Stayin’ Alive campaign rolls into Leinster House
A CAMPAIGN to have a safe distance when overtaking a cyclist written into law has continued its rapid momentum after a discussion in Leinster House.
Wexford’s Phil Skelton is the man behind the Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 campaign, which seeks to impose a mandatory 1.5 metre passing distance on motorists when overtaking cyclists on our roads. The campaign has gained significant support throughout the country and most recently, Phil cycled to Dublin to attend a meeting hosted by Ministers Ciaran Cannon and Regina Doherty.
‘We presented a briefing on the campaign, followed by questions and answers with Oireachtas TDs and Senators to highlight the importance of the co-sponsored bill for minimum passing distance law that we have been lobbying for,’ said Phil.
‘ This bill endeavours to make our roads safer for people who ride bicycles and for motorists and the meeting was held with the aim of gathering support as it will soon pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas.’
In attendance at the Leinster House meeting to voice their support were Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna, Cyclist.ie Chairperson Colm Ryder and top professional cyclist Nicolas Roche who was happy to lend his name to the campaign. Similarly, legendary Irish international runner Sonia O’Sullivan has also added her voice to the campaign.
Wexford Fianna Fáil TD James Browne was also present and voiced his support for his fellow Wexford man and the bill and Mick Wallace, who wasn’t in attendance, has also pledged his support.
Poignantly, the meeting came on the day after a 10th cyclist had died on Irish roads for 2017, meaning that we have already equalled 2016’s total just over half way through.
‘We urgently need to create a safe space on our roads for all cyclists, young and old and our Minimum Passing Distance Legislation will do exactly that,’ said Minister Regina Doherty.
‘ The legislation presents a valuable opportunity to reduce deaths and serious injury amongst our very significant cycling community and is deserving of our support.’