Rogue cyclists knocking down vulnerable pedestrians on Cork greenway, council hears

Cork County Council is looking at introducing speed limits for cyclists on the Midleton to Youghal greenway

A section of the Midleton to Youghal greenway.

Rogue cyclists are knocking down vulnerable pedestrians on a Co Cork greenway with the latest walker hit getting “very nasty injuries”. 

The county council is looking at introducing speed limits for cyclists on the Midleton to Youghal greenway because of these concerns, but it is unclear who would enforce such bylaws.

Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty and Independent councillor John Buckley have both raise concerns about safety along the greenway which does not have proper designated trackways and signage to clearly separate cyclists and pedestrians.

Mr Hegarty said accidents are happening more frequently along the greenway as cyclists and pedestrians intermingle along the popular route.

“Most recently, a lady was struck by a bicycle and suffered some nasty injuries. Something has to be done about this. Some cyclists are abusing the situation there,” he said. 

“These cyclists should show greater consideration for the other users."

Mr Buckley said there are two types of cyclists using the greenway. 

"One is the social type and rings the bell [to warn other users] and then there are some speed merchants, with their heads down, who see nothing in front of them."

Fianna Fáil councillor Ann Marie Ahern said she was contacted by a parent who had discouraged his son from using the greenway because of the potential danger.

Senior council officials said the safety officers and the team in charge of the greenway will look into making it safer for all users, including putting up warning signage, which will include bicycle speed limits.

Substandard clean-up

Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor Rory Cocking said clean-ups of the greenway were substandard as cuttings remained on the trackway and many cyclists were reporting punctures.

Mr Buckley, who said he uses the greenway daily, said blackthorn trees are dominant along the route and thorns on the pathway were responsible for the punctures.

He described the current maintenance regime as “an absolute hatchet job”. Council officials said they would “reexamine” the current maintenance routine along the greenway to address that issue.