merrion street

Minister Ross has today (June 18^th) announced the allocation of €446,500 to 19 local authorities for the roll out of cycling “safe passing” signs this year.  This new sign, which has been included in the Traffic Signs Manual, advises motorists of the need to leave adequate space when overtaking cyclists.

Minister Ross said:

There has been a marked and welcome increase in the number of people choosing to swap their cars for bicycles in recent months. Consequently we have all had to reassess how we share our spaces in cities and towns in order to reflect this positive change. It is so important that cyclists are confident they will be given the space to travel safely and without fear on urban and rural roads. While my Department recently announced nationwide support to improve infrastructure for both cyclists and pedestrians in urban locations, motorists often still need to share the road with cyclists in both town and country. Motorists should know that dangerous overtaking of a cyclist is an offence and punishable by a fine and penalty points. Motorists who are in breach of this rule have already received fines and points. I welcome that funding has now been allocated for road signs reminding motorists of this fact. This will allow the local authorities, which requested funding, to deploy all the signs proposed in their submissions in appropriate locations.

In addition funding of €182,000 is being allocated to support the implementation by Clare County Council of a EuroVelo 1 route in the County. The EuroVelo 1 route has been identified and assessed as part of a joint venture between Clare County Council and Sport Ireland, and complements the Department’s wider investment in Greenways and cycling infrastructure in urban areas.

Minister Ross said;

I am very pleased to announce funding for this project, which will greatly enhance our tourism and sporting potential, as well as provide a wonderful, safe amenity for locals and visitors alike.

Notes for Editors:

EuroVelo1 stretches from Norway to Portugal via Ireland and targets long distance cyclists but also provides routes for users of all abilities as the criteria for inclusion specify lower-trafficked roads as well as Greenways. The route forms part of a network of 17 long distance cycle routes throughout Europe and it enters County Clare via counties Galway and Limerick. A link to an interactive map of the route in Clare is here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30110410.

The route in Clare is approximately 317 kilometres long and comprises six daily sections i.e. sections which typically can be cycled in one day. In some parts the route ties into cycle routes already in operation for some years, for example, the Doolin and Loop Head Cycle routes. The roll out of the route will include the provision of EuroVelo signage, bike repair stands, information boards and cycle racks. Examples of Eurovelo signage are attached. The entire route in Ireland, from Donegal to Wexford, has been mapped and will be publicised later in the year. Much of the route is already signposted and it is expected that the remainder will be signposted within the next 18 months.

Eurovelo Sign Types