A WEXFORD man’s campaign to increase cycling safety on roads all over the country was handed another boost this week as new Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna lent his signature to the Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 petition.

The campaign, which is the brainchild of Phil Skelton, aims to write into law that motorists would have to leave a minimum clearance of 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists, which would hopefully lead to a drastic decrease in the amount of cyclists dying or sustaining serious injuries on our roads.

In signing the petition, Mr McKenna has joined cycling legends like Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and Nicolas Roche, along with over 5,000 others.

The campaign has gained considerable momentum this year, with meetings taking place with both Minister Paschal Donohoe and the Road Safety Authority.

“This exists in over half of the US states, 2 Canadian provinces, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and more. It is currently being rolled out in Australia. Queensland are in their second year of their trial of this law there and they have witnessed a dramatic fall of 70% in bicycle rider fatalities there this year.”

“In Ireland we should be doing everything possible to aim our road deaths towards zero and safe passing law is one tool in a large tool box that can help us get there,” Phil continued. “Everybody deserves the right to get home safely.”

Phil

Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna signs the Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 petition.

is hoping that the signature of Cycling Ireland’s President will be a big boost to the campaign as they represent over 28,000 members. To add your name to the petition, visit www.safecyclingireland.org.