tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340517582024-03-08T12:50:52.017+00:00Fingal Safe Cycling Action GroupWe are lobbying for the provision of safe cycle ways in Fingal for our children, for our families, for everyone. For leisure, for health for local transport.
To schools, clubs, parks and playgrounds. To train, DART and future metro stations.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-87465878892462203822015-10-30T18:01:00.000+00:002015-10-30T18:17:46.888+00:00Funding of €6.2m set aside to complete the Broadmeadow Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Great news - we can finally expect to be walking/cycling across the Broadmeadow estuary sometime in 2018. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedestrian / Cycleway to complete by 2018 - foundation pillars for bridge already in place </td></tr>
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According to the Fingal Independent "Fingal County council's new Capital Spending Programme for the next three years has set aside €6.2 million for completion of the long-awaited pedestrian route and cycleway across the Broadmeadow Estuary, to be known as the 'Broadmeadow Way'."</div>
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<a href="http://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/major-road-projects-to-be-funded-over-next-three-years-including-20m-donabate-road-34121912.html" target="_blank">See full article in the Fingal Independent dated 24th October 2015.</a></div>
Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-60296231669813930472014-02-15T19:53:00.001+00:002014-02-15T19:53:51.686+00:00Finally - Public consultation on proposed walk / cycleway<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px;">
Finally... public consulation on proposed Walk/Cycleway across the Broadmeadow Estuary, linking Malahide Castle to Newbridge House. <span style="font-size: 12.571428298950195px;">Routemap and details at first link below. </span></div>
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Second link is short questionnaire from FingalCoCo to garner support/opposition for the proposal.</div>
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Personally, I believe it will be fantastic. </div>
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Details are on currently on display in Malahide Library, with an open consultation day on Tuesday 25th Feb in Malahide Library from 3pm to 8pm.</div>
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Please pass details to anyone you believe may be interested. </div>
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<a href="http://www.fingalcoco.ie/media/Text%20Broadmeadow%20Estuary%20Walkway.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.fingalcoco.ie/<wbr></wbr>media/Text%20Broadmeadow%<wbr></wbr>20Estuary%20Walkway.pdf</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fingalcoco.ie/media/Questionnaire%20Broadmeadow%20Estuary%20Walkway.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.fingalcoco.ie/<wbr></wbr>media/Questionnaire%<wbr></wbr>20Broadmeadow%20Estuary%<wbr></wbr>20Walkway.pdf</a></div>
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Rgds Ken</div>
Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-91939011742328078982009-09-03T09:44:00.011+01:002009-09-03T10:07:44.260+01:00Broadmeadow Viaduct Collapse<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:I2Jd0jcRl2zf3M:http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46254000/jpg/_46254944_007833438-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 71px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:I2Jd0jcRl2zf3M:http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46254000/jpg/_46254944_007833438-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Copy of e-mail sent to Senan Turnball (FingalCoCo Director of services, Community, Recreation and Amenities) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(24 Aug 2009) </span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family:Georgia;">Hi Senan, </span></span></span></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully no-one was injured in the collapse of the viaduct over the Broadmeadow Estuary on Friday last. The focus now is understandably to re-instate the railway line as quickly as possible.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is my understanding that the entire viaduct will be replaced, rather than the failed section. There is a window of opportunity now to provide for a shared use pedestrian and cycle path. Ideally this would be built as the bridge is being reinstated. If this is not possible, the design of the new bridge should allow for a path to be cantilevered to the side at a future date.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Senan replied on the same day to say he agreed, and was pursuing the matter with the relevant people.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thank you Senan.</p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div></div>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-85061162009461573442008-09-26T14:39:00.004+01:002021-01-13T17:36:30.758+00:00'Safe' School Route - Seabury to Scoil Iosa<div style="font-size: 12px; width: 500px;"> <div style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a 'safe' route to school from Malahide West (Seabury, Killeen, etc.) to Scoil Iosa (Secondary school), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 2px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">which is located to the East of Malahide, at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 2px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Hill, Broomfield, Malahide. <br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
