Cyclists should pay insurance

The argument is getting stronger that those driving push bicycles on our roads should be forced to take out insurance.

Many cyclists commit major traffic violations which puts them and others at greater risk when there is a collision with a motor vehicle because they have no insurance for third parties or themselves. A culture has developed among a high number of cyclists that it is okay to ignore red stop signs, while motor vehicles come to a halt. There also exists among cyclists a habit of not signalling, which is one of the major reasons why accidents occur in addition to wearing deafening headphones, making them unable to hear the sound of moving vehicles around them.

Many cyclists have no helmet or other apparel, which reduces visibility considerably as they weave in and out of traffic lanes, not to mention those on a pedal bike in the night with no light or inadequate lights. The case for insurance is a strong — if not a compelling one.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork