Cyclist killed Bettystown, Meath, in crash with mini bus: Gardai have sealed off the scene where a cyclist lost his life in a crash with a mini bus this evening. An appeal has also been launched for any witnesses to come forward (File photo)
Cyclist killed Bettystown, Co Meath, in crash with mini bus
A young cyclist has lost his life in a crash with a mini bus on the roads of Co Meath. Gardai have launched an investigation into the collision, which occurred this evening.
The death of the cyclist is the second fatal road traffic crash this year involving a cyclist.
Gardai have issued a statement confirming provisional early details of the crash in which the victim was just 17 years old.
“Gardaí in Laytown are investigating a fatal road traffic collision that occurred this evening at approximately 5 pm on the Golf Links Road, Bettystown, Co Meath,” the statement said.
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“A 17 year old boy was cycling his pedal cycle when he collided with a mini-bus. The pedal cyclist was fatally injured and his body has been removed to Navan Mortuary.
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“A post mortem will be conducted in the coming days. The male bus driver (mid 50s) was uninjured.
“The Forensic Collision Investigators are currently conducting an examination at scene. The road remains closed, local diversions are in place.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on (01) 8010600. Witnesses could also call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
2017 awful year for road deaths
Last year saw 15 cyclists killed on the roads of the Republic. That was an increase on the 10 cyclists who died in 2016.
Since then the Minister for Transport Shane Ross TD (Ind) has pledged to introduce the mooted minimum passing distance legislation.
As a result, motorists would be legally obliged to give cyclists a gap of at least one metre when passing them. Furthermore, on roads with a speed limit above 50km per hour the safe passing distance would be 1.5 metres.
The legislation has been promised, meaning the Government has pledged to introduce it but has not yet done so.
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