Vol. 510 No. 3
305 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, he has taken to improve safety awareness among cyclists; the plans, if any, he has to make the wearing of crash helmets for cyclists mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22577/99]
Responsibility for developing and disseminating road safety advertisements and publicity is assigned to the National Safety Council, which promotes television and other media and awareness campaigns on road safety on a continuing basis. The focusing of these campaigns is a matter for the council having regard to the prioritisation by the Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 of the key areas of speeding, drink driving and seat belt wearing.
Campaigns and promotions targeting cyclists are run by the National Safety Council. Leaflets entitled Going To School and Pedal Sense were circulated to schools and public libraries in September 1999 as part of the council's educational development programme to improve safety awareness among cyclists and give advice on road safety matters generally. In addition to major national campaigns, the council also supports and encourages the organisation of projects, including cycle training at local and community levels.
There are no proposals at present to make the wearing of helmets for cyclists mandatory. The consensus of public authorities concerned with road safety has been that the wearing of helmets by cyclists is best promoted on a voluntary basis by way of educational and publicity campaigns, such as those undertaken by the National Safety Council. The rules of the road recommend that because of their vulnerability cyclists should, in their own interest, wear protective headgear at all times. In addition, the rules of the road offers advice on manoeuvring a cycle, including cycling at night.
The safety of cyclists was also a leading concern of the manual, Provision of cycle facilities – National Manual for Urban Areas, produced by the Dublin Transportation Office on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Local Government and has been circulated to all local authorities. The manual contains a comprehensive set of guidelines for the design and provision of cycle facilities.
