Election survey 2007 - Results

The questionnaire was sent to 88 candidates standing for Dublin Dáil seats, plus the Transport Minister Martin Cullen (FF, Waterford). We received 40 replies, from all parties and all constituencies except Dublin South West. Fine Gael had the best response rate, with 11/16, while Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin were worst, with 9/26 and 3/12 respectively. For the other parties the response rate was around 50%.

8 respondents said they use their bicycle daily and 9 weekly. 18 rarely cycle and 5 never. Half the daily cyclists were Green Party candidates, while most Fine Gael candidates cycle rarely or never.

There was overwhelming support for more widespread introduction of 30km/h speed limits, with 34 of the respondents favouring such speed limits in all residential or business areas, or on request of locals. Only 5 were either against 30km/h speed limits or gave only qualified support; among the latter were the Fine Gael transport spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell.

There was general agreement that the danger from cars and high speeds on the road is the main obstacle to increased cycling, followed by poor facilities. Convenience of cars, low status of cycling, and urban sprawl were also seen as factors, though FF, FG and PD candidates did not see the latter as important. The main positive benefits of cycling are reduction of obesity and reduced congestion; there were no differences between the parties on this issue.

Nearly all candidates, from all parties, support more funding for "Safe routes to schools" programmes to get more children to cycle to school. There was also strong support across the board for cycling education in schools.

To get more people in general to cycle, especially for short trips, the most popular measures were making it easier to combine cycling and public transport and improving road design. Lower speed limits and better enforcement found most favour with Green Party candidates, along with Olivia Mitchell and Michael McDowell.

Some selected comments from the candidates:

I believe that we must build far more cycle lanes exclusively dedicated to cycling. I believe that we could build a network of cycle-ways down back lanes and through back gardens where necessary to give cyclists safe commuter facilities.
(Michael McDowell, PD leader, Dublin SE)

We need to sell benefits of cycling through the education system. We also need to convince parents it is a safe way to let children go to school. There is a need to improve workplace facilities so that cycling to work and wearing a suit are seen as compatible.
(Jim O'Leary, FG, Dublin S)