Cycling in Ireland: The time to cycle is NOW!
The Irish cyclist advocacy groups have combined to form a new lobbying body called “Cyclist.ie” to raise the profile of cyclist issues and campaign for action. Given rising transport costs, severe urban traffic congestion and a marked increase in the incidence of overweight and obese children, this is an ideal opportunity for Ireland to promote commuting and leisure cycling.
Most children live within 6 km of their school, a very manageable cycling distance for a healthy child. As a society we need to facilitate and encourage more children to cycle to school and to use their bicycles to socialise and explore their neighbourhoods.
With the 2006 census showing a mere 1.9% of adult commuters travelling by bicycle, cycling to work, school or college has become almost extinct. This is principally due to roads being cyclist-hostile due to (1) excessive traffic speeds and volumes, (2) badly designed and maintained cycling facilities, (3) proliferation of cyclist-hostile road infrastructure such as multi-lane one-way streets and multi-lane roundabouts, (4) poor cycle-parking provision and (5) poor driving standards, including close and dangerous overtaking.
In order for Ireland to meet its stringent Kyoto commitments, we urgently need to replace a large percentage of car journeys with cycling or walking. This applies particularly to journeys of under 6km. Such journeys can be accomplished relatively easily and quickly by bicycle in congested urban traffic. However, this modal shift can only happen if the roads are perceived to be safer, more pleasant places for newcomer cyclists and walkers.
Cyclist.ie does not seek the construction of additional cycle lanes and paths. It recognises that the mere painting of lines and rolling out of red tarmac treatments does not guarantee cyclists” safety. Safety will come via globally revised road design standards, traffic law enforcement, and modifying drivers’ and cyclists’ behaviour in each other’s presence.
It seeks safer roads through (1) measures to restrict inappropriate traffic speeds and volumes and the introduction of a 30 km/h urban speed limit, (2) improved driver instruction, training and testing regimes that include safe interaction with cyclists, particularly for goods vehicle drivers, (3) enhanced road traffic law enforcement and new traffic regulations such as a defined minimum overtaking distance (1.5m) when drivers pass cyclists.
Cyclist.ie has already presented a detailed National Cycling Policy submission to the Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey, TD under his Sustainable Travel and Transport Policy Initiative. Today, Cyclist.ie launches that document as a comprehensive guide for those interested in cycling in the Irish context. Cyclist.ie looks forward to co-operating with government and local authorities in selecting and applying the proven measures that its research shows to be most relevant to promoting cycling in Ireland.
Key measures to promote cycling include:
- Motorised traffic speed reduction
- Traffic volume reduction
- Driver instruction and testing regimes that include safe interaction with cyclists
- Traffic skills training for cyclists starting at school level
- Comprehensive provision of secure cycle parking
- Elimination of urban multi-lane one-way streets
- Two-way access for cyclists to one-way streets
- Elimination of cyclist-hostile road features such as slip roads and large roundabouts
- Bicycle friendly adaptations to traffic signals
- Adequate road surface drainage and maintenance
- Creation of a “cyclist permeable” urban environment
- Restrictions on HGV access to urban areas
- Shared bus/cycle lanes of appropriate safe width
- Where appropriate, cycle lanes/hard shoulders of adequate width (2m minimum)
Recently, sitting having a cup of coffee opposite the Millennium pedestrian bridge, I began to count the number of mounted cyclists crossing it. In the time it took to drink the coffee I counted over 20 cycling across the bridge. Between 6pm and 8pm I counted over a hundred more. Most of them I got photos of. The photos can be seen here: http://pix.ie/frpost/2268484/in/album/407387
Since then I’ve taken more photos around the city of cyclists breaking red lights and using pedestrian footpaths. In most cases while the behaviour of cyclists inconvenienced pedestrians very little of what I saw was dangerous. Some of it potentially could be dangerous to pedestrians and some behaviour by cyclists at road junctions was almost suicidal. Cycle couriers seem to be by far the worst offenders. I’ve documented some of those here: http://s532.photobucket.com/albums/ee327/Falconer1st/Dublin%20Cyclists%202/?albumview=slideshow
(Note the Cyclone courier on O’Connell bridge.)
I have not posted any of this on motoring websites since the reactions would be predictable.
The two most important questions are these.
1. Are cyclists in Dublin showing too much disregard for pedestrians.
2. Are cyclists endangering themselves and others on a regular basis.
I’ve also sent this to the Dublin Cycling Campaign.
Frank Robinson.
Story Title: Video clip to hightlight safety
Date: 25th May 2011
Have you ever cycled on a busy road and felt intimidated by passing cars ? A video clip is to raise awareness among motorists on how to over take a cyclist safely, one of the greatest concerns parents and cyclists have is how motorists come too close to cyclists when overtaking them. This awareness campaign is been promoted to co-inside with a national campaign to promote cycling with national bike week been held on 18th June – 26th June.
Links : http://www.mayococo.ie/sc/safe_overtaking.mov
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_7l5HYmFNQ
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100001192122153
This campaign aims to prevent collisions between motorists and cyclists by educating the public about bicycle safety and encouraging cars and bikes to share the road.
