2014 has been a truly horrible year for Irish cyclists. We have not only witnessed a huge increase of 59pc in cyclist injuries but a gravely alarming increase in cyclist fatalities from 5 in 2013 to 12 in 2014! I wish to share with you various communications with both the RSA and the Dept. of Transport warning them of the potential disastrous outcome of not following best practice worldwide in relation to cycling safety. Firstly in August 2013, I and many others sent this letter to the then minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, stating amongst others, that there has been a huge increase in the amount of bicycles on our roads, however there has been no worthwhile modifications to the current road rules to reflect this fact, and thereby, affording cyclists the protection by law that we deserve as vulnerable road users.(Attached copy updated for current Minister). Unfortunately Dr. Varadkar left office with the view that further education was the way forward with cycling safety; His theory, predictably, hasnt been borne out unfortunately. Yes, It is part of the solution but real behavioural change will only be achieved with a change in of our overtaking law to reflect the vulnerability of cyclists. Other jurisdictions such as Queensland Australia who have seen fit to grasp the nettle and wring out the issues pertaining to cycle safety have seen worthwhile and lifesaving success in this area.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 20:56:06 +0000
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