Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

The promotion of cycling continues to be a key element in the sustainable transport strategy being pursued by this Government. This strategy includes investment in infrastructure designed to enhance cycling facilities and support increased usage as well as promotional campaigns such as Bike Week. Infrastructure projects under way include the Dublin canals cycle route and the fisheries field project in Galway. In addition, the National Roads Authority is currently carrying out a feasibility study on a potential cycle route from Dublin to Galway. Promotional campaigns such as the national campaign, Bike Week, have also been successful in encouraging increased cycling. This year Bike Week will run between 18 and 26 June.

The content of campaigns run by the RSA is a matter for the authority. It must be remembered that these are national campaigns which recognise the reality that cyclists can be vulnerable road users. Between 1997 and 2010, some 178 cyclists were killed on our roads and more than 400 were seriously injured. The campaign run by the RSA was designed to educate cyclists on how to stay safer on roads and includes important messages for drivers, who also need to pay attention and be on guard for cyclists. To be effective the cycling strategy being pursued by the Government includes investment in the physical environment for cyclists, communication and education. Clearly, education of both cyclists and motorists on the need to stay safe on our roads is an important element in the overall promotion strategy.

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