25 March 2011

RSA Launches Campaign To Promote Cycle Safety

622 Cyclists Killed or Seriously Injured On Irish Roads from 1997 to 2010

On Monday 28th March, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) will launch a national radio advertising campaign to raise awareness of road safety among cyclists. The advert, which aims to educate cyclists on how to stay safe on the roads, will be broadcast on all national and regional radio stations over the next two weeks.

Cyclists are at risk when using the road, as these statistics from the 1997-2010* period show:

• 178 pedal cyclists were killed;
• 444 cyclists were seriously injured;
• More than 67% of road deaths among cyclists occurred during daylight hours;
• Over one third of fatal collisions with cyclists happened during summer months.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said: “This is an important awareness campaign for the RSA, as cyclists continue to be vulnerable on our roads. Over the period 1997 to 2010, 178 pedal cyclists have been killed in Ireland and a further 444 cyclists were seriously injured over the same period. We are reminding cyclists that it’s everyone’s responsibility to pay attention and stay safe on the roads. Simple actions such as wearing a helmet and high visibility jacket, obeying the Rules of the Road and anticipating what drivers may do, could save your life.”

He added that ‘Drivers also need to pay attention and be on guard for cyclists using the road. Allow plenty of space when overtaking a cyclist and always anticipate a cyclist having to make a sudden move to avoid a pothole or obstruction. It’s also important to watch out for cyclists at junctions especially when turning left.”

Mr. Brett also reminded people about the importance of vulnerable road users being visible on the roads: “Although the clocks go forward this weekend and evenings will get brighter, it’s as important as ever for people to wear high visibility clothing when out cycling or walking on the roads. More than 67% of road deaths among cyclists between 1997 and 2010 occurred during daylight hours and over one third of these cyclists were killed during the summer months. Dusk remains a danger period when drivers may not see cyclists and pedestrians, so please be aware of your vulnerability on the road at all times of the day and night. Take responsibility for your safety and make sure that you wear a high visibility vest when cycling or walking.”

To promote safe cycling the RSA will distribute 20,000 high visibility ruck-sack covers to cyclists during April. To date the RSA has distributed thousands of high visibility jackets to cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

The RSA’s Cycle Safety booklet is available for download from the RSA website.

 Cyclists can also find top tips on safer cycling at www.rulesoftheroad.ie . Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 27th March 2011 at 1:00AM when clocks will go forward by one hour.

Click here to download Pedal Cyclist Road Collision Facts 1997 to 2009 

For further information, please contact:

RSA Communications Office, Ballina: 096 25008  

*2010 casualty figures are provisional

RSA Top Tips for Safer Cycling:

• Know and obey the Rules of the Road;
• Wear reflective clothing at all times;
• Always wear a helmet when on your bike;
• Your brakes, tyres, chain, lights, reflector and bell must be in good working order;
• It’s the law to have a bell on your bike. Use the bell as a warning, not for fun;
• Have appropriate lighting and reflectors on your bicycle - white or yellow lamps to the front and red at the back;
• Keep both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling or changing gears;
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping;
• Never cycle more than two abreast;
• Always cycle single-file when overtaking; Keep well back when cycling behind moving vehicles in all traffic;
• Never ride in the lane of oncoming traffic even if it is a bicycle lane or hard shoulder;
• Never take up a position on the ‘inside’ of a large vehicle out of view of the driver. Stay behind if the large vehicle has stopped at a junction with the intention of turning left;
• Never wear an mp3, iPod or use a mobile phone when cycling;
• Make sure your laces are tied to ensure they do not get caught in the bicycle chain;
• Take care on wet or icy roads, or when there is a strong wind; Use cycle tracks, where they are available;
• Use the Safe Cross Code if walking on the footpath with your bicycle.

Please visit www.rsa.ie  or www.rulesoftheroad.ie  for further information.