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'Bicycle lift' proposed to help cyclists climb steep 14% street

The idea is based off the Norwegian city of Trondheim which installed a similar design in 1993 to help cyclists ascend a hill

A councillor has proposed the city of Cork installs a 'bicycle lift' to aid cyclists heading back out of the city up a 14 per cent hill.

York Street climbs 14m in just 100m of city centre road, and Green Party councillor Oliver Moran believes a 'bicycle lift' could help encourage more people to venture into the city by bike without the prospect of pushing their way back out again.

In response to his motion, Gerry O'Beirne the Director of Infrastructure Development at the council, recommended the Roads & Transportation Strategic Policy Committee consider the report for approval and said it will be explored further with the National Transport Authority.

Cllr Moran's proposal is based off the Sykkelheisen Trampe, a 'bicycle lift' in Trondheim, Norway, which assists those on two wheels up the 20 per cent slopes of Brubakken in Bakklandet.

It works by cyclists putting their kerb-side foot on the lift's footpiece while their other foot stays on their bike's pedal. Users then push a button which moves the footpiece, carrying riders uphill.

In response to the proposal, O'Beirne said the idea will be "explored further" and may be feasible as part of the Cork Bus Connects Programme.

The National Transport Authority recently published the Sustainable Transport Corridors Report as part of the Cork Bus Connects Programme. The report was issued in advance of the more detailed corridor proposals which are expected to be published in June 2022.

This publication will be followed by a period of public consultation before revision and finalisation of the preferred corridor upgrades around year end. The Sustainable Transport Corridors Report details a potential cycle connection from MacCurtain St to Wellington Rd and beyond via York Street.

The installation of cycling-specific measures/aids such as a bicycle lift as suggested will be explored further with the National Transport Authority as the overall corridor proposals are progressed. The final proposals for each corridor will also be subject to further consultation as part of the planning approval process associated with the corridor improvement works.

I recommend that the Roads & Transportation Strategic Policy Committee consider this report for approval.

York Street, Cork (Google Maps)

Cllr Moran's proposal received a popular response from some Cork residents online, with one calling it a "wonderful idea", however one less optimistic local suggested the number of drivers "parking where they like" might cause problems.

Dan joined road.cc in 2020, and spent most of his first year (hopefully) keeping you entertained on the live blog. At the start of 2022 he took on the role of news editor. Before joining road.cc, Dan wrote about various sports, including football and boxing for the Daily Express, and covered the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for The Non-League Paper. Part of the generation inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Dan has been 'enjoying' life on two wheels ever since and spends his weekends making bonk-induced trips to the petrol stations of the south of England.

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7 comments

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wtjs | 1 year ago
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Stupid idea; just push the bike if you have to, and no help at all with the most important problem for cyclists: nutter Audi and BMW drivers (NB nutter drivers available in other marques)

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kenyond replied to wtjs | 1 year ago
7 likes

I've seen mother's pushing prams up the hill with this. It's not just cyclists that use it..

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chrisonabike | 1 year ago
7 likes

Is Cork already chock-full of cycling facilities?  This sounds like maybe another example of "exceptional infrastructure" or the good idea fairy.  When what's actually needed is the mundane, everywhere?

It's good that they're recognising that for "general population cycling" that gradients need addressing.  Plenty of people on here might be able to get up it on a Brompton.  From memory I think the maximum recommended gradient is 5% in The Netherlands when building infrastructure.  I'm not saying we can't cope with hills but just... think of the people who're now driving!

These always make me a little nervous too...

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billymansell | 1 year ago
8 likes

A few years ago I went on a road trip with my camper and a bike to Norway to ride along some of the fjords and up some mountain passes but made a special trip to Trondheim just to try the Trampe.

Trying to ride the Trampe with spd cleats in the rain wasn't the best idea as after 4 or 5 attempts and in front of a growing crowd I had to admit defeat and just rode up the hill instead.

Glad I went there to give it a go as there's loads of great cycling to be had along the way and throughout Norway.

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don simon fbpe | 1 year ago
5 likes

Would the Trampe still be useable when someone parks over it?

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hawkinspeter replied to don simon fbpe | 1 year ago
7 likes
don simon fbpe wrote:

Would the Trampe still be useable when someone parks over it?

Maybe with a bit of limbo practice

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Mungecrundle | 1 year ago
1 like

There's always the exception, but aren't cyclists sort of notorious for being fit and active? If the council have money to spend for active transport then what about an e-bike hire scheme, or support for local businesses to run hire schemes.

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