Madam, - The Labour Party and the Greens have a policy for cyclists on the streets of our towns and cities. Millions have been spent on the streets to create cycle lanes and facilities for cyclists to lock up their bikes around the town.
Politicians and councilors are actively encouraging more people to take to the streets on two wheels. All of the above is welcome.
I drive a motorbike to and from the city centre every day hail rain or shine. The behaviour of most (not all) cyclists is an absolute disgrace. Their regard for the law must be addressed. Traffic lights (especially pedestrian lights), seem to be there to be broken. One-way streets do not seem to apply to them.
Footpaths pedestrian streets and bridges are treated as another cycle lane. Motorists are expected to be psychic as hand signals are seldom used.
Most cyclists have never heard of front and rear lights for their bikes. I have even seen speed limits broken by cyclists (the Tour de France type with the spray on cycling outfit who thinks he's racing for the finishing line). The use of mobile phones is common. Plugged into headphones is an everyday sight.
No hands while "texting" is a must for the college student cyclist.If a motorist/motorcyclist were to behave in the same manner as most cyclists there would be uproar from the public and indeed the cycling fraternity. Cyclists are great at commenting on the behavior of other road users but seem to ignore the rules of the road themselves. I would like to see zero tolerance for ALL road users being enforced not just motorists.
- Yours, etc,
ALAN COOKE, Fownes St., Dublin 2.