(Update Jan 2021 - map removed as wikiwalki.com mapping tool is no longer supported - we hope to create a new map on "Google My Maps at a future date - apologies for any confusion caused) </span></span></span></span></span></span></div> </div>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-47964898564111815312008-09-11T16:42:00.006+01:002008-09-11T17:02:54.111+01:00Children should be able to cycle safely to local amenitiesMost community facilities in Malahide (sports clubs, schools etc.) are on the shore of the Broadmeadow Estuary, or quite near it. Building a safe coastal pathway for <span style="font-weight:bold;">shared use by pedestrians and cyclists</span> will allow all of us, but especially children, to cycle safely to local amenities. This will improve the health of the community, reduce local traffic and provide a superb tourist attraction. <br /><br /><div><br /></div><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&s=AARTsJp6pxtz27Sk2NN8DbAqPGzgdg9iAA&msa=0&msid=111725210325001649237.000455c3da58db73e8c04&ll=53.45218,-6.15509&spn=0.035778,0.072956&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111725210325001649237.000455c3da58db73e8c04&ll=53.45218,-6.15509&spn=0.035778,0.072956&z=13&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-63540510618506971002008-08-14T15:05:00.009+01:002008-08-14T16:01:09.642+01:00SUSTRANS helping to legalise cycling within parks in Fingal<strong>August 2008:</strong> FingalCoCo has engaged <a href="http://www.sustrans.org/">SUSTRANS</a> to produce a report on how cycling within parks in Fingal can be legalised. <a href="http://www.sustrans.org/">SUSTRANS</a> SUStainable TRANSport) manages the 11,500 miles of UK shared cycle/ pedestrian network, and also manages the UK Safe Routes To School Programme.<br /><br />The report will also propose safe routes to school in both Skerries and Malahide. The report is due to be delivered in October. <span style="color:#330033;"><strong>What would you like to see in this report? </strong> </span>Please share your ideas with us by posting a comment on this blog, or by sending an email to <a href="mailto:FingalSafeCycling@gmail.com">FingalSafeCycling@gmail.com</a><br /><br />We are delighted to announce that we have joined forces with the <a href="http://www.skerriesca.com/cycling.htm">Skerries Cycling Initiative</a> in our campaign for improved cycling facilities in Fingal. Please visit their website at <a href="http://www.skerriesca.com/cycling.htm">Skerries Cycling Initiative</a> to learn more.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-54573650861249311892008-01-13T22:23:00.000+00:002008-01-13T23:19:09.524+00:00New Year latest newsJan 2008 <a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/">SUSTRANS - Charity that has built 11,500 miles of Cycle network in Northern Ireland and Great Britain</a> plan to open Dublin office in 2008<br /><br />Nov 2007 SUSTRANS meet FingalCoCo and agree to assist with the development of the Broadmeadow Estuary Orbital route. SUSTRANS to propose pilot project to allow cycling in Malahide Demesne, and to provide safe route to Scoil Iosa through Malahide Demesne. Proposal due in Jan 2008.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-77353539039942262252007-09-19T23:10:00.000+01:002007-09-19T23:27:40.658+01:00Latest news<strong>Broadmeadow Trail - Councillors pass important motion:</strong><br />We welcome the unanimous vote on Monday Sept 10th by Fingal County Councillors in support of Mayor Alan Farrell's motion "That Fingal County Council initiate a programme for the development of an orbital footpath/cycle route around Broadmeadow Estuary."<br /><br /><strong>New pathway open linking Malahide and Portmarnock<br /></strong>A beautiful new pathway is now open from Robswall over "Paddy's Hill" to Portmarnock. Access on the Portmarnock side is beside the entrance to Portmarnock AFC. The view of Lambay island, as one approaches Malahide from the Portmarnock direction is stunning. This is officially a 'pedestrian' pathway, but my kids think it's more fun on a bike!<br /><br /><strong>Pedestrian crossing imminent </strong><br />A new pedestrian crossing at the junction of Swords Road and Millview Road (Malahide) is due for completion by the end of the year. The crossing will be at a location west of the Millview. Road. (Source: Fingal Independent - Sep 12th, page 2).<br />This will provide a much needed 'safe' crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists on the southern side of the very busy Swords road. Hopefully this will give more parents the confidence to allow their children to walk and cycle to schools in the area. <br /><br /><strong>Improved permeability planned within Malahide Demesne<br /></strong>FingalCoCo Parks Department is planning to improve permeability within Malahide Demesne by opening what is currently a 'Council Staff Only' section of the main avenue leading from the Casino gate, past the Courtyard, to the castle itself. Currently, visitors approaching from Malahide village are forced to leave the main avenue and approach the castle through the wooded pathway. In addition to reducing confusion for the many tourists who visit the castle, this will greatly improve access for all of the residents of Malahide, to the courtyard shops, and the playing pitches.