This is a subscriber-only article
In its newly published Cycle Policy 2018, Fianna Fáil has proposed new signage on rural roads warning drivers about the possibilities of cyclists.
The policy document states: “While many of our rural roads nationally have warning signage for drivers for livestock and wild animals such as deer, there is little or no similar signage warning motorists of cyclists.”
It stated that the general area of signage and cycling was long overdue a review and overhaul.
Fianna Fáil said it would work to ensure that appropriate infrastructure was introduced to improve cycle safety conditions across Ireland, in urban and rural locations.
Safety
The document highlighted the fact that 15 cyclists died on Irish roads in 2017, representing 10% of all fatalities despite the fact cyclists accounted for a much smaller fraction of road users. In order to encourage more people to take up cycling, it said issues with safety needed to be addressed.
Among the proposals was legislation for a minimum passing distance, something Fianna Fáil said the Government was strongly opposed to.
Road space
The document reads: “Even with increased availability of segregated cycle paths, cyclists will often have to share road space with other traffic and in those circumstances, motorists should be required to observe a minimum passing distance so as to increase safety for cyclists.”
SHARING OPTIONS: