Walking and cycling in Galway
Walking, wheeling and cycling are central to Galway’s transport future.
The Galway Transport Strategy includes an extensive cycle network and active travel programme designed to provide safe, attractive and connected routes throughout the metropolitan area.
Building a connected active travel network
The strategy identifies a comprehensive cycling network linked to schools, neighbourhoods, employment centres, public transport hubs and city centre destinations. It also supports improvements to footpaths, crossings and public realm spaces.
Walking and Cycling Index 2025
The Galway Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index 2025 highlights the growing importance of active travel across the region. Key findings include:
- Walking, wheeling and cycling generate an estimated €171.1 million in annual economic benefit.
- Active travel helps prevent approximately 278 serious long term health conditions each year.
- Up to 23,000 car trips are removed from Galway’s roads each day through active travel.
Strong public support exists for additional investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.
Residents identified the need for:
- Safer and wider footpaths.
- Protected cycle routes.
- Better crossing facilities.
Stronger links between active travel and public transport services.
Further information
Active Travel Investment Programme | National Transport
Galway Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index 2025 | National Transport
Cycling in Galway
Galway City Cycline Development
Galway City Council is actively working on enhancing the cycling infrastructure in the city. The council has developed several projects to improve the cycling network, including the Droichead an Dóchais, the Miller’s Lane Upgrade, the Doughiska Road South Cycle Scheme, and the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme.
These projects aim to provide high-quality dedicated cycling facilities and improve measures that prioritize cyclists.
The council is also planning further investments in walking and cycling infrastructure, including the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme, the Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network, and the Salmon Weir Bridge Pedestrian Crossing projects. These initiatives are part of the broader Galway Transport Strategy and are designed to reduce private car use and ease congestion throughout the city.
New walking and cycling infrastructure developed by Galway City Council in recent years includes Droichead an Dóchais, the Miller’s Lane Upgrade, the Doughiska Road South Cycle Scheme and the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme.
Full details on these projects, and others, which have been delivered by Galway City Council in partnership with funding partners can be viewed at Galway City completed projects.
Further investments in walking and cycling infrastructure will continue, in line with the aims of the Galway Transport Strategy. Projects currently under development or planning include the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme, the Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network and the Salmon Weir Bridge Pedestrian Crossing projects.