<br /><br /><strong>Pilot cyclepaths project for Malahide Demesne<br /></strong>FingalCoCo Parks Department is planning a pilot project to introduce safe cyclepaths within Malahide Demesne, with a view to introducing cyclepaths to all parks in Fingal over time. Safety for both pedestrians and cyclists will be a primary consideration.<br />(Source: Fingal County Manager, David O'Connor at Malahide Community Forum AGM May 2007, confirmed by Senan Turnball, Director of services, Community, Recreation and Amenities, on Monday Sep 17th 2007)Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-86655281806723132082007-06-11T19:28:00.000+01:002007-06-11T19:46:27.885+01:00Plan to convert towpaths into world class cycle waysFailte Ireland and <a href="http://www.sustrans.org/">SUSTRANS (Sustainable Transport)</a> are meeting with county councils later this month (June 2007) to develop a plan to convert over 1000km of canal and waterway towpaths into <strong>world class walk and cycle trails.</strong><br /><br />SUSTRANS have also offered support to Fingal County Council with the development of cycleways in the Fingal area - as part of the proposed Dublin Belfast Cycle Route.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-38159113274309736122007-05-11T22:19:00.000+01:002007-05-11T22:34:34.341+01:00Irish Heart Foundation on safe cycle lanesExtract from letter to Irish Times, Wed 9th May 2007, from MICHAEL O'SHEA, Chief Executive, Irish Heart Foundation: <br /><br />"Irish society is experiencing increasing levels of obesity year on year. This is a serious health issue for our society. Regular exercise is a major contributory factor to reducing excess body weight. Cycling is enjoyable, beneficial and environmentally friendly - so we should be investing heavily in safe cycle lanes throughout our towns and cities and encouraging significant numbers to cycle - especially in the beautiful spring sunshine. - Yours, etc," <br />MICHAEL O'SHEA, Chief Executive, Irish Heart Foundation, Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. <br /><br />Further details from the Irish Heart Foundation -> <br /><a href="http://www.irishheart.ie/iopen24/defaultarticle.php?cArticlePath=38_262">Physical Activity, Young People and the Physical Environment</a>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-55176648842782055782007-04-24T07:05:00.000+01:002007-05-11T21:39:34.632+01:00Broadmeadow Inner Estuary CleanupThe clean up was a huge success. It was great to see the young and the not so young out 'doing their bit' for the environment. Well done to all - A BIG thanks to Fingalcoco Co-ordinator, Hans Visser and his team.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-78131172630837673782007-04-23T19:04:00.000+01:002021-01-13T17:42:08.338+00:00Broadmeadow Trail PosterClick to view our <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o9nl1_3SO3EQcDDPLnRUEE5eWH9i1DIg/view?usp=sharing">Lobby for the Broadmeadow Trail</a> poster. Please print some copies and post on noticeboards in your local shops, surgeries, clubs etc.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-2874446201028769812007-03-24T22:35:00.000+00:002007-03-24T22:49:40.550+00:00Good news over the past few months<ul><li><strong>Mar 2007:</strong> FingalCoCo indicate desire to provide cycleways in Fingal parks - safety of all park users will be a primary consideration. </li><li><strong>Mar2007:</strong> Failte Ireland meet Iarnrod Eireann to discuss pedestrian paths and cycleways across the Broadmeadow and Rogerstown estuaries.</li><li><strong>Mar 2007:</strong> Seabury residents agree compromise route with FingalCoCo for Caves Marsh boardwalk - FingalCoCo indicate willingness to widen boardwalk to accomodate wheelchairs and cyclists. </li><li><strong>Feb2007:</strong> Dublin North election candidates express support for Broadmeadow Trail.</li><li><strong>Jan 2007:</strong> Failte Ireland commission mapping of Dublin–Belfast cycle route. The proposed route will enter Malahide along the coast from Portmarnock, and will go around the Broadmeadow estuary before heading North through Donabate. </li><li><strong>Jan 2007:</strong> Irish Sports Council launches ‘World Class Trails Strategy’ to encourage the ordinary person into the outdoors by providing multi-purpose walking/cycling trails that are safe, accessible, and marked. </li><li><strong>Nov 2006:</strong> Fingal County Council starts work on Fingal Coastal Way – pedestrian and cycle way extending from Dublin City to Meath.</li><li><strong>Nov 2006:</strong> Government announces support for Sutton to Sandycove seafront promenade and cycle way. </li></ul>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-88279201033916004032007-01-28T20:47:00.000+00:002007-03-24T20:25:40.526+00:00Open e-mail to General Election candidates in Dublin North regarding Broadmeadow pedestrian / Cycle WayUpdate 24th March - The open e-mail below, sent in January has received cross-party support - I have published the candidates responses as comments. <br /><br /><br />Dear candidate,<br /><br />I would like to offer you this opportunity to set out your position, and that of your party regarding the development of a pedestrian / cycle way around the Broadmeadow estuary.