I have tabled the following motion for November’s full meeting of Kildare County Council:

– That Kildare County Council adopts the position of many other County Councils, by placing on all council vehicles, where appropriate, signs to indicate the appropriate space to give a cyclist when overtaking is a minimum of 1.5m clearance. The cost of each sign is estimated between €6 and €10.

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There is currently a cycling safety campaign called ‘Stayin’ alive at 1.5‘ to ultimately pursue the adoption of a law that requires motorists to give cyclists 1.5 metres when overtaking, which would be in line with many other countries and jurisdictions worldwide. A major component of this is awareness, specifically making motorists aware of how to overtake cyclist safely. Given the ongoing efforts to develop and enhance cycle routes throughout County Kildare I think this would be a positive step towards greater awareness and road safety.”

Cycling is more popular than ever and this is a very simple but positive step towards increased road safety awareness. I hope other Councillors will support this motion on the floor of the meeting and see it enacted.