dereko1969
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You're not a cyclist, presume you've never been to the Netherlands or Denmark. I think you are saying it is a bad thing.The cycling infrastructure in Ireland is anything but pathetic especially in the main cities. There is a strong cycling lobby in Ireland too. I'm not saying it's a bad thing.
That's the other issue with it. It used to deflect blame from the actual cause of many accidents to cyclists.
That's not a reasonable approach to safety. Primary safety management is taking steps to avoid accidents, not making them survivable. Secondary safety management is harm reduction.
It's only a matter of time before cycling on footpaths is deemed legal here such is the strong influence of the Cycling lobby.
Bit of a trick question, eh? Attaching the condition "within the constraints of our existing infrastructure" is not a reasonable approach. Why would you exclude infrastructure improvement when it can obviously reduce accidents? Here's some ideas.In not reduced speed, what measures do you think would be better at stopping motorists hitting other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists within the constraints of our existing infrastructure?
You see it constantly on social media.Any evidence of the cycling lobby ever suggesting that?
Then there must be loads of evidence. Care to provide some?You see it constantly on social media.
Confrere Dereko my fellow poster on this forum I can categorically say that I've used and worn down several bicycles in my plight to cycle to work for many years (every day from 1980 to 2000 and less before and after that). Certainly, five days per week I cycled from Cork's south side into the city centre starting at 8.15am, cycled home to lunch and back to work again and later cycled home again. I delivered a child every morning to school while she sat on the bar of the bike. I can safely say that I probably was as fit as Eddy Mercxx (famous cyclist if you are not aware). In the first few months of my retirement I reconstructed three bikes that had been rusting in the shed. I bought a bike rack for the car and during some weekends there are 6 or 7 bikes placed on it while we bring our grandchildren off to some greenway or beach location. We're not candidates for Ireland's Fittest Family but the Swiss Family Robinson would have to work hard to catch up with us in our defensive cycling techniques.You're not a cyclist, presume you've never been to the Netherlands or Denmark. I think you are saying it is a bad thing.
Bit of a trick question, eh? Attaching the condition "within the constraints of our existing infrastructure" is not a reasonable approach. Why would you exclude infrastructure improvement when it can obviously reduce accidents? Here's some ideas.
1. Motorways are statistically the safest roads and we need more of them, particularly the M20 Cork Limerick route and an outer orbital route for Dublin. This will save lives as the M1, M3 and M7 in particular did.
2. A lot of pedestrians who get hit are under the influence of alcohol and stagger or stumble into the path of cars. Not the drivers fault, in most cases. Absence of hi-vis is also a contributory factor. Should be compulsory for pedestrians especially on unlit roads. Divert anti-motorist policing and RSA propaganda towards encouraging sensible safe behaviour by pedestrians.
3. Zero tolerance for cycling on footpaths. It'll stop cyclists hitting pedestrians. (Not what you asked for but every little helps.)
4. Remove VAT from car repairs, tyres and servicing to encourage motorists to keep their cars in good condition.
5. Abolish VRT to encourage sales of new cars. Newer = safer when it comes to cars.
But it's worth recognising that driver behaviour isn't the only thing that causes accidents. Other road user behaviour, road infrastructure and vehicle condition is also relevant. We've had enough of the punitive approach to motorists - let's look at the other factors too.
Boomy, there is data in the Dept. of Transport to refute this. It says that such a motorway will encourage development in towns along the route and discourage the further development of Cork as a larger urban centre with attendant economies of scale; a sustainable public transport system in the city for example. I'm not saying I belong to that school of thought, just pointing out that there is an alternative view.we need more of them, particularly the M20 Cork Limerick route
Indeed, I'd agree with that data. But what's wrong with that? I'd suggest the towns on the route could benefit greatly from development. Not everybody wants to live in a city!Boomy, there is data in the Dept. of Transport to refute this. It says that such a motorway will encourage development in towns along the route and discourage the further development of Cork as a larger urban centre with attendant economies of scale; a sustainable public transport system in the city for example. I'm not saying I belong to that school of thought, just pointing out that there is an alternative view.
I'm not talking about shared paths where there is a cycle path specifically marked out. I'm talking about footpaths, where it is illegal to cycle.
I repeat; you should not cycle on a footpath. It is dangerous for you and for pedestrians and it is illegal. Small children learning to cycle are the exception but if you are old enough to be let out on your own then you should not be cycling on the footpath.
lthough it is widely accepted that cyclists who use footpaths can prove to be a nuisance for pedestrians, the offence of cycling will now not be brought under the fixed-charge notices system.
Instead, the offence of 'Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration' is to be brought under the FCN system.
This will allow gardaí to deal with those who are cycling in a reckless or aggressive manner on footpaths without consideration for pedestrians.
It's believed that Mr Donohoe has taken the decision to exclude the offence of cycling on footpaths after consultations with gardaí and road safety chiefs.
Apparently John Wayne hated cyclists
I think we then basically get ribbon development writ large. Ribbon development brings problems; think of the movement between the centres, none large enough to sustain a public transport system within or between them. More cars, more traffic etc.But what's wrong with that?
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