Only a matter of time before a cyclist is killed in Portlaoise, says Laois TD

Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley claimed it was only a matter of time before a cyclist is killed in Portlaoise. 

He cited examples of cyclists and scooter riders in Portlaoise travelling in dark clothes without lights or high visibility clothing. 

“It is only a matter of time before there is a cyclist killed,” he told the Joint Policing Committee meeting. 

He urged gardai to stop cyclists and remind them that it is illegal to cycle without lights on their bicycles. 

“Cyclists think that because they can see, motorists can see them,” he said. 

He also said there were scooters using the footpaths in every town and village in Laois.  

“Is there anything we can do to get scooters off the footpaths,” he asked. 

“Some of these scooters can do 30,40,50 kms an hour,” said Deputy Stanley. 

“I have had complaints from every part of the county,” he added. 

He said the presence of gardai in areas would work as a deterrent. 

Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan said he believed it was important that Gardai engaged with cyclists in relation to wearing high visibility clothing and using lights.

He confirmed it was an offence not to have lights on a bike and said Gardai would try and get some high visibility clothing. 

“We will liaise with the RSA(Road Safety Authority) and see can we acquire some,” he said. 

Deputy Stanley asked that gardai would stop cyclists and alert them to the need to be visible at night time. 

Chief Supt Lonergan said Gardai would remind people of the need and he emphasised the importance of raising awareness.