Farm group questions why no NCT for bicycles that can reach 40kmph
If tractors that can reach 40kmph must undergo a new tractor NCT why not bicycles that can go that speed (Photo: Sustrans)
A group representing farming contractors and which is opposed to a new tractor NCT has questioned why no such test applies to bicycles.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) is against a mooted tractor NCT for models that can reach speeds of 40km per hour.
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At a recent meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport its chief executive Michael Moroney questioned why no NCT was being considered for bicycles that can reach those speeds.
He also said the proposed new safe-passing laws requiring drivers to allow cyclists 1 metre or 1.5 metres when passing would be unworkable for those driving tractors.
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“I know that there is a Bill on cycling coming through the House,” he said of the proposed safe-passing laws.
“But there are growing numbers of cyclists on rural roads, particularly in groups at the weekend.
“The requirement to allow a space of 1.5m in overtaking a cyclist is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve on many (national) and (regional) grade roads.
“While it is legal to cycle two abreast, in many instances FCI members meet groups of cyclists travelling four abreast. (They) show little interest in other road users.
“We have noted that some of these cyclists move at speeds in excess of 40 km per hour. The proposal is that at these speeds tractors undergo an NCT."
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There was "no special licence required to ride bikes at this speed and no formal training is needed," he added.
“There is no NCT for bicycles rated at speeds in excess of 40 km per hour. More accidents involve cyclists than tractors, according to the RSA's statistics.”
Mr Moroney's group also wants training for cyclists to “make them aware and alert to the needs of other road users."
It was important for cyclists to be aware of "busy contractors who are working during the peak harvesting seasons”.
The FCI has a membership of about 500 contractors. They carry out work under contract in the farming and forestry industries. The majority of the work involves tractors and other heavy machinery.
New NCT for tractors
The FCI is objecting to a new Road Safety Authority plan to introduce a road worthiness test for tractors.
Vehicles covered by the test - planned from May, 2018 - are those involved in commercial haulage. And only tractors that can reach speeds in excess of 40km per hour are included.
Not required to undergo the test are new tractors. It will only apply to those on the road four years or more.
Separately, Fine Gael is currently working on new safe-pass legislation. It requires motorists to allow cyclists 1.5m when passing in a 50kmph or higher zone.
And on roads with a speed limit lower than 50km per hour, the mooted passing distance is 1 metre.
The Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 campaign, headed by cycling advocate Phil Skelton, has been instrumental in lobbying for the new legislation.
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