Madam, - Another cyclist has died on the streets of Dublin. There is blood on the hands of Minister for Transport Martin Cullen. Most trucks don't have "Cyclops" mirrors, which make cyclists more visible from large vehicles making left-hand turns.
Although an EU Directive makes these mandatory on new HGVs from January, the Minister should ensure that all existing trucks have them retro-fitted. Likewise, guidelines issued by him do not allow for safer, lower-speed limits to be applied to city streets such as O'Connell Street and the quays, which have been designated as National Roads. These streets are treacherous. Senior city management has also failed to show adequate vision in providing for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.
As I cycle my children to school I often encounter Garda vehicles parked on the few stretches of cycle lanes. They show little inclination to stop other vehicles from following their poor example. The actions of cyclists themselves are not beyond criticism, but in most collisions the cyclist comes of the worst.
The opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel in a few weeks' time is a golden opportunity to give back space to cyclists and pedestrians. Let us hope that large vehicles will be removed from streets that were not designed for them, and that our city will be made safer for its citizens. - Yours, etc,
CIARÁN CUFFE TD, Green Party Environment Spokesperson, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.