Madam, – Given that it is National Bike Week, it is timely to discuss the state of Dublin’s cycle lanes. These are routinely in awful condition, littered with glass, loose stones and litter. This has the effect of forcing cyclists, concerned for their own safety and mindful of incurring a puncture, onto the road. Clearly this situation is bad for both cyclists and drivers.
Perhaps Dublin City Council could consider introducing an “Adopt-a-Bike-Lane’ scheme, whereby a member of the community would take responsibility for a section (say 100 metres) of cycle lane. As well as sweeping glass and other detritus from the lanes, the person could also report the existence of potholes and other such problems to the city council. I believe members of the capital’s cycling community would enthusiastically support such a system. – Yours, etc,