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THE ROAD SAFETY Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have launched a new road safety campaign urging road users to be extra cautious as the roads get busier, in particular because there are increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.
Roads around Ireland are getting busier as Covid-19 restrictions start to ease. People can now travel within 20km from their home, or within their own county, whichever is further.
It is planned to remove domestic travel restrictions completely on 29 June.
Under the new road safety campaign, ‘We’re on the road back. Make it a safer one’, drivers are being urged to slow down, avoid distractions while driving, and take care when passing pedestrians and cyclists.
Pedestrians are reminded to use the footpath and if there is none, to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
In the period covered by the start of government restrictions (13 March) up to 7 June, there 26 people died on Irish roads, compared to 35 in the corresponding period in 2019, the RSA noted today. This represents a decrease of nine deaths, or a 26% decline, in fatalities.
To date in 2020, there have been 64 fatalities as a result of 60 fatal crashes on Irish roads, compared to 64 fatalities following 55 fatal crashes up to the same period in 2019.
Car owners are also being urged to ensure their vehicle, which may not have been driven for some time, is roadworthy by undertaking some basic maintenance checks in advance of driving.
A spike in collisions
Speaking today, Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the RSA, said: “In the run up Covid-19 travel restrictions being put in place, we saw a spike in road traffic collisions.
“In fact, over the six days from 17 to 22 March, there were nine people killed on the roads. I am concerned that this may be repeated as travel restrictions are gradually lifted.”
O’Donnell said she is “also fearful that as people start getting back on the roads, they will fail to realise that there is now a changed environment on our roads, not only are children on their summer holidays, there are more people out walking and cycling, all the while trying to social distance”.
“As the restrictions are relaxed, it is more important than ever that we share the roads safely. Drivers need to slow down and be mindful of these vulnerable road users.”
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, of the Garda Roads Policing and Community Engagement Division, said An Garda Síochána “will maintain a visible presence on our road network”.
“I would ask all road users to remember the basics of road safety, to drive within speed limits, to comply with road signage, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, make sure to wear your seatbelt while driving and don’t be distracted by electronic devices,” Hilman said.
Speaking about the new campaign, Transport Minister Shane Ross said people have “done so much over the last three months to tackle the coronavirus, save lives and protect public health”.
He encouraged the same commitment from all road users to “saving lives on our roads”.
“We know from the data that most road deaths are preventable; most collisions are as a result of human behaviour. So just as we have adapted our behaviour in the face of a pandemic, we must be prepared to change our behaviour to meet the challenges with more of us walking and cycling on the road,” Ross said.
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It would be more useful to build proper cycling infrastructure rather than just asking motorists to slow down.
@Paul Williams: why not do both?
Cycle infrastructure should rightly be build in cities around the country, they’ll make the roads safer for everyone.
But it would take decades to build decent infrastructure throughout the country’s road networks, for those roads motorists need to slow the hell down and be mindful of other road users.
Its not hard, I do it every day when driving but yet for others they take it as a personal insult when they are told to be careful towards other road users.
One lovely thing to see from this lockdown is the amount of children and family’s out cycling, its absolutely fantastic to see and I really honestly hope it is encouraged to stay that way.
@Barry: I’m like you Barry, a driver who respects other road users. A rare breed seemingly.
@Barry: Park and city is packed with more people walking and cycling. Extra cycle lanes being painted on Parkgate Street at the moment and new segregated ones along the north quays almost completed. Just need dublin bikes to expand out further. Cycling is the quickest way to get around the city. We need more park and ride facilities outside the city centre to encourage people not to drive as much if they don’t need to.
@Bren: I’m not against cycling infrastructure, I think its great to see the changes in Dublin and a delight to see entire family’s being able to cycle around the city.
But the reality is infrastructure isn’t going to be around the entire country so we still need to change many drivers behaviour.
@Barry: amazing how many times the word infrastructure pops up when a discussion on sensible columns like travelling around our cities and counties by other means than car. Yet it obviously doesn’t seem to appear in any of the city or county councils manuals our guidelines when it comes to planning. They keep building and only at a minimum basic or the best way to put it, a after thought, they put a path or cycle way in place that is so basic it’s not nearly worth using. The councils hold these open days so you can put forward your proposals and ideas, and then when you do and leave they ball it all up and bin it. I’ve been down that road several times unfortunately.
