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Bike Week at Educate Together in Portlaoise. Pic: Michael Scully
Two out of three Portlaoise people who answered a cycling survey feel unsafe on bicycles in the town due to traffic.
Most of the 66% are women and over half of the Portlaoise women surveyed also say that because their car trips have multiple purposes, it is difficult to travel bike.
A small sample survey carried out for Laois County Council also found that 70% of the people who live or work in Portlaoise, want more space on Portlaoise roads given over to create cycle lanes.
Almost all of, the 214 respondents, which represent less than 1% of Portlaoise's 25,700 population, agree that the council should spend more money on cycling.
The survey found that 92.5% agree that the council should invest in cycle lanes and cycling promotion. It also found that 94% agree with more secure parking for bicycles and 86% support more cycle lanes to better protect them from traffic.
Three-quarters say that they travel by car most days of the week.
Only 3.2% said they use a bicycle every day, but 50% said they would cycle more if the conditions were right.
The survey was carried out in the summer 2022 by Waterford IT Masters student Aine O'Connor from Laois, contracted by the council.
She presented her findings to Portlaoise Municipal District on February 15.
"92.5% agree that Laois County Council should invest in cycling. That is a really high number, I was quite shocked.
"We know the infrastructure is there, it's about supporting behavioural change to get more people on board. People really want to see these changes," Ms O'Connor said.
She is basing her dissertation on her study on how to help Laois become a cycle friendly town.
The study will help to support future grant applications by the council to add more infrastructure and promote cycling.
Other stats gathered show that 32% found cycling in Portlaoise to be a positive experience. 29% would like to cycle more if the opportunity was there, and 26% mentioned the Triogue Way.
Ms O'Connor said that due to data protection, only people aged over 18 were surveyed.
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