asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an address on bicycle spoke injury by Dr. B.K. Rothmann at the 16th International Congress of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons; and if having regard to this he will require bicycle manufacturers to provide protective shielding for the wheels of bicycles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bicycle Safety Precautions.
39.
I understand that such an address was given by Dr. B.K. Rothmann at the 16th International Congress of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons. As far as can be ascertained by my Department the type of injury referred to by Dr. Rothmann rarely occurs, and when it does, it is not usually of a permanent or serious nature. I do not consider, therefore, that action on the lines suggested by the Deputy would be warranted.
Has the Minister himself read the address, which was published?
No.
Is the Minister aware that in the address the eminent doctor testified, contrary to what his Department believe, that this is a very common injury and that the consequences can be extremely serious and he, therefore, recommended that all relevant authorities should ensure that bicycle manufacturers protect the legs of the cyclists from the spokes of the bicycle wheels and might I now ask the Minister to find time to read this very important report and discuss it with his colleague the Minister for Health?
As far as my Department can ascertain this type of injury is comparatively rare.
In other words the Minister is rejecting the evidence without even considering it?
It has been considered.
That is irresponsible.
Sell bicycle clips. They would do the job.
Just because the Minister for Justice can go around in his Mercedes he can laugh at people going around on bicycles.
I have a bell on the bike I have at home.