Dublin aims to double cycling over the next four years with bold new 15-minute city plan

Dublin, often bustling with cars, is gearing up for a monumental shift. Picture this: a Dublin city center where the hum of engines is replaced by the chatter of pedestrians and the whir of bicycles zipping through. It’s not a dream—it’s the bold vision of the new Dublin City Centre Transport Plan.

This ambitious plan, unveiled by Dublin City Council in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a game-changer. It’s all about prioritizing people and cyclists, echoing the moves made by other progressive European cities like Paris, France.

At its core, the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan is a rallying cry for sustainability and livability. It’s about reclaiming the streets for pedestrians and cyclists, making the city center a vibrant hub where people come first.

“Traffic is ruining Dublin city centre – and we now have a bold plan to fix it,” said Dublin city councillor Michael Pidgeon. “Decades of poor planning and a lack of joined-up thinking have left the city centre a place of transport misery.”

The plan will be helped significantly by €290 million in funding for walking and cycling and the hope is to allow Dublin residents to be within a 15-minute walk or bike ride to any key destination.

There are also ambitious mode share targets. Dublin City Council is hoping that the percentage of people taking trips in the city by bicycle more than doubles to 13 per cent by 2028.

But this isn’t just about banning private cars driving through the city center—it’s about building a better, more connected city. The plan includes a host of initiatives aimed at boosting public transport, improving cycling infrastructure, and creating pedestrian-friendly zones. Think wider sidewalks, dedicated cycle lanes, and bustling plazas where people can gather and linger.

And it’s not just talk—Dublin is already making moves to turn this vision into reality. With major investments in public transport and cycling infrastructure, the city is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.

But perhaps the most exciting part? The plan isn’t just about improving transportation—it’s about transforming Dublin into a model city for urban living. A place where people can live, work, and play without relying on cars. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that’s well within reach with the right vision and commitment.

So, as Dublin gears up for this bold new chapter, one thing is clear: the future of transportation is people-powered. And with the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan leading the way, the city is poised to become a shining example of what’s possible when you put people and cyclists first.