Students from Gort Community School are leading a campaign for a safer cycling route along the Ennis Road (R458 ) and the Galway Road (R458 ), which will help protect students and local cyclists. The campaign calls for a dedicated cycle lane to be sectioned off along the hard shoulder of these regional roads, continuing the Labane cycle lane into Gort and extending all the way to Loughcutra National School.
With the rise in cycling as an eco-friendly and health-promoting activity, students at Gort Community School have expressed frustration over the dangerous road conditions preventing them from cycling safely to school. Despite recent reductions in speed limits, high traffic volumes, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs ), and blind bends still pose significant risks to cyclists.
Clara Blodau, a student and campaign spokesperson, shared her personal experience:
“I used to cycle to school because it kept me fit and healthy, and it aligned with my passion for environmentally friendly transportation. However, after a close call with a passing lorry, I had no choice but to stop cycling. The danger was too real, and I felt vulnerable every time I approached those roads.”
Many students at Gort Community School share similar fears, resulting in empty bike racks and a significant number of students unable to cycle to school. This is a concern for the entire community, as more than 1,000 students are impacted.
Ms Blodau has been in contact with local Garda, Mr. Jirr Naughton, who supports the call for infrastructural improvements. The students have also gathered nearly 1,000 signatures on a petition calling for a safer cycling route, and the petition continues to grow daily.
The issue has drawn attention from local organisations, including Gort Cycle Trails, Burren Lowlands, Gort River Walk, Burren Nature Sanctuary, Forgeworks, the Gort Biogas Concern Group, and Coole Park. These groups are all advocates for new cycling paths in the South Galway region, further strengthening the case for this necessary development.
Noah, a fellow student, expressed his desire for safer cycling conditions.
“I really want this cycle lane to happen because I would love to be able to cycle to school with my friends, but my parents won’t let me because the roads are too dangerous.”
The students of Gort Community School are calling on Galway County Council to act and create a safer, more sustainable travel route for the local community. The proposed cycle lane, which would run from Gort to Loughcutra National School, would not only benefit students, but also support the continuation of the Labane cycle lane into Gort, and promote safe travel for the broader community.
Ms Blodau also emphasized the importance of this project in light of national climate action goals. “This proposal aligns with the National Climate Action Plan 2023, the ESD to 2030: Implementation Plan, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By investing in cycle lane infrastructure, Galway County Council can help reduce fatalities on Irish roads and support the climate action goals.”
The creation of this cycle lane would provide a safe, eco-friendly alternative for students, staff, and the community to travel, making it a crucial step toward building a greener, safer future for Gort.To help make Gort a safer place for cyclists, students are urging the public to sign their petition.
