Ireland looks like it is finally going to match the push by the British in bringing in a new offence of dangerously overtaking cyclists.
After years of campaigning and Irish cyclists looking on in envy as other jurisdictions clamp down on the close passing of cyclists why vehicles while the Irish authorities did nothing, it appears a breakthrough of sorts has occurred.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross has revealed officials at his department are examining the framing and enacting of new legislation aimed at protecting cyclists against motorists who dangerously overtake them.
"We are looking at a measure, at the moment my officials are to create a special offence for dangerously overtaking cyclists because they do need protection,” he said yesterday.
Mr Ross was appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on transport to talk about a range of road safety issues, especially drink driving.
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However, while his plans in that area would also be welcomed by cyclists – and other road users – his comments on creating an offence of dangerous overtaking have been welcomed by campaigners in Ireland.
The Stayin Alive at 1.5 campaign, led by Phil Skelton, has headed the campaign for the introduction of 1.5 metre safe passing distance like that in many other countries.
“We are not quite over the line yet but after this statement, I can't see how he can row back now,” he said in a statement released by the campaign last night.
“To say that I'm overjoyed would be an understatement. I have so many people to thank but I'll save that until we cross the line.”
If a new law were enacted, it would obviously only make conditions safer for cyclists of the Garda enforced it.
However, the growth of bike-mounted cameras and the evidence of close passing that they can gather, coupled with a new law outlawing dangerously overtaking cyclists, would mean the Garda would be duty bound to probe the cases.
Separately, in the area of drink driving Mr Ross has confirmed he is to end the practice of drivers caught drink driving face penalty points for a first offence is to end.
It will perhaps come as news to many that drivers caught for the first time are not banned, but Mr Ross is to end the practice and now any motorist over the limit will face a ban for a first time offence.
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