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Let's make cycling safer
18.06.18
THE Donegal Road Safety
Working Group (DRSWG) have launched a campaign to
encourage cyclists to wear high viz tops.
Following research and discussions with local
cycling clubs the DRSWG have had cycling gilets
manufactured in high viz material with the logo
'1.5m Please Share the Road' printed on the back of
the gilet which will be clearly visible to motorists
overtaking cyclists. These gilets will be
distributed to cycling clubs as part of the campaign
with the central message being 'Let's Make cycling
safer'. |
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Members of the Errigal Cycling Club,
Four Masters Cycling Club and 24/7 Triathlon Club at
the launch of the Donegal Road Safety Working Groups
safe cycling campaign. Picture includes Keith
Fletcher, Cathal Roarty, Troy Hegarty, Mary Harkin,
Mark Gallagher, Brian O'Donnell (Donegal Road Safety
Officer), Adrian Watson, Liam Tinney, Aidan
Callaghan and Enda Carr. |
Brian O'Donnell, Road
Safety Officer said the DRSWG has taken the
initiative and introduced the high viz gilet in the
hope that as many cyclists as possible wear them.
He explained "we have done this because there is
reluctance among some cyclists to wear yellow high
viz gear over their jerseys. The number of
fatalities and serious injuries, even minor injuries
involving cyclists is increasing and we would like
to shift the mentality and attitudes of cyclists to
encompass their own safety".
"While there is bad behaviour by both cyclists and
motorists, it is an unequal relationship. The driver
is protected by the vehicle while the cyclist is
exposed. Cyclists need to be clearly visible and the
distribution of high viz cycling gilets is a step in
the right direction to help protect cyclists on the
road. We have had very positive feedback from the
cycling clubs and the clubs are willing to come on
board and promote the idea."
Fifteen cyclists lost their lives on Irish roads in
2017 and six have died to date in 2018. |
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