Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to accommodate a debate in the autumn on the big picture in advance of the budget.

Yesterday we learned that fixed-penalty fines will be introduced for cyclists who breach road traffic law. As a person who cycles to work here every day, I have strong views on the matter. I have no difficulty with the imposition of fines on cyclists who break traffic law. However, there seems to be something of an open season on cyclists from a range of commentators, including in the other House and in the media. It is most unfortunate that the focus should be on cyclists in terms of the flouting of traffic law. Every morning and evening I see motorists breaking laws and thereby endangering other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. However, because motorists tend to dominate the airwaves and their numbers are far greater than those of cyclists, we see a disproportionate focus on rule-breaking by cyclists. Such behaviour does happen and it is not excusable. Nonetheless, it is nothing like as dangerous as rule-breaking by motorists. We should push harder for a greater priority to be given to cyclists as road users and to taking account of their needs during the planning and development process. Dublin City Council has been very good in this regard, and much better in recent years than previously, but we still see appalling examples, for example, of cycle lanes which go straight into oncoming traffic. There is often no real provision for cyclists.

I add my voice to colleagues who yesterday wished Nelson Mandela a happy 95th birthday. Senator Sean Barrett reminded us that the student union in Trinity College renamed its office as Mandela House. Many student unions across this country and in Britain did the same and subsequently claimed some credit when Mr. Mandela was eventually released, which might have been a bit of a stretch. It was a real privilege to have served as student union president in Mandela House and to have witnessed his release from prison. It is great to see the celebrations surrounding his 95th birthday yesterday.