Paralympic cyclist issues plea to ‘share the road’

12.00 | 9 May 2016 |

Mayo County Council’s road safety officer has teamed up with Jerry Towey, one of Ireland’s elite Paralympic athletes, to produce a cycling awareness video.

We share the road, We share life’ highlights how important it is for motorists to give cyclists a ‘safe’ distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking.

Since being published last week, the video has received more than 1,200 views on YouTube.

In 1990, Jerry Towey was involved in a ‘life changing’ road traffic collision which resulted in the amputation of his left leg.

Now a para-cyclist with Cycling Ireland, Jerry missed out the 2013 World Para-cycling Championships after being hit by a car as it drove through a stop sign.

In the video, which demonstrates the feeling experienced by a cyclist when they are overtaken by a fast-moving vehicle at close quarters, Jerry Towey says: “It should not be cyclists versus motorists or motorists versus cyclists.

“Always leave a gap of 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist. 1.5 metres is approximately the width of a standard car.”

The video also features a number of interviews with members of the public which highlight a lack of awareness about the issue.

Noel Gibbons said: "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 is so important."

 

Comments

Comment on this story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close