyclingforall #IBikeIVote #allocate4cycling #LE19 pic.twitter.com/dy6FiPDMw6
— Alfred E. Neuman (@Peteer) May 15, 2019
It calls on the Government to follow international best practice in terms general street design and planning processes to help make cycling ‘the norm’ for all in the city – and back that up with sufficient funding.
It comes as the Minister for the Environment Richard Bruton confirmed that Ireland will face fines of up to €150m for failing to meet its 2020 climate targets
Demonstrators will gather at Merrion Square West opposite the National Gallery of Ireland from 5:15pm this evening.
They aim to arrive at the Dáil just before 6pm.
The elections are taking place on Friday May 24th.
