“I would encourage everyone to use the road safely, look out for each other and enjoy the various activities taking place all around the country.”
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has urged drivers to be aware of cyclists during National Bike Week and to give them space in which to ride safe.
National Bike Week runs from Saturday 9 June to Sunday 17 June as the RSA team up with An Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network and Cyclist.ie in a bid to improve road safety conditions for cyclists.
As such, the RSA is asking drivers to give cyclists safe clearance space when overtaking, to check blind spots for cyclists and to use ‘Dutch Reach’ when opening the door.
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Cyclists themselves are to be reminded that the Rules of the Road apply to them, too.
All road users are advised that there will be a notable increase in the number of cyclists on the road during National Bike Week, and to share the road safely not just during this time period, but every day of the year.
The RSA has outlined three key pieces of advice for drivers:
1. Give cyclists the space to ride safe when overtaking – One metre in speed zones under 80 kilometres per hour, and 1.5 metres in zones above 80 kilometres per hour.
Cyclists can be thrown off course by sudden gusts of wind or when having to avoid uneven road surfaces.
2. Check mirrors regularly – Remember that a cyclist may be in your blind spot, so look carefully before making your manoeuvre.
3. If you or passengers are exiting the vehicle – Be sure to check for passing cyclists before opening the door.
“National Bike Week is a great way to get out and about for air and exercise, particularly in the summer sunshine,” said Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross.
“I would encourage everyone to use the road safely, look out for each other and enjoy the various activities taking place all around the country. Let’s make them memorable events for the right reasons.”
Chief Executive of the RSA Moyagh Murdock appealed to drivers to be on their guard.
“You need to allow extra space when overtaking a cyclist and always anticipate a cyclist having to make a sudden move to avoid a pothole or obstruction,” said Murdock.
“It’s also important to watch out for cyclists at junctions especially when turning left and when pulling away from the kerb.”
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