Throughout my Irish itinerary, I discovered collectives called Cycling Campaigns. Whether in Cork, Galway, or Sligo, I met members of these collectives. They exist all over Ireland, and the Cyclist.ie website lists them, as well as workshops or any other initiative promoting cycling.
These associations work hard to make cities cycle-friendly. This includes various actions:
Exchanges with municipalities, collectives and other institutions to improve cycling infrastructure and encourage people to cycle.
Proposals for infrastructure planning to highlight issues relevant to cyclists
Organisation of cycling events
Development of cycling information and maps and cycling advocates in the community.
Teaching how to cycle or stay cycling
Cycling Campaigns promote cycling for everyday use, i.e. cycling as a means of transport, but they also support the development of recreational facilities, such as greenways. Their aim is to improve the safety of cyclists on the road, while encouraging mutual respect and understanding between cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.
In Ireland, the different collectives are working together to boost this movement on a national scale. The people I met were motivated, passionate and dynamic! Having experienced the Irish cycling infrastructure myself, I can say that there is still work to be done, although the actions are starting to pay off. Indeed, I was able to ride some rare greenways in the south or west of the country, and the Eurovélo route signs have been put in place to facilitate the guidance of cyclists.
Thanks again to Allison and Justin (Clonakilty), Kathleen and John (Galway) and Nick and the Sligo Cycling Campaign for their welcome, kindness and support!