Meath County Council are looking for early feedback about proposed improvements for walking and cycling between Convent Road and Metges Road. Here are our thoughts

General Comments

Navan Cycling Initiative (NCI) welcomes the Navan Cycle Scheme – Convent Road to Metges Road, creating a safe and convenient link between the established cycle network in Johnstown with the town centre via Convent Road.

Specific Comments

Buff Road Surface at Convent Road

Consider extending the buff road surface from Convent Road to the Athlumney Castle entrance, to reinforce slow motor vehicle speeds and avoid removing trees.

Facilitate Cyclists Turning Right At Junctions

Ensure that cyclists can turn right and access cycle lanes. The plans appear to show a grass verge preventing cyclists turning right from either side of Athlumney Castle, for example.

Avoid Removing Trees

Note that there are a large number of existing trees in the area, which are critical to the attractiveness of the area. Many trees are located where the cycle lanes are proposed. Wherever possible, removal of trees should be avoided, even if this means a less direct route.

Avoid Shared Space

While we acknowledge that space is limited at the Kentstown / Old Road Junction, we understand that an alternative design with segregated cycle tracks has been considered and is possible here. We would strongly urge that this junction is fully segregated in order to avoid conflict between pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during peak school-travel times.

This road is also a popular route for cyclists travelling from Navan eastwards toward Kentstown (and vice-versa). The proposed cycle tracks here are high quality, however, it is quite likely they will not be used by some cyclists and they may choose to continue on the main road carriageway, mainly due to this junction being signalised and having shared paths, requiring cyclists to stop. Cycle lanes should be continuous and allow for the free flowing of cycling.

Junction at Bothar Hodgett

While the scheme ends before this junction, we note the use of shared space, which puts cyclists in conflict with pedestrians.

There is ample space at the top-left of this junction to allow for cyclists to continue North on Bothar Hodgett on fully-segregated facilities.

We also note the existing lack of a southbound cycle lane on Bothar Hodgett, which is required, and turning right from Metges Road is not facilitated for cyclists. We trust that these observations can be noted.

Conclusion

Overall, Navan Cycling Initiative welcomes this scheme, which will improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians in this area, and plays a key part in joining existing sections of the Navan Cycle Network. 

We have made the following observations:

• Buff Road Surface at Convent Road – could reduce vehicle speeds and avoid tree removal
• Facilitate Cyclists Turning Right At Junctions – to ensure that cyclists can proceed conveniently and without delay
• Avoid Removing Trees which would impact the attractiveness of the area
• Avoid Shared Space which puts cyclists into conflict with pedestrians, particularly at school-travel times
• The Junction at Bothar Hodgett at the end of the scheme could be modified to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists, and accommodate a southbound cycle lane on Bothar Hodgett.