Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011-2030

Figure 5.4: Road fatalities in the Greater Dublin AreaMotor Vehicle User140Pedestrian120CyclistFacilities1008060402001996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008YearThe Strategy needs to build on this, by improvingtravel safety further, placing particular emphasison improving safety, and perceptions of safety, forthose who walk and cycle.Walking and cycling can support communityinteraction and perceptions of a safeneighbourhood in a way other travel modescannot. Conversely, low numbers of pedestriansand cyclists can act as a barrier to uptake of thosemodes in some areas, particularly if coupled witha fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. This alsoapplies to the use of public transport, particularlyin the evenings.Walking and cycling (including walking and cyclingto and from public transport) can contribute toimprovements in health and wellbeing in a wayother modes cannot.Leisure walking and cycling facilities can alsocontribute to the quality of life of GDA residentsand visitors, as well as supporting local tourism.The Strategy needs to examine how walkingand cycling can be encouraged, including forleisure and recreational purposes.The Strategy needs to examine ways in whichtravel safety and perceptions of personalsecurity can be improved particularly for thosewalking, cycling or using public transport.140Increases in car ownership, time pressures and the120design of developments where homes have beenlocated 100 away from shops and activities have all ledto an increase 80 in car use and contributed to a moresedentary 60 lifestyle. This has affected both adultsand children 40 of school going age. Although 75% ofsecondary20school students do not consider it too farto walk or cycle to school, less than half do so 24 .05.3Improving the environmentBy 2009, Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissionswere 12% above 1990 levels. Transport GHGs hadgrown by 149%. Road transport accounted for 97%of all emissions nationally. In recent years, growthin transport GHG emissions has exceeded economicgrowth. Transport is by far the largest CO 2emittingsector, and since 1990, by far the most significantgrowth in GHG emissions has taken place in thissector 25 .24 DTO Education Survey 200625 http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Statistics_Publications/Energy_in_Ireland/Energy_in_Ireland_1990-2009.pdfChapter 5: page 7 www.2030vision.ie