Cycling Ulster have welcomed the recent commitment from the Irish government to introduce legislation which will mean motorists will have to give at least one metre overtaking distance when passing cyclists in speed zones up to 50 km/h and at least 1.5 metres when passing on roads with speed limits of over 50 km/hour.
Cycling Ulster Vice Chairman, Tommy McCague said:
“Cycling Ulster are keen advocates for improving the safety of cyclists on our roads and welcome and support the introduction of this overtaking law which will improve the safety of road cyclists.
“17 cyclists were killed on Irish roads last year and I am aware of regular occurrences where there have been near misses between motorists and cyclists so it is vital that we do all we can to avoid further fatalities and this law will help that.
“When this legislation comes into force it will apply to Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. Cycling Ulster will be seeking to gather support from MLAs to ensure the relevant authorities in the north introduce similar provisions.”
