Clontarf to City Centre cycle route: setting the standard for the upgrade of Dublin’s core bus and cycle corridors

Roughan & O’Donovan’s Clontarf to City Centre cycle route design has done more than just satisfy cycling campaigners, who describe it as ‘matching up to cycling design standards seen in pioneering countries, such as Denmark and the Netherlands.'

It has also produced agreement on a new standard layout and spacing for bus stops; one with the potential to inform the National Transport Authority’s €2 billion BusConnects programme. 

The scheme’s primary intent was, according to Roughan & O’Donovan’s Eoin Ó Catháin, to provide continuous high quality cycling facilities from Beresford Place to Alfie Byrne Road along Amiens Street, North Strand Road, Fairview Strand and Clontarf Road.

However, as one of the routes earmarked by the NTA for streamlined bus corridors, the project team also had to consider the separate requirements of the BusConnects programme when undertaking the commission.

‘It quickly became apparent that we would have to significantly upgrading the route’s bus facilities in order to upgrade its cycle facilities,’ said Ó Catháin.

To determine the optimal spacing of bus stops in urban areas, the project team conducted a study of international best practice.  They found it to be about 400m. 

Then, after a review of bus stop layout options where cycle tracks are provided, the team examined Dublin Buses’ bus stop usership data to determine the required sizing of the bus stops along the route. 

A detailed critical review of the corridor was subsequently undertaken to see what was achievable within the new parameters, and it was found that the required spacing could be achieved within reasonable tolerances.

Following assessment and consultation with Dublin City Council and the NTA, a new standard layout and spacing for bus stops along the route was agreed.  

Each bus stop will have a bus passenger island capable of accommodating two buses at any one time. It will also have wrap-around segregated facilities for cyclists behind. 

The revised spacing of the bus stops and the new arrangement allowing cyclists to safely bypass the stop 'will hopefully overcome the traditional "one or the other must give" mentality,' said Ó Catháin.

The works will involve a substantial reconstruction of the street and will include:

• Upgraded junctions and accesses
• Additional pedestrian and cycling crossings
• Extensive hard and soft landscaping
• Upgraded public lighting
• Sustainable urban drainage systems
• Additional service upgrades

The opportunity will also be taken to enhance the existing urban realm and parkland, including providing enhanced linkages to and through Fairview Park and a greenway along the River Tolka, between North Strand Road and Alfie Byrne Road.