Calls for more signage to protect cyclists

There have been calls for more signage to be erected to remind drivers of the safe distance to be maintained when overtaking cyclists.

When overtaking, national guidelines recommend that drivers should leave 1.5 metres between them and cyclists in areas with speed limits above 50km/h.

Fianna Fáil’s Aiden Fitzpatrick called on the local authority at the councillor’s November monthly meeting to erect road signs for ‘Passing Cyclists at 1.5m’ throughout the region so as to “provide safer routes”.

On a visit to Clogherhead recently, Cllr Fitzpatrick claimed to have counted at least 10 such signs in a space of several kilometres.

He then named off the local cycling groups based in Cavan and their usual starting points, saying there are a “lot of clubs and a lot of cycling success” in the county at present.

He accepted that there was little reason to have signage placed on every road, but on main roads widely used by cycling groups would be a “good idea”.

His motion was supported by Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley, who criticised how some cycle lanes had become so dilapidated they were nearly impossible for cyclists to travel safely on.

Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly raised the question of “liability” where signs are erected.

Director of Services Paddy Connaughton responded, telling the councillors that the local authority had received funding for signage, but it came with rules as to where they can be placed.

“We’ll only erect signs where it is safe to pass,” said Mr Connaughton, adding that the council is open to recommendations and submissions from cycling groups locally.