Madam, – Ted Dwyer (April 23rd) believes it “sensible and workable” that car drivers should be prosecuted if they drive within six feet of a bicycle. How very typical of the cyclist mentality that the serious traffic of the roadways should be shunted out of the way to make room for what is essentially a toy, and one which, had it been invented today, would be banned from the roads. We do not demand such provision for skateboarders and roller skaters, who are in the same league as the cyclist, precisely because they have more recently emerged; perhaps Mr Dwyer would like to share the streets with them as well. However, if he is serious about this, presumably he would also be willing to carry licence plates, insurance and to pay road tax. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Reading (Editorial, April 22nd) and hearing regularly about the dangers facing children cycling to school, I have to say my experience is the opposite. I was knocked off my bike cycling to work by a child being driven to school. He opened his door, sending me flying. That incident was not even outside a school. Parents dropping children to school by car show no concern for cyclists or anything else. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – While I welcome the Government’s initiative to encourage more cyclists on our roads, could I also ask that they engage in a campaign to encourage cyclists to behave more responsibly? As one who commutes into Dublin city every day I am amazed and annoyed by the lack of care many cyclists have for their own safety and for the safety of other road users. The most common problems I notice are:
1. Cyclists ignoring traffic lights: This causes huge danger. In the past week I have seen two incidents where a pedestrian crossing legally has had to move nimbly to avoid being run over by a cyclist ignoring a red light. In neither case did the offending cyclist stop or even seem to be aware of the havoc that had been caused.
2. Cyclists using the roads where adequate cycle lanes are available. This happens regularly in Fairview although it has a well- designed, separated cycle lane, but I have seen it happen in other areas of the city too. If we are to spend money providing more cycle lanes perhaps we should make their use compulsory where they are available.
3. Cyclists wearing headphones while commuting. This is a growing trend and one I find incomprehensible and irresponsible. It is impossible to be completely aware of your surroundings while you have music blocking out all other sounds. I think this practice should be made illegal in the way that mobile phone use has been for car users.
I am not anti-cyclist. I am in favour of any measure that reduces car usage. But all road users have a responsibility for safety on our roads – and many cyclists currently fail in this regard. – Yours, etc,