<br /><br />Situated between Swords, Malahide and Donabate, the Broadmeadows estuary is a magnificent natural amenity that is currently under utilised. As you know, we are constantly reminded about the increasing levels of obesity in Ireland, especially in young people. A pedestrian / cycle way around the Broadmeadow would provide the residents of Dublin North with a 'safe, accessible' 10km long 'World Class Trail'(1). It would encourage a greater number of families to exploit the many attractions right at their doorstep. Most importantly, it would be a place where parents could teach safe cycling skills away from traffic.<br /><br />Much of the trail is already in place. The most important 'missing link' is a pedestrian/cycle bridge beside the railway line that crosses the estuary. This is already provided for in the Donabate Local Area Action Plan(2).<br /><br />There has been talk of a pedestrian / cycle way across the estuary for many years. Delivering this will require the co-operation of Iarnrod Eireann and Fingal CoCo. TDs and prospective TDs in Dublin North have a critical role to play in this.<br /><br />I look forward to receiving your response setting out your view on the above proposal, and specifically what you and your party plan to do to deliver this.<br /><br />I will publish this open e-mail and your reply on the internet at (<a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.fingalsafecycling.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.fingalsafecycling.blogspot.com/</a>)<br /><br />Yours Sincerely,<br /><br />Ken O'Connor<br /><br />-- Ken O'ConnorFingal Safe Cycling Action Group<br />e-mail <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:fingalsafecycling@gmail.com" target="_blank">fingalsafecycling@gmail.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.fingalsafecycling.blogspot.com">www.fingalsafecycling.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />(1) The Irish Sports Council launched a 'World Class Trails' strategy in Jan 2007, with the aim of providing 'safe, accessible, and marked' trails to encourage the ordinary person into the outdoors.<br />(2) Item 153 in the Donabate Strategic Environmental Assessment (March 2006) states: 'That Fingal County Council seeks the provision of a public walkway/cycleway through the Western side of Variation 34 Lands in Donabate and along the existing railway embankment across the Malahide Estuary, in consultation with Iarnrod Eireann within the lifespan of this Development Plan.'<br /><br />e-mail addresses of candidates:<br />To: "trevor.sargent@oireachtas.ie" <trevor.sargent@oireachtas.ie>, michael.kennedy@fingalcoco.ie, darragh.obrien@fingalcoco.ie, bren@brendan-ryan.ie, tmorrissey@oireachtas.ie, clare.daly@fingalcoco.ie, joe.corr@fingalcoco.ie, <a href="mailto:james.reilly@finegael.ie">james.reilly@finegael.ie</a><br /><br />I could not find e-mail addresses for John O'Leary (FF), or Matt McCormack (SF).Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1168722187538245452007-01-13T20:48:00.000+00:002007-01-16T22:57:48.403+00:00Plan to develop world-class network of trailsIrish Times Sat 13th Jan 2007....<br />'Waterways, <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">cycle routes</span></strong>, urban walkways and mountain bike routes will form part of a new, safe "world-class" trails network here, it was announced yesterday'. The aim of the new Irish Trails strategy is to encourage the ordinary person into the outdoors, John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, said in Killarney, Co. Kerry. ....<br />'Ireland does not have a dedicated cycle network. Outside the main cities there are few cycle ways and no official off-road mountai biking trails. Cyclists on holiday have expressed concerns about road safety here.<br />The strategy is concerned about the over-reliance on public roads which can be dangerous and lack satisfactory interaction with the surrounding countryside'.<br /><br /><strong>We (FSCAG) welcome this strategy</strong>....<br />See <a href="http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/pressandpub-news-latest-article.aspx?article=fdd0cfdd-b79d-4a45-90bc-28709671df19">Irish Sports Council Press Release</a><br /><br />You can see the full article (if you are an Irish Times subscriber) at: http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2007/0113/1168460435330.htmlKen O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1163973280732565782006-11-19T21:53:00.000+00:002006-11-19T21:59:20.686+00:00Obesity is a growing problem - safe cycling can helpEvery day we read more about the growing problem of obesity in Ireland, especially among children. Cycling is a fun way to avoid this problem - <strong>but it must be safe</strong>. Many parents are understandably afraid to let their children cycle for fear of injury or death on our narrow congested roads.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://fingalsafecycling.blogspot.com/2006/09/register-your-supportjust-click-on.html">click here to Register Your Support </a>for Safe Cycle Routes in Fingal and encourage your friends and family to do likewise. Thank you.