A chara, – Terry Lilburn (January 23rd) rightly bemoans the lack of respect shown by cyclists regarding red lights and the large number who fail to display front and rear lights at night.
However, under the rules of the road, cyclists are fully entitled to travel two abreast, and doing so benefits not only their own safety but that of motorists too. It has been demonstrated that cycling in single file often encourages drivers to overtake by squeezing past with less than the Road Safety Authority’s recommended 1.5m separation.
By doubling up, that temptation is removed, and when the opportunity arises the manoeuvre takes less time and distance, as its length is halved.
Mr Lilburn’s main grievance is “the failure of almost all cyclists in the suburbs to use a cycle lane where it has been provided”. However, the poor quality of many cycle lanes and the debris that gathers in them (they are rarely if ever swept) mean they are often not fit for use. When Dublin City Council provides properly segregated cycle lane facilities throughout the city, those of us on two wheels will be only too happy remove ourselves from the main roadway. There is nothing more terrifying for a cyclist than a wing mirror missing their right shoulder by only a few inches.
May I politely remind Mr Lilburn that when a car and a bike collide, there is only ever one winner. The extra 30 seconds that may be required for a safe overtaking opportunity is surely not too much to ask.
I would ask everyone to see it from both sides and share the road. – Is mise,
JOHN ARRIGAN,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – I’m sure the anti-cycling lobby is correct in pointing out the many failings of some cyclists. But rest assured, if I were to list the many bad experiences I’ve had with motorists while cycling, I’d need this entire page. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN CULLEN,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.