Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is committed to maximising the safety of all road users, including cyclists, through the provision of safe, and where possible segregated, walking and cycling infrastructure. Almost €350 million was invested in Active Travel projects in both rural and urban settings in 2023 alone, with almost €950 million invested since 2020.

It is important that these projects are designed to protect all road users, particularly our most vulnerable users including pedestrians and cyclists. In order for this to happen, certain design standards and guidance must be applied to each infrastructure project funded by Exchequer funding. To this end, a National Guidelines and Standards Group has been established within my Department to oversee and coordinate all guidelines and standards (including cycling and other Active Travel projects) which are funded through my Department.

It also covers the areas of quality control, training and implementation monitoring. Any new cycling infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the Cycle Design Manual which was updated in 2023. This work has been geared to reflect best practice including improving design standards. In support of this, my Department is also working on updates supporting the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).

In terms of promotion and awareness raising, Road Safety Authority (RSA) campaigns do encourage safe cycling at all times of the day, including TV-led campaigns focusing on speed, safe passing distance and not over taking if the road ahead isn’t clear for drivers. Cyclists are asked to 'Be Safe, Be Seen' through wearing bright or reflecting clothing and making sure lights are working on the front and rear of the bicycle. This message is also given to visitors to the Road Safety interactive shuttle and also during visits to schools, businesses and community groups through the Road Safety promotional officers. Safety forms a key aspect of the CycleRight training programme administered by Cycling Ireland on behalf of with my Department.