Be courteous to other road users.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), Cyclist.ie the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network, Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, and An Garda Síochána have urged motorists to share the roads with cyclists.
In particular, they want motorists to slow down and give space to cyclists ahead of National Bike Week which takes place from Saturday, June 10 to Sunday, June 18.
The call comes as the number of cyclists killed on Irish roads this year rose to nine, with three dying during the same period in 2016.
Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said: “Whether cycling for leisure or to commute, cycling has many health and environmental benefits. The number of cyclists is set to increase next week as many people take to the roads to mark National Bike Week. Against this backdrop is a worrying increase in the number of cyclist casualties and fatalities to date this year.
“We all have a responsibility, whether as motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians to share the road in a safe and responsible manner. As speed is the single biggest factor that determines the survival of a cyclist in the event of a collision, I am urging drivers to please slow down.”
Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, RSA said: “Our own studies have found that 82% of drivers are exceeding the 50km/h speed limit in urban national areas. To put this in context, nine out of ten pedestrians, hit by a vehicle at 60km/h will die. Hit at 50km/h survival is literally the toss of a coin.”
The warning from authorities comes as Gardaí recently came across this dangerous and illegally modified truck operating in Dublin.
Whilst the driver thought ‘It looks cool’, Gardaí warned that this poses a serious risk to cyclists, pedestrians and all other road users.
They’ve urged anyone who encounters a modified truck to report the incident to Gardaí.
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