Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is a useful report which poses a range of questions. We must take an holistic approach to these issues. The numbers of people cycling are hitting record highs, which is fantastic to see. We are working to put the infrastructure in place across the country. The Dublin bicycle scheme has been expanded and schemes are being established in Cork, Limerick and Galway in the coming months. There has been substantial investment in cycling infrastructure in the Deputy's county, including an allocation for the Ennis active travel town initiative, the Ennistymon to Lahinch Road and the Ennis to Drumcliff cycleway. Within each area we are targeting the key locations where cycling infrastructure needs to be improved.

The RSA is undertaking a substantial public awareness effort to promote safety on the roads for cyclists. The major increases in the numbers cycling, particularly in urban areas, means that there is greater awareness among other road users of cycling lanes and cyclists.

Safety equipment for cyclists, such as helmets and high-visibility jackets, has improved too. It is a case of intervening early and that is why we have programmes in schools and universities. We have just had a national bike week which promoted cycling. All in all, these measures are having an impact on cycle safety, but we need to keep monitoring them.

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