Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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7. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a recent research project which finds that a large number of cycling accidents are unreported; the actions he will take to improve cyclist safety; if he is satisfied with the state of disrepair of many of urban cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27348/14]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Research carried out by Trinity College College shows that cyclists are eight times more likely to die on the roads compared with other vehicle users. How does the Minister propose to address the situation where so many urban cycle lanes have fallen into disrepair? Will he outline any legislative or investment proposal he has to encourage people to make the shift away from individual motorised vehicles?

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to a report entitled, The Safety Challenge of Increased Cycling, by Jack Short and Brian Caulfield of Trinity College Dublin. The current road safety strategy which runs from 2013 to 2020 contains a range of measures to ensure greater safety among cyclists.  These include education to promote the use of personal protection equipment and high visibility clothing; developing a standardised road safety cycling proficiency training programme for schools; and evaluating the cost-benefit of reducing VAT on personal protection equipment.  I will work with the Road Safety Authority, RSA, and the other appropriate bodies to ensure these recommendations are implemented. It is also important that cyclists, like all road users, take responsibility for their own safety.  

The National Transport Authority, NTA, is responsible for the provision of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area and the regional cities. The NTA provides funding for local authorities for a range of schemes to benefit cyclists, including the provision of much needed infrastructure, and other measures to improve safety for commuters under the sustainable transport management grants programme. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct response. He should contact me if he does not receive that reply within two weeks.  

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including urban roads and cycle lanes, are the statutory responsibilities of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There is a clear need for significant investment in cycleways, some of which are entering a state of disrepair, particularly in urban areas. In addition, there is insufficient co-ordination among the various parties when road construction projects are under way where, for instance, different contractors might be digging different sections of roadway. The cyclist is often forgotten. The NTA has responsibility for oversight and co-ordination, but the Minister of State must set out strong policy positions on the protection of cyclists, encouraging the use of cycleways and getting more people to use bicycles as a method of transit. The research clearly highlights the very real difficulties cyclists face on a daily basis. Moreover, it has found that many accidents and incidents go unreported. In other hands, there is a problem that is identified and measured but also a greater problem that is not being identified in the statistics because of under-reporting.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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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.