Green Limerick: 360 camera identifies new cycle routes and necessary upgrades

LIMERICK City and County Council is working to use an Insta360 camera device to survey and identify challenges for potential cyclists around the city and county.

This ongoing scheme which began in late 2024 is being implemented by the Active Travel team at Limerick Council, with funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Together, they are continuing to expand and upgrade Limerick’s cycling and walking network.

The objective of this cycle camera process is to monitor and evaluate the performance of cycling infrastructure and to utilise the information gathered from this survey to improve the infrastructure.

Active Travel aims to encourage more people to use this mode of transport and make safer routes for cyclists.

Behavioural scientist with the Active Travel team in Limerick City and County Council, Toby Goodwin, who is leading the initiative, said: “The Active Travel team is continuing to expand Limerick’s walking, wheeling and cycling network.

“We have seen the network really beginning to take shape in recent months, with the completion of the Father Russell Road project in Raheen, the Childers Road Active Travel Scheme connecting to the finished Hyde Road project and others.

“Now that we are entering a space where our infrastructure is making significant progress, it’s a good time to assess the impact of that on those who are using it.”

The initiative involves capturing video/GPS footage of existing cycle routes.

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The processing capture members of the public and vehicle registration numbers, with all footage uploaded onto Google maps that automatically redact third-party data, i.e. images of people and vehicle registration numbers.

The Insta360 camera attaches to a pole secured to a back harness worn by Council staff member. Recordings take place in 60-minute intervals to allow for battery change and operator rest.

This data is transferred via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection to the Insta360 application on an approved Council mobile device.

When required, footage will also be reviewed via the Insta360 app for the following purposes: to identify cycle lane issues/risks, to be included in a cycle lane improvement report and to promote usage of cycle lanes and Greenways, as explained further by Mr Goodwin.

“These audits will help us to identify areas of the cycle network where minor works will resolve issues that currently cause confusion or obstruction to all users of cycle lanes,” said Mr Goodwin.

“Examples include clear signage,  dished curbs and removal of street clutter, ideas that will improve mobility for all including cyclists. This is about the team playing an active role in us learning about what is working, what isn’t, and allowing us to take the feedback on board for future work.”

Footage will be retained for three years and will then be offered to the Archivist in the Council.