@Barry: decades? No, a few weeks more like. look at Dame Street, the quays … amazing what can be achieved with some paint, signage and large flower pots!
@Barry: Where there are cycle lanes clearly marked on the roads it should be mandatory for cyclists to use them, I see so many cyclists in the lane designated for car traffic and a cycle lane literally 6 inches away. I totally agree that the infrastructure should be put in place but whats the point if cyclists don’t use it properly.
Respect for other road users goes both ways also.
@Low Frequency Generator: Why should I have to use the cycle lane where I have to yield to every gateway, bus stop, side road, etc, as you do on many separated cycle lanes, when the cars two feet to my right don’t?
@Conall: Because by you not using those lanes, it helps to keep the them v us debate going. Wouldn’t it be nice if it turned to an us v planning debate?
@Low Frequency Generator: yeah enough of this “us vs them” generalisation cr*p please.
There is no obligation for cyclists to stick solely to cycling lanes and quite rightly so for safety reasons amongst other things.
Drains/ gutters, potholes, debris, upcoming parked cars in lanes, slower cyclists, etc
Also not all people who ride bikes are the same as much as you’d like to think so, for the sake of of your argument
Some travel a lot faster than others and faster than urban motorists in most cases too actually, especially with likely 30kmph limit being introduced in Dublin.
We all share the roads and we all share in paying for maintenance of the roads through general taxation
@Logan Shepherd: Absolutely, and I’ve written to planners where I live about these inconsistencies. The only “us and them” problem I have is between “us” road users and “them” roads engineers who haven’t done their design job and aren’t applying the spirit of national transport policy.
Quick get off the roads! The Cyclists are coming 2, 3, 4 or even 5 abreast, who knows what they will do next. Stay safe when you come across them.
@mark daly: its the end of motordom as we know it!!
@mark daly: There is always one clown that comes up with this fallacy that cyclists are 3/4/5 abreast. And today Mark, it’s you.
@Fred the Muss…: He is absolutely correct.they are a menace on the roads.. four a breast is the norm,
@Fred the Muss…: I saw 3 cyclists the other day taking up half of the road and there was a huge row of traffic behind them. Absolute joke they are.
@flamrock: I know what you mean. Cars have menaced our roads for over 100 years now. Time to put a stop to it
@K C: Hate to break it to you but no (absolutely no) cycle club will allow more than 2 abreast. And so what if you are held back for what a minute many two? You share the road, you don’t own it. And I ride an bike, motorbike and drive a car.
@K C: Most often cyclists in groups are two abreast , but depth perception makes it seem that they are 3 abreast. If they were 3 abreast they would be cycling on the wrong side of the road.
@Fred the Muss…: even 2 abreast on a narrow road, such as the coast road, Sandymount, is too much. Wanting to have a chat is a feeble excuse for holding back traffic. You’re right, we share the road, so let’s share it, then, not take it over.
@Maria Hickey-Fagan: No, if you go single file it will encourage cars to overtake and some will do it when it dangerous to do so.
Of course, cyclists have to play a part here also not to needlessly hold up traffic.
@paul kelly: I’m not blind. Go to my optician, they will tell you I have 20/20 vision. It was three cyclists in their lycra and helmets…Full cycle kit w****** they were and they were causing havoc. This was in a busy town.
@Fred the Muss…: I pay insurance, tax and diesel so yeah I pay for the upkeep of the road. Cyclists don’t pay anything and just cause hassle. They are nothing but hassle to other road users.
@Maria Hickey-Fagan: you can’t overtake a bike unless there is no oncoming traffic so it doesn’t make a difference of there is one or two- you still need to go fully into the other lane on most roads.
@K C: 80% of cyclists have a car therefore also pay insurance, motor tax and petrol/diesel. If you want to save on the cost of fuel, get a bike.
@K C: we all pay for the upkeep of roads through general taxation.
Check yourself.
Those three guys you described were inconsiderate dix. Doesn’t mean that all people who ride bikes are like that.
Same can be said for any section of people you want to put in box.
