Cyclists back campaign for safe passing space

A Bill if it becomes law that obliges drivers to give cyclists more room while passing has been welcomed by Sligo Cycling Campaign.

Under the proposed legislation motorists would be obliged to pass cyclists no closer than 1.5 meters on roads with a speed limit of 50km/ h or higher.

On roads where the speed limit is under 50km/ h, the safe distance would be set at one meter.

Joan Swift chairperson of Sligo Cycling Campaign said: “Sligo Cycling Campaign welcomes the introduction of this Bill and we will be contacting our TDs to ask them to publicly express their support for a minimum Passing Distance Law.

Also, it would help greatly if others who care about cycling safety would take just a few minutes to contact their TDs and let them know how important this Bill is.”

Sligo County Council has helped to communicate the importance of overtaking cyclists safely by displaying the ‘ Stayin Alive at 1.5’ graphic on their council vehicles and by supporting the production of rear window stickers for cars in July last year.

Minimum passing distance laws are already in place in France, Portugal, half of US states, a number of Australian states and several provinces in Canada.

The Bill was introduced in the Dáil by Fine Gael TD’s Ciarán Cannon and Regina Doherty, Government Chief Whip.

Deputy Ciaran Cannon has expressed hope that the legislation will be passed before the summer break.