Cyclists must take their life in their hands when heading out onto the roads in many parts of the country due to poor and dangerous driving, but one crash involving a cyclist on a Co Cork greenway has managed to create a national debate.
Calls have been made by local representatives for speed limits, and other measures, to be introduced on the Midleton to Youghal greenway after a council meeting was told a walker involved in a crash with a cyclist suffered "very nasty injuries".
A local council meeting heard various complaints about cyclists on the greenway, with one bemoaning the presence of "speed merchant" cyclists, adding "some of these fellas in the Lycra are just whipping past you".
Cork County Council area engineer, Michael Lucey, said there had been a lot of feedback about “some of the professional cyclists as we call them going with the head down – it's all noted and I'll give the feedback to my greenway team”.
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Mr Lucey added a safety plan for the greenway was being compiled, which could include a speed limit. However, it is unclear of this would be advisory for cyclists or actually enforceable.
Cllr Michael Hegarty told a meeting of the East Cork Municipal District Council some cyclists using the greenway - a 23km route from Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh and Youghal - were making life uncomfortable for everyone else using the amenity.
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“There was a lady only a few weeks ago who was struck by a bicycle and suffered some nasty injuries," he said. "I think people should be more considerate of all the people that are using it and I don't know whether signs or something has to be done because some cyclists are abusing the situation."
Cllr John Buckley said many of the cyclists who use the greenway were considerate and were mindful of others, though another group of cyclists conducted themselves very differently.
“You have a social cyclist that rings their bell when they’re passing and then you have these speed merchants. Some of these fellas in the Lycra are just whipping past you," he said.
"I didn't know there was an accident but it's only a matter of time before there's another one at the speed these fellas are passing at. They need to slow down before there is a serious accident out there,” he said.
Cllr Ann Marie Ahern said she spoke to a father and son who recently abandoned their walk on the green after encountering some cyclists.
"He said he couldn't enjoy it with his son, which is a pity because it's supposed to be enjoyed by all and it's not supposed to be just kind of railroaded by some,” she said, adding signage should be erected to urge greenway users to show consideration to others on the route.
