Motorists were today reminded to exercise care when sharing the roads with cyclists as the country marks National Bike Week.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey urged drivers to give cyclists sufficient room when overtaking, as they can be knocked off balance by gusts of wind or obstructions in the road, to use their mirrors and to check for cyclists before opening doors.
He said cyclists can play their part in improving road safety by adhering to the Rules of the Road; wearing high visibility jackets or vests; not overtaking on the inside of vehicles turning left and by wearing approved helmets correctly.
“Road space is shared between all road users,” the Minister added. “Cyclists and drivers, must behave in a responsible manner towards each other and with safety as a first requirement.”
National Bike Week, which was launched by Mr Dempsey in the Phoenix Park in Dublin yesterday, runs from June 14th to 21st.