There’s always one..or three
@Maria Hickey-Fagan: it actually about safety for the cyclists and its much easier and safer for the cyclist for you to overtake a group of 4 cycling 2 abreast than 4 in a single line
@Michael Carolan: 80% of cyclists have a car? Have you got proof of that? I’m not complaining about the cost of fuel, I’m just saying cyclists don’t pay for tax, insurance etc.
@Fred the Muss…: I see it every day in and around Dundalk. So your the fallace here. They take over a full lane most of the time, so how do you overtake them safely?
@K C: you are an idi0t. Cyclists also have cars and pay taxes and the 2 or 3 abreast are there once a week, usually weekends, and then for a few minutes. Your time is not that precious as to make a fuss about it
@K C: well…I’m one……reducing your fuel cost will save you money… “As research by British Cycling found, 87 per cent of cyclists also regularly drive cars, and so most cyclists have already paid the road tax.Jul 7, 2015″
The standard of driving during the lockdown has been shocking considering the lesser amount of traffic on the road.
I’ve had more near misses when driving the past few weeks from idiots crossing solid white lines and cutting corners then the 6 months before the lockdown.
People need to cop on and think of other road users.
@Barry: I find the amount of pedestrians walking out onto the road without looking, to social distance from pedestrians coming the opposite direction, to be ridiculous during lock down. I found myself having to stop or move into the other side of the road to avoid them
@Daniel O’Connor: yes this has been an epidemic in itself over the past few months. But as a driver prodomenently I’m aware of it now sentry to be vigilant in observing when pedestrians are coming close to passing each other. It would be in their interest to have a glance out on the road too first before stepping into it. Particularly narrow roads.
@Daniel O’Connor: It might sound odd but does road safety ireland need to post a video campaign on social distancing when meeting other pedestrian’s on a footpath? I would imagine that the pedestrian who is walking towards the lane of traffic closest to that path should be the one to step out when safe. Too many people who can’t see if any traffic is behind them are stepping out. In addition, common courtesy by the pedestrian’s who can see approaching traffic seems to be missing. Sometimes nobody can step out as the road is too busy.
@Daniel Kelly:
You are much more at risk of being clobbered by a bike or vehicle when stepping off the path than catching Covid
All cyists should no the rules of the road, some cyclists out there asher to them all the time, and its great, but then other cyclists haven’t a clue and it is so dangerous for all involved.
@Paul Cahoon: hows that whatabouttery going for you? Ignoring the motorists I see.
Are you somehow suggesting motorists all know the rules of the road and follow them? Because stats don’t support that.
That makes the road far more dangerous for everyone.
@Barry: id say you cycle with a camera on your helmet Baz
@Barry: upvote for whatabouttery
@Paul Cahoon: You should learn how to read and write english before you go on your anti cyclist rant. Stats above show more motoring fatalities vs cyists [sic]. Maybe drivers should no [sic] the rules more considering how much more dangerous a car can be vs a bike when they break them.
@Paul Cahoon: motorists are the killers on our roads, not cyclists. Just as many motorists break the rules as cyclists, in fact more of them do l, according to recent studies. Yes there are bad cyclists but they are not as dangerous or as prevalent as bad drivers.
@TESSERACT2020: Nope, I drive.
I just respect other road users.
Try harder next time.
@TESSERACT2020:
And? With the way some Irish drivers behave, it’s a better protection than the helmet itself.
@TESSERACT2020: And why not? This country is so anti-cyclist the only way a cyclist can prove they are in the right is to have filmed footage.
@Barry: to be fair you singled out motorists with no stats just your own experience. Everyone needs to be more careful on the roads. And there is road users of all types that are shocking. Just unfortunately for cyclist and pedestrians they are more likely to pay the ultimate price for it both with their own mistake or that of a careless driver.
I think there should be less arguments over this. And more personal responsibility for all. Also better education, infastructure too. The tit for tat probably makes it worse as everyone ends up with a chip on the shoulder.
@Seaniecp: I’m singling out my follow motorists because the stats don’t lie and most of the responsibility is with them for not paying attention, driving too past and not controlling their vehicle in a responsible manner.
