Donegal cyclist killed: Gardai are investigating a crash on the roads in which a cyclist has been killed. The dead man had gone on an afternoon training ride and was hit by a car.
Donegal cyclist killed after hit by car on training ride
A cyclist has been killed after being in collision with a motorist driving a car in Co Donegal. The dead man was on an afternoon training ride today.
The incident, in west Donegal, occurred this afternoon just before 4pm.
The deceased was a man in his 40s. He died while cycling on the Magheroarty to Ardsbeg road close to Gortahork village.
Paramedics and the Garda attended the scene. There were reports locally that at least one other cyclist was also injured in the same incident.
However, a Garda statement made no mention of anyone but the deceased and the driver of the vehicle having been involved.
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"Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic collision that occurred at Ardsbeg, Gortahork this afternoon at approximately 4pm," the statement said.
"A male cyclist in his 40s was fatally injured when he was involved in a collision with a car.
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"The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been removed to Letterkenny Hospital. The driver of the car was uninjured.
"This stretch of road is currently closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place.
"Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses to contact Milford Garda Station on 074-9153060, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
AA Road Watch and Donegal County Council have advised of road closures in the area. Investigating gardai are examining the scene as part of their inquiries.
Deaths while cycling increased
This afternoon’s fatal collision is the first time this year a cyclist has lost their life on the roads.
Last year 15 people were killed while cycling, up from 10 in 2016. The increase in cyclist deaths occurred as fewer fatalities for all other road users were recorded.
Indeed, the total death toll among all road users in 2017 was the lowest since records began.
Cycling campaign groups and safety advocates have expressed concern that cycling deaths bucked the overall national trend toward lower fatalities.
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