Male cyclist is killed in road sweeper collision
Campaigners slam government’s safety record after 13th bike user fatality this year
A CYCLIST was killed after a collision involving a roadsweeping truck yesterday.
It happened at around 1.30pm on Whitechurch Road in Rathfarnham, South Dublin.
The road, popular among cyclists, was still closed to traffic last night while gardai carried out a forensic examination.
In a post on its Facebook page, the Dublin Cycling Campaign said: “The shocking, sad and all too familiar news has reached us that another cyclist has been killed.
“Today’s victim was killed while cycling on Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham. He is the 13th person to be killed while cycling this year and his death, like all the others, is totally unacceptable to us.
“We will be announcing a major action to take place in Dublin in the coming days to highlight the deaths of cyclists.
“We will also raise the lack of action to protect cyclists by Transport Minister Shane Ross, The Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council, and the Garda Siochana.”
Local Fianna Fail councillor Emma Murphy paid her condolences to family and friends of the deceased man, whose name has not yet been made public.
She said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of the fatality of a cyclist in our local area of Ballyboden this afternoon.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased man and those involved in the incident at this awfully tragic time. “Whitechurch Road is a popular and busy route for cyclists as it is a gateway to the Dublin Mountains.” Helmet lies on the road Sinn Fein councillor Sarah Holland also expressed her sadness at the news.
The Rathfarnham representative said: “I want to give my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the cyclist who was killed today.
“This is a dark day for our community, and my thoughts are with all of those affected.”
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic collision involving a cyclist and a truck which occurred at approximately 1.30pm yesterday at White Church Road, Rathfarnham.
“He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His body currently remains at the scene which has been sealed off to facilitate the Garda Forensic Investigators. The driver of the truck was unharmed.
“We are appealing for witnesses to contact Rathfarnham Garda station on 01 666500, The Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
This death, like all the others, is totally unacceptable to us
DUBLIN CYCLING CAMPAIGN
YESTERDAY