@Barry: he’s making a valid point about cyclists and you are the one engaging in typical whataboutery. Cyclists simply can’t handle being told they aren’t all our and virtue full
@Connoroconner: have you a link to these studies? I’d guess not
@Barry: what stats? And you don’t speak for me kemosabi, I’m not your fellow motorist.
@Dino: There’s stats in the article above. Driving fatalities going up in 2020 vs 2019. Cyclists going down even though more people are cycling.
@Paul Cahoon: We motorists have a responsibility and realise that poor driving kills other people.
@Paul Cahoon: They generally do, like all road users who don’t follow the rules.
@Em Gee: probably a good idea, I have a dashcam in my car for the same reason.
Usual anti motorist bile Cyclists and pedestrians are the innocent. Sure.
@Jim O Brien Tech: good man Jim. You’re the guy that reckons it’s OK for someone to literally drive over a cyclist at the traffic lights so your input is really valid here.
@Bren: like it’s difficult for to show your face. Coward.
@Pseud O’Nym: another faceless clown
@Jim O Brien Tech: It’s a comment section not a beauty contest. Focus Jim…. What am I kidding myself. You can’t even read the article
The roads are not save for cyclists and that is not going to change under they current driving training system. The training needs to be revamped, perhaps driving school as in Germany where licences really have to be earned. Alternatively build greenways & segregated cycle lanes.
@rodgerw@eircom.net: id say the last part is far more it. You cant compare continental roads for cyclists to our idea of cycle lanes. Cycling in Galway city is a white knuckle ride adventure sport like paragliding or jumping out of a plane
@rodgerw@eircom.net: i agree, but cyclist need to have a license and learn the rules of the road before allowed on it then too. Just like drivers do. Why do we assume cyclist all know the rules inside out?For example, putting your hand out and within a second just assume that a car travelling behind you with a speed of 50km/h will be able to stop or swirle into a tree just so you can overtake or change into lane. No one looks anymore! Everyone need tougher rules. Drivers are reckless but so are cyclists who think they are above the law. And yes I cycle more than I drive if you wonder and let me tell you it is terrifying either way how some people are allowed to use the road to cycle without knowing the rules and allowed drive cars thinking they cannot be harmed.
@GaMran: 100%, there should be a road tax for cyclists comparable with cars and every cyclist should have to do a test to prove they know the rules of the road before they go on public roads. This two tier system only causes aggravation when drivers come into idiots on bikes who clearly don’t have a clue and are a danger to themselves and other road users
@Dino: you’ll love this report so. A damning report on Cyclist who cause RTA’s. (well not really)
https://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Fatal%20Collision%20Stats/Contributory_Factors_in_Fatal_Collisions/Fatal%20Collisions%202008%20to%202012%20Vehicle%20Factors%20.pdf
@TESSERACT2020: Try cycling around Mayo, so long as your life insurance isn’t void.
@GaMran: fully agree, there is no training & it shows.
@Dino: Should there be a road tax for cars as well?
@paul kelly: The motor tax, fuel tax, vat on cars and registration tax covers the road maintenance and upgrades from a cars perspective. If there were no cars where would the money come from for a road infrastructure for people to cycle their little bikes?
@Alan Kelly: well that was a compete waste of time, nowhere in that long report into defective vehicles does it go into the circumstances surrounding the cyclists who unfortunately lost their lives on the road last year and nowhere does it do so for pedestrians either. To say a vehicle is the biggest reason for a death in a collision between a bike and a car is hardly headline news, whether the person on the bike died due to not following the rules of the road and the vehicle driver not anticipating an illegal action by a cyclist has not been addressed there. I guess you knew that already though but decided since cyclists weren’t directly blamed that it inferred no blame should be attributed.
Enforcement Lads, enforcement. Without enforcement, nothing will change.
@Alan Kelly: In a nutshell Alan, that’s it – car driver breaks a red light and gets a fine and penalty points, until a cyclist gets the same then nothing will change.
@Eddie O’Neill: Yes Eddie… I said Enforcement,that includes ALL road users. Red light means stop.
