A COUNTY Wexford man has begun a campaign which aims to ensure less cyclists are killed on Ireland’s roads.

Phil Skelton, who is originally from Bunclody, (but who now lives in Wexford), said he was starting the Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 campaign to provide for legislation to ensure motorists keep 1.5 metres out from cyclists when they are overtaking them.

The non profit campaign aims to achieve the adoption of a law which requires motorists to give cyclists 1.5 metres clearance when passing them from the rear.

The death of well-known Co. Wexford cyclist Martin Minmagh (40) from Ferns earlier in the year spurred Mr. Skelton to take action. Lucia Kearns Carroll from Cleariestown was another cyclist who fell victim to a road fatality, recently, on the Duncannon Line, while numerous cyclists are knocked from their bikes and suffer injuries across the country with alarming regularity.

A member of Slaney Cycle Group, Mr. Skelton launched the campaign on Facebook last Friday night and has already had a great response.

Speaking to The Echo on Sunday night, Mr. Skelton said: “I am trying to get active into law something which ensures that motorists can’t pass too close to you when you’re cycling.  A minimum overtaking space of 1.5 metres is needed.”

For the full story see this week’s Echo newspapers.