Good practice:

Cycle & Ride Infrastructure associated with Luas Light Rail

This GP captures user feedback to influence design solutions. An accessibility review was undertaken to identify infrastructure changes required to improve modal interchange on the Luas (Dublin’s Tram Service). As part of this review a system-wide passenger survey was undertaken to identify passenger needs and which sought to improve the cycle provision and develop a range of cycle and ride measures. Improvements to infrastructure provision was based upon passenger needs and feedback and resulted in significant infrastructure changes required to create a more sustainable multi modal transport network and thereby reduce CO2 emissions including:
• Significant increase in bike parking and bike lockers
• Additional network of cycle lanes to link directly to the Luas
• Improved lighting, CCTV, signage, mapping, covered shelters for cycle parking
Emphasis placed on quality of design and materials in order to convey a sense of positivity, safety and security. Shelters were constructed of glass/painted steel, with an sleek and streamlined structure. Bike parking hoops were made from brushed steel and bike lockers made by Warrior (who have the highest accolade for bike storage – the Sold Secure Gold Standard) to provide security for valuable commuter bikes. All infrastructure improvements have proved well used since installation and by meeting passenger needs the number of end-to-end sustainable journeys has increased and the service choices available to users has expanded.

Luas Cycle & Ride accessibility report prepared in house by TII and did not have a cost. Infrastructure implemented as a result of this report was delivered as part of large works packages. Typical costs for bike shelter, parking, paving, landscape, lighting, signage, CCTV €109k for each stop.

• Improved access to stops with short-cuts and new pedestrian crossings provided direct access from schools, hospitals and visitor attractions. Luas passenger journeys increased by 52% to 41.8m in 2018 (27.5m in 2010)
• Cyclists in Dublin has more than doubled since 2011 to 95k cyclists daily. Bike parking, shelters and lockers were located adjacent to stops, to maximise visibility and promote use. The Luas now has over 700 free bike parking places (increase of 340) located beside 67% of stops.

• Availability of space at stops
• Support for higher quality public realm, higher spec materials
• Management of the locker hire
• Support to help user discover the benefits of multimodal, interconnected transport - campaigns, car-free days, free bike servicing at stops, web-based communications

This good practice is easily transferable to other regions and countries who wish to improve modal interchange to encourage more sustainable end-to-end journeys and thereby reduce CO2 emissions. The success of this good practice is driven by listening to passenger needs and delivering a solution that meets these needs to effect real behaviour change. This good practice has been shared with all project partners in the MATCH-UP project.

To assist other regions to implement this good practice I have attached information on costs:

The National Transport Authority funded the cycle and ride projects and as the formed part of multiple larger works packages I have attached a link which shows The Sustainable Transport Grant Measures from 2011 to 2018 many of which contain infrastructure changes identified in the Cycle & Ride Infrastructure associated with Luas Light Rail Accessiblity Report:
https://www.nationaltransport.ie/publications/transport-investment/