Cyclists feel the pain of injuries on the road

FIGURES obtained by Fianna Fáil have revealed how over 300 Dubliners were hospitalised in 2017 for injuries inflicted while cycling in the city.

Commenting on the figures, the party’s Spokesperson on Dublin, John Lahart TD said: “Despite the fact that the number of cyclists commuting in Dublin has dropped for the first time in 10 years according to the National Transport Authority, cycling remains a hugely popular means of navigating through our city.

“In fact, over 15 million trips have been taken on Dublin Bikes since the scheme began operating in 2009.

“However, the lack of safety for cyclists and the city’s poor cycling infrastructure are two issues I am contacted about most often as a Dublin-based TD.”

According to Deputy Lahart, collisions and cycling accidents led to 304 people being hospitalised in 2017 while over 50 cyclists suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries. A further 37 bicycle users suffered head injuries.

“A very slight decrease of two per cent in the number of people using bikes to commute at rush hour is no excuse for this Government to maintain such under investment in providing safe road conditions and accessible cycling lanes,” Deputy Lahart added.

“You could even argue that it’s the prospect of injury that’s made cyclists think twice about getting back up on their bike in the city.

“Yes, there is an element of personal responsibility involved and of course cyclists need to be just as vigilant when using roads as drivers and pedestrians, but we must push to enhance safety for cyclists and protect them on our urban roads,” he added.

“When there were 300-odd cyclists sent to hospital following incidents in 2017 and we know there’s been little or no funding for improvement projects since, its obvious conditions will have only worsened.

“An increase in capital investment is urgently required the tackle the existing dangers for those on bikes or these most recently available figures will rise,” Deputy Lahart warned.