Cyclist Nicolas Roche with Minister Regina Doherty.

Doherty sponsoring Bill on roads safety for cyclists

Meath East TD and Minister for Employment and Social Protection, Regina Doherty and Minister Ciaran Cannon this week hosted a briefing for Oireachtas TDs and Senators to highlight the importance of her co-sponsored Bill which endeavours to make our roads safer for cyclists and motorists in gathering support for the Bill which will soon pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Minister Doherty said that on Tuesday of this week another cyclist was tragically killed on our roads, bringing this year's total to 10 - the same figure for the whole of 2016.

She said: “We urgently need to create a safe space on our roads for all cyclists, young and old and our Minimum Passing Distance legislation can do exactly that. This legislation presents a valuable opportunity to reduce deaths and serious injury amongst our very significant cycling community and it is deserving of our support.

“On Wednesday, Minister Cannon and I were joined by TDs and Senators from all parties and none to discuss the Bill and how it will be effective in preventing cyclist’s deaths on our roads if passed.

“This is the first piece of legislation of its kind which focuses on garnering mutual respect between both cyclists and motorists and acknowledges the relative vulnerabilities of both.

“Law enforcement in this regard will always prove difficult; however, I believe that updates to our overtaking laws will signify a welcome change in the everyday practice of road users. A new law of this kind would increase driver awareness and lead to drivers taking more care in overtaking cyclists.”

Doherty added “once a safe passing distance is legislated for, we need to significantly raise awareness of this law by amending the Rules of the Road and funding new public awareness campaigns.

“International cyclist Nicholas Roche was also in attendance to offer his support and to represent Ireland's cycling community along with representatives from Cycling Ireland and the Dublin Cycling Campaign.”

Concluding, Minister Doherty said “this is not about the blame game – safer roads are beneficial to all road users and I strongly believe that our Bill, if passed, will have endless positive impacts on the necessary culture change required in Ireland.”