The standard of driving in this country can be unbelievable at times. Some people have no vision of what might happen around the next bend, behind a car or pedestrian crossing. It’s crazy that you don’t need to have passed your driving test or have failed it multiple times & you can drive on our roads. I saw a guy driving in a lane this morning that was blocked off with cones & a no entry sign. He actually had to drive around the sign to get into the lane that said no right turn, when he finally got to the traffic lights he had his indicator on to turn right only to see the road blocked & everyone looking at him saying did you not see the signs & the 100 traffic cones.In saying that pedestrians need to look up a bit more too when crossing roads & not just walk r push d buggy out & walk on.
Irish cyclists are like trump supporters, they think everyone should yield to them.they have no concept of laws or responsibility.
@flamrock: Be careful what you wish for…
https://twitter.com/fietsprofessor/status/1270320998907289601?s=20
@Alan Kelly: well I didn’t wish for trump, so much for wishes….right is wrong,wrong is right, up is down,down is up. if common sense is so common why don’t more people have it. I just saw a fella walking down the road alone, no mask but a big pair of rubber gloves on .wtf
The elephant in the room here is that most retail businesses can’t function unless their customers have access to a motorised vehicle. Its all well and good demonising the motorist but there’s only so much you can carry on your back or lug behind you whilst walking. How many people do you see staggering out of Ikea with a flat pack Billy Bookcase on their backs? Or leaving Lidl with six carrier bags across the handlebars? And had you seen such a person they would certainly not have been disabled, elderly or minding children.
@Liz O’Neill: Yeah.. i know what you mean….
https://www.bikesatwork.com/blog/static/images/new_refrig_on_road_2.jpg
@Liz O’Neill: Most retail? Got stats? You can carry a lot actually. You’ll get stronger the more often you do it too. No IKEAs in city limits. Also they deliver. 6 carrier bags from Lidl? Are you doing this everyday? 7 days a week? Carry a backpack and buy what you need for a few days. Repeat 2-3 times a week or shop local. Not everyone is disabled. And if everyone that didn’t need to drive got alternatives then there would be easier access and more parking for disabled, elderly, etc. So no elephant in the room. Just a flawed and outdated opinion.
@Bren: did u ever hear the story of the farmer and the pig. Same concept.
@flamrock: No you’ll have to enlighten me
I’ve no problem slowing down and giving cyclists plenty of room. If they would do one thing in return for motorists, namely stop cycling two abreast on narrow roads, that’d be super.
@Maria Hickey-Fagan: 4 cyclists in single file would be the length of a lorry. Much easier and safer for u and them to overtake them cycling 2 abreast.. unless you plan on overtaking when there is a car coming in the opposite direction and giving the cyclist 10inches on space..
@Aileen Byrne: Maybe they could spread out by the length of a lorry then too rather then cycle tire to tire
Get cyclists to use fully lanes provided for them – I dont understand cyclists using roads with ramps when perfectly flat lanes are right beside them
Cyclists urged to learn the rules of the road.
Should the rules of the road not be applied equally. Some motorists behave recklessly and endanger others while some cyclists recklessly disregard the rules of the road and endanger themselves. Safety works both ways and the onus should be on safer behaviour from all road users with the added bonus of improved infrastructure to encourage more use of alternative modes of transport.
it would be progress if motorists would obey the existing speed limits.Gardai do not have the resources to enforce them.Time for smart cars which limit vehicles to posted speed limits.
30 kph is on the way in built up areas.
live in the countryside where all road users understand the crappy provision of infrastructure regardless of their preferred method of transport. continue bashing each other tho. keeps our focus far from the layabouts we pay an absolute fortune to
Blasket islands
Is that job still for grabs on the blanket islands, I figure if I bring a few cases of batchelors beans , a few hundred pounds of spuds . Some laying chickens. And a bag of flour..I could get away from this madness for at least a year. No radio.no phone no squak box. Well I can dream.
People on foothpaths with their back to traffic are so worried about people walking towards them that they go on the road without looking causing many a near miss.also bus lane although fine for cyclists is no place for very young kids with no experience on roads.
@Mark Fox: well said, I see loads of kids cycling with their parents and they have absolutely no notion of the rules of the road , you think the parents would teach them
Well maybe the cyclists could learn the rules of the road also, and people staring into their phones when crossing roads it’s not always the motorist fault , also the government should get the finger out and actually fix the roads it’s like driving cross country on most routes , hence causing accidents
have your say