A recent report by the Road safety Authority revealed Over 600 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on Irish roads between 1997 and 2010.This video clip reminds motorists to allow plenty of space when overtaking a cyclist and always anticipate a cyclist having to make a sudden move to avoid a pothole or obstruction. We are also reminding cyclists that it’s everyone’s responsibility to pay attention and take care on the roads. Simple actions such as wearing a helmet and high visibility jacket, obeying the rules of the road, anticipating what drivers may do, and most importantly never use an i pod when cycling.
“ As more people are starting to cycle on our roads it’s vital that drivers know how to overtake cyclists in a safe manner. Cyclists must also practice the rules of the road. Mutual respect between the driver and cyclist will result in happy and safe roads.” Miss Eva Gannon Green Schools An Taisce
‘’The idea behind this campaign is simple – we’re asking everyone to accept responsibility to look out for each other on the roads so more people can experience the health benefits of cycling said Miss Thelma Birraine health promotion HSE West.
Improving bike safety is a two-way street, “Drivers need to know that cyclists have a right to the road and cyclists need to know that drivers are looking out for their safety. That’s why we all need to work together to take simple steps to share the road and keep our roads safe.” said Noel Gibbons road safety officer.
Thérèse Ruane, Chairperson of Smart Travel Castlebar, said:
“Cycling is becoming more and more popular. Using your bike is the fastest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around town. But it’s really important that motorists and cyclists act responsibly on the road to ensure safety for everyone. This video clip will go along way to ensure that we can all share the road in a safe and responsible way.
Paul Moloney, Head of Corporate Affairs at AXA Insurance added: “At AXA we are big supporters of road safety initiatives through our AXA Road safe Road show series. We welcome any campaign that highlights the importance of sharing the road with other road users, as this remains a major contributing factor to road deaths in Ireland each year”.
END
Regards
Noel Gibbons
Road Safety Officer
Mayo County Council
MAYO
Ireland
Why is it that the cycle to work scheme does not include those who are self-employed? In other words, it seems to be limitde to employees. There are many more workers who are self-employed and the scheme seems to be unnecessarily limited if they are excluded.
Lorries lead safety Campaign
Mayo County Council has joined forces with a haulage company (Brian Cunningham Transport) to show the dangers they could face from heavy good vehicles. Cyclists will take part in a innovative exercise in road safety in Castlebar on Saturday next as part of National Bike Week.
Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and handle differently from cars.
To safely travel on the road with trucks, cyclists and pedestrians need to be aware of their visibility, stopping distances and safe methods for overtaking heavy vehicles. The risk to cyclists from large lorries is a problem in all urban areas. Almost eight out of 10 cyclists killed on Irish roads are struck down by trucks. This week members of smarter travel Castlebar and the Gardai will be at Aldi Car park, Castlebar, to emphasise to cyclists and pedestrians how important it is to keep a safe distance between themselves and commercial vehicles .
Lorry drivers will demonstrate the possible dangers posed by turning, reversing, unloading and ‘blind spots’. The event will take place at Aldi car park Castlebar Co.Mayo 2-4 pm Saturday 25th June.
“We are aiming this programme at 9 to 11-year-olds because we see the numbers of child pedestrians and cyclists injured between the ages of 10 to 14 but we are asking all ages to come along.” said Noel Gibbons, road safety officer.
“This is often the age they are allowed out unaccompanied but have never had to think about taking responsibility for keeping themselves safe.”
Other activities taking place at the event are :
· Music with DJ
· Face Painting
· Out door spinning sessions
· Information stands by bicycle shops
· Cycle safety instruction
· Slow bicycle race
The below information will be passed onto the people who attend the event ;
1) Remember Long vehicles need extra room.
2) Remember Long Vehicles are also wide vehicles.
3) Remember, the driver may not see you in his mirrors due to ‘blind spots.’
4) Remember to keep well back from the kerb when you see a Long Vehicle approaching.
5) Remember Long Vehicles can cause a side wind when travelling.
6) Remember Long Vehicles take a long time and long distance to stop.
7) Remember Long Vehicles take longer to stop in wet weather.
9) Remember when a Long Vehicle is turning left it still has to swing out to the right to complete its turn.
10)
Remember Lorry Drivers often find roundabouts difficult and may have to take a different route around them than you might expect.
Questions to ask the driver
1) How long is your vehicle? _____________
2) What height is your vehicle? __________
3) How many hours are you allowed to drive before taking a break? _________
4) What is the maximum speed you are allowed
to travel at on the motorway? __________
5) What distance would it take for your vehicle to stop when travelling at 30 Miles Per Hour? __________
6) What does a Tachograph measure?
__________________________________________
TACHOGRAPH
Name: ___________________________________
School: __________________________________
Class: _______________
Complete the following: -
1) Long vehicles are also ________ vehicles.
2) Long vehicles can cause a side ________ when travelling.
3) Do all long vehicles make a noise when reversing? ____
4) When a long vehicle is turning left it still has to swing out to the _________ to complete it’s turn.
5) The driver of a long vehicle may not see you in his mirrors due to __________ ___________.
6) Keep well back from the ________ when you see a long vehicle approaching.
END
Noel Gibbons
Road Safety Officer