FRANK E. BANNISTER,
Sir, - What is it with Dublin cyclists? On a dark evening about two weeks ago, emerging in my car from a side road, I came within inches of hitting a cyclist. This young man was cycling the wrong way down a cycle lane in dark clothing without any lights on a poorly-lit stretch of suburban road. Had it not been for a timely yell from my wife in the passenger seat, he would probably still be in hospital.
This incident has led me to carry out an unscientific, but nonetheless illuminating survey of the Dublin cyclist at night. This evening was typical. Of 34 cyclists I observed on the four-mile drive from work to home, 19 had no lights, front or back. Several were riding on the road in places where there are cycle lanes provided. The majority were dressed in black or other dark apparel. On average over the past few days (mornings and evenings) around 60 per cent of those I have seen (and it can be damned hard to see some of them) have had no lighting at all on their bicycles.
My recollection is that riding a bicycle at night without adequate lighting is an offence under the traffic code. I suggest that the gardaí be issued with large clips which enable them to confiscate offenders' machines and clamp them to the nearest lamp post. They could then be retrieved for a fine of, say, €25.
Of course it will never happen and, as always, the next time some unfortunate is knocked down at night it will be the generic motorist who gets the blame. Until something is done, I guess the best we drivers can do is keep eating our carrots. - Yours, etc.,
FRANK E. BANNISTER,
Stillorgan Wood,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.