PAUL KENNY,
Sir, - I write as a motorist and occasional cyclist, and have to say I am appalled by the implications of the proposed EU initiative. Unlike cyclists in certain other EU countries, the general behvaiour of Irish cyclists is poor, and that of many pedestians even worse, and I see no reason why motorists should have to bear the cost of injuries sustained by either cyclist or pedestrians in cases where the cyclist or pedestrian in question is clearly at fault.
Neither cyclists nor pedestrians are required to learn the rules of the road, and many do not observe them at all. The behaviour of Dublin pedestrians is disgraceful, as a quick trip to the O'Connell Bridge area will confirm. Mob rule is the order of the day and no regard is paid to the colour of traffic lights. Progress along Dame Street is attended by the hazards presented by serial jaywalkers. So, before we make any changes, we need to get some consensus as to who is bound by what rules. Clearly, motorists will be bound by the existing rules, which must be rigorously enforced, but the way forward for other road users must also be clear.
Pedestrian lights are regarded by many cyclists as some sort of decorative feature, carrying no particular meaning for them.
For many years, there was one such light (now a full traffic light) at the junction of Leinster Road and Rathmines Road. I never once saw a cyclist stop at that light when it was red.
Should this privilege apply to all traffic lights? Should all one-way streets be two-way for cyclists, instead of just some, as at present?
In addition, there will have to be a decision as to which lanes are appropriate for cyclists on a four-lane road: the inside lane, the line between the two lanes, or the wrong side of the road (all three options are currently in use on the Harold's Cross Road).
And can we all agree that the correct method for a cyclist to make a right-hand turn is to slam on his brakes on the left hand side of the road, bash the button on the traffic light, and then cycle across the pedestrian crossing onto the opposite pavement?
PAUL KENNY, Kimmage Road West, Dublin 12