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1163973157852158822006-11-19T21:32:00.004+00:002008-12-10T11:46:02.117+00:00Useful businesses and services in FingalWe list here <strong>for free</strong>, links to businesses and services that you may find useful within <strong>Fingal</strong>. In return, the businesses shown here have agreed to link to us from their site.<br /><br />A big <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'Thank you for your support'</span></strong> to each of these businesses.<br /><br />Remember......if you choose to travel by bike.....you have the right to expect to travel in safety.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mapmybusiness.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Map My Business</span></span></a><br />Map My Business helps businesses to attract more customers, increase sales and reduce costs. <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;">Visit <span style="border-collapse: separate; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.mapmybusiness.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">www.mapmybusiness.com</a> </span>to<wbr>:<span style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); text-decoration: underline; "><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;">See how customers are using <a href="http://www.googlemaps.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(42, 93, 176); ">www.GoogleMaps.com</a> to locate businesses selling the products and services they want to buy<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;">Learn how to list your business on Google Maps at no cost<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Symbol;"><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;">Understand the benefits of engaging <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; "><a href="http://www.mapmybusiness.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Map My Business</span></span></a></span> to list your business for you </span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul></span></span><div><a href="http://www.designerwine.ie/index.htm">DESIGNER WINE</a><br /></div><div>'Designer Wine is committed to only stocking and supplying superior wines and champagnes. We stand over every bottle with a 100% guarantee of satisfaction or the customer receives a 100% no quibble refund.'<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/departmentpage.cfm?store=kiddimatters">Kiddimatters</a><br />'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:'MS Reference Sans Serif';font-size:13px;">Help your child learn to cycle without stabilisers with a Wallaby Trainer. No more aching back, the jacket contains a gripper to support your child without needing to bend down, and teaches the child to balance the bike themselves thereby speeding up the process and building confidence. Features reflective strips for extra safety</span>'</div>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1163708311812194812006-11-16T20:10:00.000+00:002006-11-16T20:18:31.836+00:00Mark Cagney predicts the future...I predict that we will be walking and cycling a lot more in the future. This increase in exercise will lead to a dramatic decrease in obesity problems. Cleaner air, thanks to less pollution from cars, will also make us healthier By Mark Cagney, Ireland AM<br /><br />For more predictions see <a href="http://www.scienceweek.ie/sw2006/predictions.asp">ScienceWeek's Predictions on the Green</a>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1162766512850530372006-11-05T22:34:00.000+00:002006-11-05T22:41:52.850+00:00Time to join forces to lobby for improved cycling facilitiesWe are calling on all cycling groups within Ireland to join forces to lobby for improved facilities for ALL cyclists. We have identified at least FOUR distinct types of cyclists, including:<br />1. Racing Cycists<br />2. Commuting Cyclists<br />3. Leisure/Family/Young Children<br />4. Mountain Bikers<br />Please e-mail <a href="mailto:Fingalsafecycling@gmail.com">Fingalsafecycling@gmail.com</a> if your group is interested in 'joining up'.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1161734150624231152006-10-25T00:47:00.000+01:002006-10-25T01:07:34.126+01:00Time for national cycle route strategyWe have contacted all of the major political parties calling for the development of a national cycle route strategy, and the establishment of SUSTRANS in the Republic.<br /><br />SUSTRANS is a UK charity organisation that has been developing a national cycle network across the UK for the past ten years. It recently began implementing projects in the Republic. SUSTRANS are implementing the 'North West Trail' on behalf of six councils; Donegal County Council, Strabane District Council, Omagh District Council, Fermanagh District Council, Leitrim County Council and Sligo County Council.<br />For full details, please see: <a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1095335304515">North West Trail</a>Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1161700304587351772006-10-24T15:22:00.000+01:002006-10-25T09:45:28.786+01:00A Fun Way for Your Child to Learn to Cycle Smart...