Our cycle bus is going from strength to strength since we started in April 2021. We used our initial funding to buy high visibility vests customised with the crest of our children's school. These were distributed to the children in the school and it generated great interest among the children in the our cycling initiative. It was an initiative started by parents but we can see how the children are promoting among one another and are driving a lot of the interest in it. There is a camaraderie among the children on the bus. Families also report how the bus is a very positive way to start the day. The bus runs every day. Only a recent storm has stopped the bus going. We have started a second route since we received funding and hope to get another route started to help families from other locations cycling together and safely to school.
We've started a second route this week on Braemor Road!
Here's a link to a recent newspaper article about developments in our area and the potential impact on traffic and commuters. We are mentioned and had our photo included.
Through conversations on Twitter between cycling advocates in 2019, parents of students in Gaelscoil na Fuinseoige, a new primary school in Dublin 14, showed interest in starting a cycle bus. A group of 3 parents initiated the process. Surveys of parents took place in 2019 and in 2020 to gauge interest and to identify location of families so we could plan potential routes. 4 potential routes were identified. However, the numbers in the school were quite small at the time so the cycle bus did not gain momentum.
In early 2021 as Covid restrictions relaxed and general uptake in cycling was noticeable, a fresh drive commenced. Other cycle buses were contacted and this is how we learned of Change X.
Our plan involves:
- Include a notice in the school newsletter about the planned cycle bus and provide contact details.
- Notify parents on whatsapp groups.
- Focus on one route (Clonskeagh - Windy Arbour - School) and notifying parents on the route by email to confirm their interest.
- Carry out a risk assessment of the Clonskeagh route.
- Carry out a trial run with parents only.
- Prepare an information booklet and rules of conduct.
- Identify volunteer marshals to supervise the bus.
- Set up social media account for promotion and public relations.
- In the first week, run the cycle bus with a small group to iron out teething problems, especially for marshal supervision.
- In week 2 invite all families on the route to join the bus.
- Keep the principal of the school informed of progress.
- Take learnings from the Clonskeagh route and seek to commence routes from Breamor Road and Goatstown.
Could I ask where you got your hi-vis vests from? We want to get some printed for our Cycle Bus in Sandymount.