The women in one west of Ireland town are calling on all motorists to make their next pass a safe one.
Organisers of a ladies only cycling sportive are calling on motorists to think safety next time they go to pass a cyclist, they are using the event to promote the 1.5 campaign.(https://www.facebook.com/stayinaliveat1.5) .
This popular leisure cycling event,( www.westernlakecc.com) western lakes ladies sportive which will be held on Sunday, September 27th, takes participants on a scenic 64km route around the beautiful Lough Mask and sees great support every year .
"Driving can be a stressful and challenging experience but with cyclists in the mix extra tensions can arise. Equally, cyclists are very vulnerable and the road can be a scary place if you don't have the protective shell of a car body. That is why encouraging mutual respect and appreciation between car and bike users through the size matters campaign is so important." The campaign reminds motorists to overtake cyclists with care and give at least 1.5m space between the vehicle and cyclist.
The benefits of cycling for commuting, congestion reduction, and recreation in Mayo are apparent. The organisers of the cycling event are, however, very keen to also reduce the number of cyclists injured despite the increased numbers of cyclists on the roads. "Cyclists are legitimate road users entitled to mix with other traffic and while an extensive regional cycle network is planned and there has been great progress in developing dedicated cycle facilities, it is not feasible to build an entirely separate cycle network, so the campaign is focusing on two key behaviour messages to encouraging safer motorist and cyclist behaviour, it’s not every motorists who fails allow enough room for cyclists when over taking so we are calling on the few motorists who don’t leave enough room to think safety" said Patricia Hearte event organiser.
"The campaign provides an excellent reminder to motorists to take care around cyclists on the road. Looking out for cyclists and giving cyclists more room while overtaking are two simple measures that motorists can do to help improve road safety for cyclists and themselves."
The campaign reinforces that motorists and cyclists are subject to the same rules of the road meaning that cyclists have to observe the rules and courtesies expected of motorised vehicles on the road and in turn, they need to be treated with similar respect by motorists.
"It is great to see more cyclists on the roads as cycling is fun, efficient, good for you, and frees up congested streets. But safety is a concern, so we hope that this campaign helps raise motorist awareness while also reinforcing the importance for cyclists to ensure they are visible to motorists."