Minister’s Final Decision Imposes Ban on Full-Sized Bikes on Luas: A Policy Shift in Dublin’s Transportation

In a surprising twist, the former Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, approved a parliamentary answer just before his term ended, clearly stating that carrying full-sized bicycles on Luas isn’t a policy issue under his office. This decision effectively bans full-sized bikes from Dublin’s Luas system, although folding bicycles remain permitted at all times.

The Minister’s Reversal of earlier Policy

Ryan had initially reversed the previous government’s policy of allowing full-sized bicycles on trams during off-peak hours. His office’s latest statement diverts responsibility for this policy shift to Transdev, the operator of the Luas services, which means the decision is no longer under the purview of government transport policies.

Parliamentary Question and Response

TD Barry Ward from Dún Laoghaire (Fine Gael) inquired about reinstating the policy of allowing bicycles on the Luas. However, Minister Ryan responded that he delegates this issue to Transdev, avoiding direct responsibility while indicating that citizens should follow up with the company if they do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Historical Context of Cycling Policies

The 2009-2020 National Cycle Policy Framework outlined a commitment to allowing bicycles on the Luas when the service’s capacity and frequency permitted without disrupting pedestrian space. This progressive initiative aimed to promote bicycle use as part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainable transportation.

Despite this, the policy did not apply to all transit services. For example, while Irish Rail allowed bicycles on Dart and Commuter trains at off-peak hours, Transport Infrastructure Ireland cited safety concerns to oppose carrying bicycles on metro lines.

International Comparisons: A Contrast in Approaches

Interestingly, similar safety concerns were raised in the UK, yet cities like Edinburgh have successfully tested and implemented bike-on-tram policies. Transportation authorities in Greater Manchester and several cities in France also allow bicycles on trams of the same type used in Dublin.

The Removal of Clear Policies

The current National Sustainable Mobility Policy, which succeeded the Smarter Travel framework, removed concrete policies including cycling-specific targets. Minister Ryan explained this decision by suggesting that previous targets had been largely ignored and were not a primary focus.

In an interview with IrishCycle.com, Ryan emphasized that the current strategy hinges on setting climate action targets at the local authority level rather than specific cycling targets.

Implications and Future Prospects

This policy shift signifies a significant departure from Ireland’s earlier commitment to promoting cycling as part of its sustainable transportation strategy. With the new government in place and Darragh O’Brien taking over as Minister for Transport, there lies an opportunity to reassess and potentially re-establish the previous policy, or explore alternative measures to encourage cycling in an urban environment.

As changes in the transportation sector are necessitated by climate targets, it will be crucial to see how these objectives can be achieved while accommodating the needs of various transportation modes.