Dublin Embraces Two Wheels: Cycling Commute Surges as Residents Demand Safer Infrastructure
Dublin is experiencing a significant shift in urban mobility, with a 50 percent increase in daily bicycle usage over the past two years, according to fresh research from the National Transport Authority (NTA). This surge in cycling coincides with overwhelming public support for increased investment in cycling infrastructure, even if it means reallocating road space away from private vehicles. The trend reflects a broader commitment to sustainable transportation and a growing desire for healthier, more livable city environments. This increase in cycling isn’t just a lifestyle choice. it’s contributing to substantial reductions in traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, offering a tangible benefit to the city’s environmental goals.
The NTA’s 2025 Walking and Cycling Index reveals a strong consensus across Ireland’s five main cities – Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford – regarding the need for improved active travel infrastructure. The data indicates that adults who choose to cycle, walk, or use other forms of active mobility are collectively removing 660,000 cars from the roads each day, resulting in a reduction of 120,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This demonstrates the significant impact that prioritizing active travel can have on reducing a city’s carbon footprint and improving air quality. The findings underscore a growing awareness of the environmental and health benefits associated with cycling and walking.
Surveys conducted by Ipsos B&A, encompassing over 1,100 residents in each city, highlight a clear preference for segregated cycling lanes – physically separated from both vehicular traffic and pedestrian walkways. This demand for safer cycling infrastructure is particularly pronounced in Waterford, where 86 percent of residents support dedicated cycle tracks, even at the expense of space allocated to cars. Similar levels of support were found in Galway (82 percent), Cork (73 percent), Dublin (71 percent), and Limerick (69 percent). These figures demonstrate a willingness among residents to prioritize cycling safety and accessibility, even if it requires adjustments to existing road layouts.
A Growing Cycling Culture in Dublin
Detailed data specific to Dublin reveals a substantial increase in regular cycling habits. The number of adults cycling five or more days a week has risen from 8 percent in 2023 to 12 percent in 2025, with a quarter of Dubliners now cycling at least once a week. In 2025 alone, residents of Dublin completed 92.2 million trips by bicycle, totaling 384.9 million kilometers – equivalent to cycling around the world 26 times daily, according to the NTA. This demonstrates a significant shift in commuting and leisure habits within the city.
The increase in cycling is particularly evident in commuting patterns. The number of Dubliners using bicycles to travel to work increased from 23.2 million trips in 2023 to 30 million in 2025, representing a rise from 27 percent to 33 percent of all cycling trips. Cycling among schoolchildren has as well seen a dramatic increase, with six million cycle trips recorded in 2025, up from 3.3 million in 2023 – an increase from 4 percent to 7 percent of all trips. This surge in cycling among younger residents suggests a growing acceptance of cycling as a safe and convenient mode of transportation, and a potential long-term shift towards sustainable mobility habits.
Safety Concerns and Infrastructure Priorities
Despite the growing popularity of cycling, perceptions of safety remain a significant concern for many Dubliners. While a majority (90 percent) feel safe driving in their local area, and a similar proportion (87 percent) feel safe walking or using public transport, only 59 percent believe their area is safe for cycling. This concern is even more pronounced when it comes to children, with only 48 percent of residents feeling their local area is safe for children to cycle. Addressing these safety concerns is crucial to encouraging further uptake of cycling and ensuring that all residents feel comfortable and secure on the roads.
The NTA’s research indicates strong support for measures aimed at improving cyclist safety. A substantial 78 percent of Dubliners support reducing speed limits to 30 km/h on local roads in built-up areas. 70 percent of residents favor a shift in investment away from road-building schemes and towards funding for walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport, with only 12 percent opposed. This clear preference for prioritizing sustainable transportation options underscores a growing desire for a more balanced and people-centric urban environment.
Beyond infrastructure investment, there is also strong support for stricter enforcement of existing regulations. An overwhelming 87 percent of Dubliners support measures to prevent vehicles from parking on footpaths, with only 4 percent opposed. This highlights a widespread frustration with obstructions to pedestrian and cyclist access and a desire for greater accountability for road users.
National Transport Strategy and Future Investments
The growing emphasis on cycling in Dublin aligns with the National Transport Authority’s broader strategic objectives for the period 2026-2030. As outlined in the NTA’s Statement of Strategy, published in February 2026, a significant portion of the national transport budget will be allocated to public transport and active travel initiatives. The updated National Development Plan 2026–2035 allocates €24.3 billion to transport, including €2.0 billion for MetroLink. Approximately €12.1 billion is earmarked for public transport and €1.8 billion for active travel and greenways for the period 2026–2030. The NTA is committed to advancing MetroLink to the construction phase and continuing the rollout of BusConnects Dublin, including the completion of core bus corridors.
Further rail improvements are also planned, including the commencement of DART services on the Northern line to Drogheda and the South-East line to Wicklow, alongside construction of DART+ West. Subject to funding, DART+ South-West is also under consideration. The strategy also includes plans to replace the Luas Red Line tram fleet, increase capacity on the Green Line, and commence construction of Luas Finglas. These investments in rail infrastructure are intended to provide commuters with more efficient and reliable public transport options, further encouraging a shift away from private vehicle use.
In addition to rail and bus improvements, the NTA intends to implement 800km of active travel projects nationally during the strategy period. This includes the development of traffic-free paths through parks and greenways, as well as the creation of signed cycle routes along quieter streets. The NTA also plans to seek planning consent for a new coach station at Heuston Station or another identified hub location and deliver a number of strategic park-and-ride facilities. These initiatives are designed to create a more comprehensive and integrated transport network that prioritizes sustainable mobility options.
Key Takeaways
- Cycling in Dublin has surged, with a 50% increase in daily bicycle usage in two years.
- Strong public support exists for increased investment in cycling infrastructure, even if it means reducing road space for cars.
- Safety concerns remain a barrier to wider cycling adoption, with less than 60% of residents feeling safe cycling in their area.
- The NTA’s 2026-2030 strategy prioritizes active travel, allocating €1.8 billion to cycling and greenway projects.
As Dublin continues to evolve, the prioritization of cycling and active travel will be crucial to creating a more sustainable, livable, and healthy city. The NTA’s ongoing investments and commitment to infrastructure improvements, coupled with growing public support, suggest a promising future for cycling in the Irish capital. The next key milestone will be the commencement of construction on MetroLink, expected in the coming years, which will further integrate public transport options and encourage a modal shift towards sustainable mobility.
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