Cyclists welcome Prom truck ban

The Galway Cycling Campaign has welcomed Galway City Council’s decision to ban large goods vehicles from parking on the Promenade in Salthill.

Lorries, trucks and Heavy Goods Vehicles will be banned from parking along the Prom within ‘the next few weeks’, according to the Council.

The problem of HGVs parking alongside the seaside walkway was highlighted in February, when 22-year-old Aileen Feeney from Sligo died after her car crashed into the back of a concrete pump truck which was parked close to Seapoint Leisure Centre.

The cycling advocacy group added its support to Councillors who had called for the ban in response to locals’ concerns for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

According to the group’s PRO, Simon Comer, the ban will make the road much safer to navigate for vulnerable road users. He described the decision as “a timely and common-sense measure that will make it safer for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to use this busy section of coastal road.”

“This area is hugely popular with families, and given the presence of a playground, Galway Atlantaquaria and other leisure facilities in the area where these HGVs have been parking, it is to be hoped that it will be much easier for parents and children to cross the road now.”

“The absence of HGVs from the area will also enable more cyclists to use the road with confidence and to enjoy one of Galway’s finest attractions.”

In its statement the group also pointed out that it has received complaints about adult cyclists using the footway along the Prom in an inconsiderate manner, and that it shares the concerns of Prom walkers in this regard.

“We hope the parking ban will help alleviate the current problem and encourage capable adult cyclists back on the road where they belong,” Mr Comer said.

The group says it has been consistently calling for greater levels of enforcement, education and encouragement in relation to road safety. According to the group, measures such as banning HGVs from parking in a heavily-used pedestrian and cycling area will encourage more people to use quality facilities such as the Prom.

They have also called on the City Council to provide bike parking stands on the Prom. “Additional common-sense measures like providing lots of bike parking stands will help alleviate traffic congestion by encouraging more people to cycle to area rather than use their cars.”