A gospel choir topped the entertainment in Merrion Square on a day when Dublin Corporation appealed to commuters to give up their sinful motoring habits and follow the foot- and cycle-paths to righteousness. Meanwhile, stalls on Custom House Quay preached the good news about the way, the truth and the light-rail system and, on the subject of the last, urged people to get ready for the slow train comin'. In fact, it was public transport from the past rather than the future that featured at the Custom House, where exhibits included a meticulously restored Number 8 bus with 1963 colours and a terminus at Nelson's Pillar. An equally pristine 1896 tram, rescued from life as a horse-drawn caravan in Co Laois, was also on display.
Face painting and street theatre were among other attractions. But of more immediate relevance to city transport, skills training was on offer to lapsed bicycle users, while visitors to Custom House Quay were invited to enter a free draw for a £900 electric bike. Stretching the definition of European car-free day somewhat, Toyota had a stand displaying its Prius hybrid "eco-car".
Dublin Corporation defended the decision to close only two streets this year. "One day is not going to change people's habits," said Brian McManus, of the traffic-noise and air-quality unit.
"The question is: what's the best way to promote what we're doing? If we're discouraging all-day parking and one-person commuting, our audience for that is Monday to Friday. On Saturday, our audience is shoppers, and we don't want to discourage them shopping, but we want to attract their attention." While members of the Critical Mass cycling campaign marked the occasion by pedalling through the city centre to demand better facilities, the Corporation also displayed maps of the city's cycle-lane network, now up to 100 kilometres. Steve Margolis of the Environmental Traffic Planning Unit said the target was 160 kilometres, but admitted the last 60 kilometres would be the most difficult, since it would be mostly in the city centre.
Only when the last part of the network was in place would the corporation be in a position to promote the cycle-ways aggressively.
Residents of Saggart village in Co Dublin were not given enough warning about European car free Day, according to a local businesswoman.M s Brenda Kelly, community pharmacist and chairwoman of the Saggart Task Force, said villagers were frustrated at the closure of Main Street on Saturday.
"Confusion reigned in Saggart. Everyone was throwing their hands up. It was non-productive. No message got across at all. Everyone who came into my premises was asking, 'Why is the village closed off?'" Ms Kelly said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said the council understood traders' concerns and had attempted to accommodate them when planning for the event. He said the council was keen to get involved in the European car free day and would do better on information next time round.