Latest figures from Ireland have revealed cycling trips are up 50 per cent in Dublin in two years, the stats showing while much of the recent political and media attention around cycling in the country has focused on controversial measures such as mandatory hi-vis clothing and helmets, in the background there is consistent active travel take-up.<\/p>\n
The National Transport Authority\u2019s 2025 Walking and Cycling Index found that active travel journeys in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford had resulted in 660,000 fewer daily car journeys, a figure The Journal<\/a> suggests is equivalent to 120,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.<\/p>\n Of that two-thirds of a million number, around 510,000 walking an cycling journeys came in Dublin, where the proportion of adults cycling five or more days a week has increased from eight per cent in 2023 to 12 per cent in 2025.<\/p>\n Notably, the number of school journeys cycled is almost double the 2023 figure and commuting journeys were up around a third from 23.2 million in 2023 to 30 million in 2025.<\/p>\n Campaigners and pro-cycling politicians will point to the numbers as proof investment in active travel infrastructure, such as protected cycle lanes, is working and enabling more people to access cycled journeys.<\/p>\n However, while the figures show cycling\u2019s growth over the past few years, recent media attention in Ireland has focused on controversial proposals, such as introducing mandatory hi-vis for cyclists.<\/p>\n Last month, Ireland\u2019s Department for Transport confirmed its plan<\/a> to fine all cyclists not wearing helmets or hi-vis, only for the proposal to be unceremoniously scrapped<\/a> following a backlash 24 hours later.<\/p>\n > \u2018Over-reaction based on vibes\u2019: Are mandatory helmet and hi-vis laws for cyclists set to be introduced in Ireland?<\/a><\/p>\n Then, more recently, Ireland\u2019s National Bus and Rail Union also called for hi-vis jackets to be made mandatory<\/a> for people on bikes, a move the union said would \u201cmake the roads a safer place\u201d.<\/p>\n The year also began with a media storm following a judge\u2019s remarkable court comments<\/a> claiming that cyclists in Dublin have become \u201ca nightmare\u201d.<\/p>\n The case saw the judge reported to the judicial standards body and attracted criticism from Ireland\u2019s transport minister<\/a> and prime minister.<\/p>\n While a rise in the number of people cycling in Ireland is undoubtedly a positive for the environment and public health, recent road safety figures<\/a> did find that 14 cyclist fatalities were recorded in the Republic of Ireland in 2025, the fourth highest number this century and double the number recorded in 2022.<\/p>\n The casualty figures, published in January, prompted road safety groups to call for a \u201cwhole-of-government response\u201d to better protect vulnerable road users and \u201creverse this tragic increase in road deaths\u201d.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s publication of the Walking and Cycling Index also highlighted concerns about cycling safety, even if participation numbers are on the rise.<\/p>\n Of those surveyed, 59 per cent said they feel it is safe to cycle in their area, this number significantly lower than the 87 per cent and 90 per cent who said it is safe to walk or drive.<\/p>\n There was broad support for 30km\/h (18.6mph) speed limits in urban areas and 71 per cent of Dubliners expressed support for segregated cycling infrastructure.<\/p>\n \u201cThe vast majority of residents across the State\u2019s five main cities want increased investment in cycling infrastructure, even when that results in less road space for cars, the NTA\u2019s 2025 Walking and Cycling Index has found.\u201d @darraghobrientd.bsky.social [image or embed]<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Irish Cycling Campaign (@irishcyclingcmpn.bsky.social<\/a>) 3 March 2026 at 08:02<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt is really encouraging to see such strong levels of support for more investment in walking, wheeling and cycling,\u201d Anne Shaw, the National Transport Authority\u2019s CEO said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will use this data to guide our work as we continue to deliver high quality walking and cycling infrastructure, more safer routes to school, and active travel networks that connect people\u2019s homes with their work, school and local amenities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Latest figures from Ireland have revealed cycling trips are up 50 per cent in Dublin in two 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www.irishtimes.com\/ireland\/dubl\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n