<a href="http://www.disney.co.uk/DisneyChannel/cyclesmart/html/index.html"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6833/3746/1600/recess-gang.gif" border="0" /></a><br />Safety is no accident. You’ve already given your child the gift of life. Perhaps you even bought your child their first bike. What better gift could you give your child now than to teach them the art of safe cycling, or better still afford them the opportunity to teach themselves – children remember better that way.;)<br /><br />The <span style="color:blue;"><i>Cycle Smart</i></span> website allows them to do just that. It’s a child-friendly safe cycling initiative sponsored by the UK’s Department for Transport. It comes in two versions, HTML and Flash – if you’ve got Macromedia Flash installed on your computer, try the Flash version – it’s much more fun. You’ll find a link at the top of the <span style="color:blue;"><i>Cycle Smart</i></span> website that’ll take you there.<br /><br />So why not encourage your child to visit this <span style="color:blue;"><i>Cycle Smart</i></span> website today, by simply clicking on the above image?<br /><br />And remember…safety is a small investment for a rich future!Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1160945769852857012006-10-15T21:49:00.000+01:002006-10-15T22:01:00.066+01:00What your councillors are doing to provide safe cycle routes in your areaWe have provided this space to your <a href="http://www.fingalcoco.ie/YourLocalCouncil/Councillors/">County Councillors</a> to enable them to tell you what they are each doing to provide safe cycle routes in the part of Fingal they each represent.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1160685059088244312006-10-12T21:20:00.000+01:002006-10-12T21:38:33.926+01:00Brendan Gleeson voices his support<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6833/3746/1600/Brendan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6833/3746/320/Brendan.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Brendan Gleeson e-mailed the following message of support to us, together with a lovely mugshot! Thank you Brendan.<br /><br />"Nothing clears the head quite like getting out on the bike and letting<br />the breeze blow things back into perspective.<br /><br />For many, however, the joy of cycling in the fresh air is a thing of<br />the past. Frankly, cycling on our roads has become too dangerous,<br />especially for the young. It is unwise and unfair to do nothing about<br />this.<br /><br />The situation is not insurmountable. Designated safe cycling routes can reverse the trend. Kids are eager to get out there. Adults the same. Give people a safe environment and thousands will get back on their bikes. The benefits to health and well-being would be enormous. All it requires is vision and the persistence to see it through.<br /><br />What a legacy Fingal Co. Council can bestow on the county, with the provision of the Coastal Way and a full commitment to the provision of safe cycling throughout Fingal. It would reap the rewards for generations.<br /><br />I fully support Fingal Safe Cycling Action Group in their campaign and look forward to a healthier Fingal in the future. Not to mention those breezes in the spokes!<br /><br />Brendan Gleeson"Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1160547547707383702006-10-11T07:08:00.000+01:002006-10-11T07:41:47.536+01:00Malahide - Good news on Barrack Bridge / Caves Marsh routeWe are delighted to learn of Fingal County Council's plan for a 120 metre long boardwalk across Caves Marsh. This has the potential to resolve the current <a href="http://fingalsafecycling.blogspot.com/2006/09/barrack-bridge-at-caves-marsh-is.html">Nightmare at Barrack Bridge</a>.<br /><br /><br />This plan will soon be open for 'Public Consultation'. Please contact the council, directly and via this BLOG, to voice your support for this positive development, but <strong>please </strong>ask that the boardwalk and related pathways be built to facilitate both pedestrians and cyclists, in keeping with Transportation Objective TO28 "to prepare and implement on a progressive basis a programme for the development of the Fingal Coastal Way for <strong>pedestrians and cyclists".</strong><br /><br />Thank you.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34051758.post-1159829223731097832006-10-02T23:32:00.000+01:002006-10-11T18:31:30.086+01:00Everyone's a winner !<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6833/3746/1600/Colouring%20picture.gif"></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6833/3746/1600/Colouring%20picture.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6833/3746/320/Jack%27s%20winning%20picture.jpg" border="0" /></a>The pupils in Ms. Markey's 2nd class in St. Oliver Plunkett's National School, Malahide, recently completed a colouring competition to promote awareness of the need for safe off road cycle routes for children. Kids need the space to learn, safe from motorised traffic.<br /><br />Ms. Markey found it very difficult to pick a winner, as all of the entries were excellent.<br /><br />The winning entry was by Jack Quinn, with Ciara Furlong 2nd and Cliona Hamill 3rd.<br /><br />The entries were so good, that the Fingal Safe Cycling Action Group decided they were all 'winners' and presented the class with a box of 'Heroes' chocolates to celebrate. Well done to each one of you.Ken O'Connorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790776052523445406noreply@blogger.com0