The Road Safety Authority Interactive Shuttle and Rollover Simulator will be in Westside Shopping Centre today as part of an information campaign to encourage people to leave the car at home and travel by foot, bike or bus.
The shuttle is the start of a comprehensive programme of actions, which seeks to maximise uptake of bus, cycling, and walking options provided by the new bus lanes, 1.6km of cycle lanes, and five pedestrian crossings available to the public, when the Seamus Quirke/Bishop O’Donnell Roads opens next month.
As a result the Galway City Council, NUI Galway, HSE West, the Galway Healthy Cities Project, and An Taisce Green Schools Galway have developed a co-ordinated programme of actions, which will be rolled out over the coming weeks encompassing free bike training for 360 schoolchildren, a new awareness campaign, free health checks, maps of walking and cycling times to key locations, street art, promotions, and special offers.
The Interactive Shuttle at Westside features a fully interactive, educational road safety setting, fully equipped presentation area with seating for an audience of 25 people, driving and bicycle simulators, reaction timers, and numerous computers equipped with the driver theory test, questionnaires, and interactive games.
“Research indicates that when behavioural change programmes are combined with the rollout of new infrastructure such as bus and cycle lanes a significantly greater increase in sustainable travel is achieved,” said Joe Tansey, head of the Galway Transportation Unit.
Groups wishing to experience the shuttle in Westside should make a booking as soon as possible by contacting the Galway Transportation Unit, City Hall on 091 - 894328.
