I have to say, I am really on tenterhooks at the moment over cyclists. I live in Co Cork and the amount of cyclists cycling at all times without relfective gear and no lights at night is scaring the life out of me each time I drive. Is there a standard of lights/ gear that cyclists need to meet
Essentially no, nothing explicit though, other than lights, as far as I'm aware though there are recommendations.
Let's face it we're in a bit of a transition period. There are some good, bad and ugly cyclists (and not just those who shouldn't wear lycra), the same way there are good and bad drivers and good and bad pedestrians.
I see the idiot cyclists every day as I cycle in, but I have as many close calls or occasions of idiot drivers and idiot pedestrians.
But I've seen a big improvement. When the bike for work scheme was introduced there was some serious problems with new cyclists who not only put themselves at risk, but on occasions me too. This last few months it has been much better (though I expect a there's a few who've put the bike away for the winter), more with lights, more with helmets, more being sensible on the roads.
There are a couple of areas I do break the "rules" as such. One is not using a designated cycleway thats on a pavement because it is so poorly maintained it is extremely dangerous to use. The other is two sets of lights that if all is clear (good visibility) I will break them because to leave at the same time as cars (and buses) is extremely dangerous as they jostle for position or try and get past me to turn left, etc. A busted hip and a disolcated shoulder from separate incidents in these locations has taught me to get a head start.
But cycling such distances is still new to a lot of people and to the country, it'll take time. Even so, in all my years of cycling, I've seen a much greater improvement all over in behaviour and safety. Not perfect, but getting better.