An EU proposal to force motorists to pay compensation and damages in almost all accidents involving cyclists - irrespective of where the fault lies - has drawn mixed reaction from cycling lobby groups and insurers.
The proposed law also aims to harmonise car insurance costs across Europe.
A spokesman for AXA Insurance said that the proposed directive would increase the motorist's legal liability and "will inevitably lead to an increased number of claims".
"Consequently, this could have some impact on the cost of insurance premiums", he said.
According to a spokesman for the Insurance Federation of Ireland, however, the proposal, if passed was " not going to have a great effect".
The pro-cycling lobby group, the Dublin Cycling Campaign, said it was looking forward to its implementation.
"It would encourage drivers to take more responsibility for their car," said the public relations officer for the organisation, Mr David Maher.
"People have to realise that they are in charge of a lethal weapon when they get behind the wheel".
Mr Maher was not convinced that the price of car insurance would consequently increase.
In Holland, where the onus of guilt was on the motorist, "car insurance premiums are actually less," he said.
In cases where accidents are not caused by the driver, the situation for pedestrians and cyclists differs greatly from one member-state of the EU to another.
In Ireland, drivers are presumed innocent and not liable for compensation unless the cyclist can prove negligence or that the driver was not showing due care.
In Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and Scandinavia, however, drivers are almost always held responsible and must pay compensation from their insurance policies.
The proposals were drawn up by the Internal Market Directorate of the European Commission,
They are to be debated in the European Parliament when it resumes in autumn.
The European Commission document states: "Motor vehicles cause most accidents.
"Whoever is responsible, pedestrians and cyclists usually suffer more.
"In some member-states the cyclist is covered by the insurance of the vehicle involved in the accident irrespective of whether the driver is at fault".