Castlebar.News      
    From The West of Ireland
    Go to Castlebar | Photo Gallery | Castlebar Directory | Nostalgia Board
Environment : Road Safety Last Updated: 2, Apr 2018 - 10:02


Cycling Kills
By Noel Gibbons
19, Jul 2014 - 10:43

Email this article
 Printer friendly page

The bells are ringing and they are not bicycle bells as the number of cyclists killed this year to-date hits eight.

DRIVERS in Ireland who are donning their cycle helmets to avoid rising petrol costs are being urged to make sure their cycling skills are up to scratch and drivers are reminded of the law in relation to dangerous overtaking which includes overtaking cyclists.

image003_1.jpg

Mayo County Council's road safety Officer is asking potential cyclists brush up on their skills in order to pedal safely.

Noel Gibbons, said: "With the price of petrol increasing, many commuters may find cycling a cheaper alternative to driving.

"Cycling is a great way to save money and keep fit but it's important to make sure you know how to do it safely before getting on your bike."

The road safety section has advised cyclists to: Download a free app to check out your cycle skills (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/essential-cycling-skills/id815556609?mt=8)


* Be aware - cycling on busy roads is much different from quiet rural locations, so make sure you look out for hazards.

* Know the rules of the road - get to know the correct hand signals and where you can and can't ride your bike.

* Use your head - helmets are a must whether you think they look good or not.

* Check it out - carry out a bike check before you set off. This is particularly important if your bike has been stuck in the shed for the past few months.

* Be seen - try and wear bright clothes when cycling during the day and reflective clothes at night. This will help other road users to easily spot you.

* Position yourself - think ahead and make sure you position your bike in a place where you'll be safe as you ride.

* Be Aware of blind spots -

 

image005.jpg

Don't take chances, be it traffic lights, zebra crossing or tight spaces, the cyclist always comes out second best.

The RSA statistics have cyclist deaths as 2013=5, 2012=8, 2011=9, 2010=5, 2009=7. This is an average of 7.5 cyclist deaths per year.

According to Garda statistics, eight cyclists have now been killed on the country's roads this year.

Research has shown that over the period, 1998 to 2008:144 cyclists were killed on Irish roads.

Of these, 33% were involved in a collision with a goods vehicle. 30% of the collisions occurred during evening rush hour.

‘‘Drivers need to take special care and understand that cyclists are entitled to road space as much as any other vehicle on the road. It's important that drivers anticipate cyclists at blind spots and to give at least a 1.5m clearance when overtaking a cyclist,'' said Noel Gibbons.

Dangerous Overtaking

How many times have you been passed where the driver has brushed against your elbow or shoulder but you have not been knocked off your bike? This type of driving is an offence set out in SI No. 182 of 1997. s. 10

The law says:

1. (1) A driver shall not overtake, or attempt to overtake, if to do so would endanger, or cause inconvenience to, any other person.
(2) A driver shall not overtake, or attempt to overtake, unless the roadway ahead of the driver-

( a ) is free from approaching traffic, pedestrians and any obstruction, and

( b ) is sufficiently long and wide to permit the overtaking to be completed without danger or inconvenience to other traffic or pedestrians.

It is a stated penalty-point offence with 2 points and a fine of €80.

image007.jpg

 



© Copyright 2014 by © Contributor(s) and Castlebar Web Pages 1997 - 2018

.. Top of Page


Road Safety
Latest Headlines
Exercising “Tolerance” on Rural Roads
December The Month Of Courtesy On The Roads
My Daddy Works Here
The My Red and Green Thumb Day Campaign
Refresher Course Offered To Older Drivers
Cardboard Speed Traps
Go dté tú slán! Arrive alive
Safety Improvements at Mayo Schools
Sometimes a Quick Glance isn't Enough
Road Safety Guidelines for Drivers of Mobility Scooters
Road Safety Road Show Returns to Educate Young Drivers
Give Up Your Auld Bad Driving Habits For The New Year
Free Lollipops are 'Gobstoppers' for Late Night Revellers
National Science Award for Mayo Students
Primary School Leads the Way in Road Safety
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Winter is Coming!
No Clowning Around This Halloween
What is an Acceptable Number?
School Learning Doesn't Just Begin Inside The Classroom
Pokemon Don't GO
Cyclists Saddled with Number Plates
Don’t shoot cyclists -Give Them Space
Blessing of the Roads Ceremony
Leprechaun Campaign Goes Viral
N59 Rossow Bends Contract
The Blessing of Baby Car Seats
Give Safety Your Number 1
Be safe Be seen
Shocking Schools Road Safety Event
Dig Out Those Sun Glasses
Road Safety Road Show Returns
Sweet-Toothed Drinkers Targeted
Goodwill on the Roads
Light Up on Black Friday
Crotches Can Kill
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
More Dangerous than Ghosts & Goblins?
How Music Affects Your Driving
Get turned on - Wipers on, Lights on.
Mrs Doyle Says Take a Break
Summer Camp Ballinrobe
Alert to Motorists in Castlebar Area
Paramedic Gives Warning Ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend
Traffic Trouble Tackled by Westport Pupils
Red Thumb Day
These Flip Flops Are Made For Walking-Not Driving
Shock Tactics To Teach Students That Speed Kills
Donal Vaughan Backs Road Safety Campaign
Beware of Low Winter Sun
Road Safety Update 7 Jan 2015
Festive Wishes
We Never Want To Meet You
On Road Cycle Training
Road Traffic Victim Remembrance Day
Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Gearing Up for Sea2summit
Beep Beep Day
Limit Speeds in Housing Estates
Don't Text and Fly
A Safety Checklist
Cyclops Prowl the Darkness
Parents' Parking Promise
Final Lesson for Exam Students - Points You Don't Want
Pilgrimage Motorists Urged to Drive Safely
Cycling Kills
A Chain Reaction To Safety
Drivers Warned about Hay Fever Meds
Hoax Classified Add Hoodwinked Thousands
Toddler Hit By Car Prompts Warning
Blessing the Roads
Steer away from your bad habits this Lent
Road Safety Campaigner Dies
Don't Be an Idiot?
World Remembrance Day
Sea to Summit
Don't Shoot and Drive'
Helping to Make Mayo the Brightest County
Dozy Parkers to be Targeted
You Snooze You Lose!
Arrive Alive for the Big Game
Heads Up
Football Bosses Blow The Whistle on Speeders.
Cycling Skills 2013
Petrol Station Etiquette?
Bikes and Lorries
Keep our A&E s empty on St Patrick's Day
Cycle Lanes
Insurance for Cyclists
Don't be a Tech Zombie
Top 10 New Year Resolutions
Novelty Helmet Winner
Goodwill on the Roads
Santa Throws His Weight behind Campaign.
Be Safe - Be Seen
Minding the Bump on the Road
10 Commandments of School Bus Safety
Fuel Costs Encourages Walking to School
Walking Dead?
Reek Sunday Road Safety