Limerick City pedal power grows up to 31% in recent years

CYCLING trips into Limerick City have surged by 31% since 2022, according to new figures from the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) 2024 Limerick City Cordon Survey.

The data highlights the city’s growing shift towards more sustainable, people-friendly transport.

The survey, which monitors all movements into the city across 13 key entry points, recorded 1,100 inbound cycling trips in 2024, up from 838 in 2022.

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Overall, 27% of all inbound journeys are now made by sustainable modes such as walking, cycling, bus, and rail, compared to 23% two years ago.

“The data confirms what people in Limerick can already see - the city is cycling more,” said Conor Buckley, Chair of Limerick Cycling Campaign. “A 31% rise in just two years is a clear signal that people are ready for change. Even with sections of the network still under construction, more people are choosing to cycle because it’s convenient, affordable and often the fastest way to move around the city.”

The survey also found strong growth in walking, with pedestrian trips rising 37% since 2022, alongside modest increases in bus and rail use. Car trips declined slightly, now accounting for 70% of all inbound journeys.

According to the report, Thomond Bridge remains the busiest route for cyclists, with 218 daily inbound trips, followed by the Dublin Road and Sarsfield Bridge corridors. The morning peak (07:00 - 10:00) continues to be the busiest period for cycling, underlining its importance for commuting and school travel.

Dave Tobin, Vice Chair of the Irish Cycling Campaign, said, “A 31% rise in cycling is an extraordinary return on a relatively small level of infrastructure delivery. It proves that when people feel even a bit safer, they’re quick to leave the car at home.

“With the city’s Active Travel Network taking shape and BusConnects Limerick on the way, we have a real opportunity to lock in this progress and make cycling a mainstream transport choice,” said Dave.

The Limerick Cycling Campaign welcomed the collaboration between Limerick City and County Council’s Active Travel Team, and the NTA, crediting their work with creating the conditions for this steady modal shift. “These results show that Limerick’s investment in active travel is paying off,” said Buckley.