\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Bike Week runs from Saturday 9 June to Sunday 17 June<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Drivers reminded to give cyclists safe clearance space when overtaking<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check blind spots for cyclists and use \u2018Dutch Reach\u2019 when opening the door<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cyclists reminded that Rules of the Road apply to them too<\/p>\n
Thursday 7 June, 2018 – The Road Safety Authority (RSA), Cyclist.ie the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network, Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, and An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na are urging drivers, in the run up to National Bike Week which runs from Saturday 9 June to Sunday 17 June, to be aware of cyclists and to give them the space to ride safe when overtaking. Cyclists are also being reminded to follow the Rules of the Road.<\/p>\n
All road users need to be aware there will be an increase in the number of cyclists on the road over this period, drivers in particular are asked to treat them with respect and to share the road safely – not only during the upcoming National Bike Week, but every day of the year.<\/p>\n
The organisations have three important pieces of advice for drivers.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give cyclists the space to ride safe when overtaking them.\u00a0 (1 metre in speed zones under 80km\/h and 1.5 metres in zones over 80km\/h). Cyclists can be thrown off course by sudden gusts of wind or when having to avoid uneven road surfaces.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check mirrors regularly. Remember a cyclist could be in your blind spot, look carefully before making your manoeuvre.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you or passengers are getting out of the vehicle make sure you check for passing cyclists before opening the door.<\/p>\n
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross TD said that \u201cNational Bike Week is a great way to get out and about for air and exercise, particularly in the summer sunshine. 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\u2019s make them memorable events for the right reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA appealed to drivers to be on guard for cyclists using the roads. \u201cYou 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. It\u2019s also important to watch out for cyclists at junctions especially when turning left and when pulling away from the kerb.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that \u201cSomething else we are going to be hearing a lot more about in this country is the \u2018Dutch Reach\u2019. It\u2019s the way people in Holland have been taught for years to open the door of a car to avoiding hitting a passing cyclist. Instead of opening the door with the hand closest the door, use the hand that\u2019s furthest away. This forces you to swivel and look in your wing mirror and blind spot before opening the door, allowing you to see if there are any cyclists approaching.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Colm Ryder, Chairperson of Cyclist.ie, the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network, said: \u2018National Bikeweek is a great celebration of the bicycle and hundreds of events will be taking place around the country.\u00a0 There is an event near you somewhere!\u00a0 So why not leave the car at home if you can this week, and get on your bike?\u00a0 However you are travelling make sure to be safe, drive slowly, and respect other road users at all times\u201d<\/p>\n
Assistant Commissioner, David Sheahan, Garda National Roads Policing Unit said, \u201cAn Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na would like to echo what has already been said in that cycling should be a fun and safe pastime but unfortunately mistakes are made which lead to sometimes serious and even fatal injury. While drivers have a duty of care to cyclists and need to follow the rules of the road, equally cyclists need to do the same. This starts with the bike. You need to ensure it is roadworthy and be in good working order to include brakes, tyres, chain, and have lights and have reflectors. You should wear reflective clothing and always wear a helmet when cycling.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that cyclists should \u201cNever cycle more than two abreast and always cycle single-file when overtaking. This is for your safety but also to be considerate to other road users. It\u2019s also important to never take up a position on the \u2018inside\u2019 of a large vehicle when they are turning left as you may be in their blind spot.\u201d<\/p>\n
National Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of all that is great about bikes and cycling held over a week in June of each year with bike themed events organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups throughout Ireland. For more details on National Bike Week and to find an event near you visit www.bikeweek.ie<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Bike Week runs from Saturday 9 June to Sunday 17 June \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Drivers reminded to give cyclists safe clearance space when overtaking \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check blind spots for cyclists and use \u2018Dutch Reach\u2019 when opening the door \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cyclists reminded that Rules of the Road apply to them too Thursday 7 June, 2018 – […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":766,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n