A recent question by Cllr James Humphreys inquiring about alternatives to kissing gates at a recent Fingal County council meeting. Fingal County Council replied that a trial is currently taking place in the Castleknock, Mulhuddart areas. ‘K’ gates have been the subject of mixed reviews from other Dublin Authorities in addition they are not particularly aesthetic from a visual perspective. We have arranged to also include two additional trial locations in the Balbriggan-Swords Area which will be selected in the coming weeks. The outcome of the trials will guide our future use of these gates.

The campaign has an image attached of what a K gate looks like from Sheffield cycling campaign. We have covered the issue of kissing gates previously here: https://www.dublincycling.com/cycling/kissing-gates-k-barriers-barrier-b… We believe K gates as an alternative to kissing gates are just as discriminatory to non standard bicycles such as cargo bikes. If you know where these locations are please send in photos to Fingal@dublincycling.com or tag us on twitter @Fingal_Cycling

Here is a good website explaining why K type barriers shouldn’t be used from UK based cycling organisation in Sheffield. Their website explains that *“We campaign for a cycle friendly Sheffield where anyone can choose to make their journey by bike. We want cycling to be inclusive and easy, not limited to the quick and the brave.” https://www.cyclesheffield.org.uk/2017/01/04/barriers-on-cycle-paths/

COMHAIRLE CONTAE FHINE GALL FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL BALBRIGGAN/RUSH-LUSK/SWORDS AREA COMMITTEE MEETING [Services A – Operational Matters and Water Services] Thursday 11th February 2021

ITEM NO. 73

“K” gate trial, Swords

Question: Councillor J. Humphreys

“To ask the Chief Executive if any location in the Swords LEA is included in the “K” gate trial, and if not why was it not considered?”

Reply: ‘K’ gates have been the subject of mixed reviews from other Dublin Authorities in addition they are not particularly aesthetic from a visual perspective. The gates are being trialed currently in the Castleknock-Mulhuddart area at two challenging locations. We have arranged to also include two additional trial locations in the Balbriggan-Swords Area which will be selected in the coming weeks. The outcome of the trials will guide our future use of these gates.