A new survey of transport in Trinity has shown that 97 per cent of students and staff now opt for “smarter travel” methods – walking, cycling or public transport.
“Smarter travel” methods are modes of transport considered environmentally friendly, healthy and that reduce congestion on roads.
Trinity’s rates are far above the general Dublin average of 43 per cent and are also higher than other third-level institutions, the average of which is 67 per cent.
The survey of 3,912 respondents aimed to measure modes of transport within Trinity and was conducted in February by email as part of the college’s Smarter Travel initiative.
Walking is people’s preferred way to get to Trinity, with 28 per cent of respondents opting to walk to College. Taking the bus was a close second at 27 per cent, while 17 per cent take the train or DART. Fourteen per cent cycle and 11 per cent take the Luas.
Trinity has exceptionally low rates of driving, with only two per cent of people getting to College by car.
Speed was the most important factor for those surveyed when choosing their mode of transport, while cost was the second most important factor. Ten per cent of people cited sustainability as a consideration when choosing a transport method.
Trinity’s high rates of sustainable travel exceed national targets and are in line with the goals of the College’s Smarter Travel initiative. However, concerns were raised in the survey report about declining cycling rates.
Cycling in Trinity has fallen by eight per cent since 2011. The reason for this drop is not clear, however 87 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they questioned the safety of cycling in Dublin. In another recent Trinity-led survey, many expressed a wish for more off-road cycle tracks and more connected on-road cycle lanes. Bike theft within Trinity was also flagged as an issue.
Despite this, Trinity still has comparatively high rates of cycling, with more than twice as many people cycling to Trinity than to any other third-level institution. The report recommended that improved cycling infrastructure around Trinity’s campus be implemented to reverse the decline in cyclists.
Trinity’s Smarter Travel initiative was launched in 2011 and is part of the College’s efforts to implement its Sustainable Development Policy. In recent years, Trinity has made several moves towards a more sustainable campus. The College recently committed to reducing the use of plastics on campus, with plastic cups to be phased out in the Buttery this summer.
