Roads belong to cyclists too

GERARD MOONEY (Letters, August 11) is rightly concerned with the recent deaths of cyclists and the attitude of many motorists to cyclists in general.

There seems to be an attitude that bikes are toys for children and shouldn’t be on the roads.

Some car drivers seem to think cycling is a sign of poverty and although cycling is probably the most economical form of travel, many cyclists spend more on the cost of their bikes than motorists on their cars.

The roads belong to all citizens, they are paid for by everyone’s taxes, not just by motor taxes.

Cyclists who also drive cars are generally better drivers because they know to look out for pedestrians, cyclists and all vulnerable road-users. That’s why cycling advocacy groups such as cyclist.ie are campaigning for safer interaction between cyclists and car drivers, thus encouraging more to take up cycling.

The more cyclists on our roads, the more motorists will be aware and look out for cyclists.

Roads can be made safer by reducing traffic speed, giving cyclists a safe overtaking distance and cutting the numbers of heavy vehicles. Enforcement goes hand in hand with these measures.

Many families will be returning home after recent holidays, having been impressed by the amount of cycling by our neighbours on the continent and asking if we could do this here. And the answer of course is ... yes we can.

Adam D’Arcy

Cork Cycling Campaign

South Douglas Rd

Cork