Motorists and cyclists urged to show courtesy and common sense

A VERITABLE explosion in the numbers cycling on the region's roads for leisure purposes led to a member of Mayo's Joint Policing Committee (JPC) raising serious concerns about the issue of safety for those involved in the fast growing sport as well as other road users.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said there had been a number of incidents where pedestrians had been knocked down and the question of insurance arose in relation to such incidents.

There was also a habit of some cyclists riding two and three abreast, the councillor stated, adding that this, taken into consideration with a rule that motorists must stay a metre and a half out on the road from cyclists, meant that motorists were being pushed into the lane of oncoming traffic.

“This is a serious issue that needs to be sorted out,” the councillor insisted. “Some day someone is going to be seriously injured.

“Also, if an elderly person steps off the kerb, who will take responsibility?”

Responding to Councillor Kilcoyne, Garda Supt. Joe McKenna agreed that cycling is now a huge pastime around the country with over 700 events held annually through the auspices of Cycling Ireland. These were held under strict rules, the Supt. explained.

He added that in general there are bylaws to regulate cycling and it was up to the gardaí to enforce them.

Councillor Kilcoyne: “Have ye the resources to enforce them?”

Supt: “I'd love to have 500 more guards if I could but I don't and I'd welcome them but we must work with what we have.”

Crossmolina-based councillor Michael Loftus, a cycling enthusiast, took up the side of the cyclists. “Cars speed by me within inches,” he said. “Motorists are just as much to blame as pedestrians stepping out on the road.”

Anybody insured with Cycling Ireland is covered for €7.5 million, the councillor maintained.

Another cycling veteran, Councillor Gerry Ginty (Ballina), said he got the impression that sometimes cyclists moved out on the road in order to protect themselves because they think it is not safe for a vehicle behind to pass them.

He continued: “Most cyclists are very courteous but there are a few who 'take the mick'. They think it's funny to hold you back on the road.

“Courtesy and common sense on both sides is needed.”