Cheaper bicycle repairs are part of FF plans

REDUCED tax on bicycle repairs and a review of speed limits are among a series of new Fianna Fáil proposals aimed at getting more people cycling.

The main opposition party has produced a new policy on cycling which includes a substantial increase in spending so that cycling officers can be hired by every local authority in the country.

While the popularity of cycling has spiked dramatically over the past decade, Fianna Fáil argues those who take to the roads on bikes have been largely ignored by the Government.

The party’s transport spokesman, Robert Troy, said Ireland’s cycling infrastructure was “woefully underdeveloped”.

“This has resulted in far too many accidents involving cyclists, often with tragic outcomes. It has also led to congestion on our existing cycling network which is disjointed in nature and unfit for purpose.”

Among the proposals being pushed by Fianna Fáil are more cycle lanes that are physically segregated from other traffic.

They also want more bike storage facilities on public transport and near bus and rail stations.

Mr Troy also urged the expansion of the Bike-to-Work Scheme which allows people to get cash back on a bicycle purchase every five years. He wants this reduced to three.

“Increasing the safety of cycling is probably the most important measure to increase participation, particularly among vulnerable road users,” he said.