Transport Equity – Exploring Gender-Inclusive Infrastructure in the Context of Rural and Inter-urban Cycling in Ireland

Abstract The results from this research will inform how cycling infrastructure is designed and planned to mitigate barriers that prevent women accessing and utilising cycling as a form of travel. It will support the Irish Government’s strategic objectives within the Climate Action Plan (2023), which sets a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, by providing evidence to support a shift from carbon-based transport to higher uptake of cycling among women in Ireland. In addition, it will provide evidence on how to best meet objectives within the trans-European transport network to increase the benefits for its users by ensuring accessibility for all users is fair and meets their mobility and transport needs. The research project has to date included a literature review of current cycling patterns in Ireland and internationally, and qualitive and quantitative data collection from women living in Ireland. This paper outlines the results from those initial phases. The literature review was used to inform the follow on qualitative and quantitative research phases. The first phase consisted of a survey to collect data from women in Ireland, the second phase involved recording travel diary data followed by depth interviews.