Motorists and Cyclists – Sharing the Road

The roads are a dangerous place and it can be a battlefield for many road users on a daily basis. Worse still, everyone blames each other. The fact of the matter is, no one owns the road and every road user has equal rights and responsibilities when it comes to reaching their destination. The longest running dispute is between motorists and cyclists so we’ve compiled some do’s and don’ts when it comes to using Irish roads because, at the end of the day, despite their differences, everyone wants to get to where they need to go safely.

Cyclists

Do

1. Be Visible - Wear reflective clothing, a proper fitting helmet and have the appropriate working lights on your bike.
2. Signal - When turning right or left, use the appropriate hand signals so motorists clearly know which direction you’re about to take.
3. Keep a safe stopping distance from whatever is in front of you and adapt your approach to different weather conditions.
4. Be vigilant - Watch out for opening doors or motorists changing lanes.
5. Respect all road signs - Stop at red lights and yield at relevant junctions.

Don’t

1. Cycle on the motorway as it’s illegal.
2. Cycle the wrong direction up a one-way street. Not only is it against the law and unsafe but unfair on motorists.
3. Cycle on the footpath unless you’re about to enter or exit a property.
4. Weave in and out between motorists as you may not be seen and could cause a collision.
5. Cycle more than two abreast or more than single file when overtaking.

Motorists

Do

1. Watch out for cyclists. Check your mirrors and blind spots regularly, especially before turning.
2. Leave a safe distance between your vehicle and a cyclist when overtaking. New legislation being introduced will mean motorists must allow one metre on a road with 50km/hr speed limit and 1.5 metres on speed limits above this when overtaking cyclists.
3. Give the cyclists enough space if they’re overtaking you.
4. Check for cyclists before opening the door of your vehicle
5. Be patient even if it means waiting behind a cyclist until it’s safe to overtake.

__Don’t __

1. Speed - Cyclists are extremely vulnerable road users and being hit by a car at speed could have a catastrophic impact.
2. Park in cycle lanes.
3. Drive in cycle lanes during designated times of operation.
4. Turn or move lane without checking thoroughly for a cyclist.
5. Forget to use your indicators before turning.