Cycling in Galway

As an area with relatively flat topography and a compact city centre, Galway is well suited to cycling as a means of transport.  The cycle network proposed in the Galway Transport Strategy is intended to maximise the provision of high-quality dedicated cycling facilities and to improve measures giving priority to cyclists, encouraging uptake in cycling both for commuting and as a leisure activity in the city and surrounding areas.

Galway City Council is developing new and improved infrastructure throughout the city to maximise the safety and security of walkers, wheelers and cyclists.  Where possible, the proposed routes are fully segregated, with cyclists physically separated from motorised traffic. In other cases, the network includes on-road cycle lanes and/or wide bus lanes to cater for both buses and cyclists along the same route.

An overall cycle plan has been developed on the basis of three levels of network which support each other and reinforce connections across the study area. These networks are classified as 'primary', 'secondary' and 'feeder' routes, indicating the desired function and character of the cycle route.

The development of this network is led by the Active Travel Department of Galway City Council, in conjunction with funding partners including the National Transport Authority and the government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).