Peddling Stories: An investigation of the day-to-day realities for cyclists in Galway

Towns and cities worldwide are challenging the dominance of private cars and seeking ways to limit their use, compelled by the urgency to deal with the climate crisis. There is a growing determination to transition to more active and sustainable transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport, and to reduce our overall need for private car use in urban areas while improving public health and local environs. Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise and mobility option that can assist attempts to reduce private car use, cut harmful emissions, and moderate economically damaging traffic congestion in towns and cities. Cycling also offers numerous health and well-being benefits. But in towns and cities where cycling is constrained, marginalised, or ignored by transport planners, little is known about who is cycling, for what purpose, where they are cycling to and from, and their motivation to cycle. In recent times, efforts have been made to improve the cycling infrastructure and better promote this mode of travel in Galway, a small city on the West coast of Ireland. This study investigates the experiences of cyclists in the city with data collected from individuals of differing ages and cycling abilities and advocates cycling continues to be marginalised and neglected in the context of implementing transport policy in the city. The findings indicate that most cyclists feel unsafe, and a prevailing car-centric policy mindset prevents cycling from developing to its potential in Galway to the detriment of the local environment, citizens health, and new economic opportunities.