Hi Vis For Cyclists Could Become Mandatory In Dublin

Hivis clothing could become mandatory for all cyclists in Dublin, under plans from the transport minister

The plans have been slammed by some as absurd and unenforceable, but safety campaigners insist more needs to be done to avoid cyclist deaths.

The furore started when Shane Ross, transport minister said that making the wearing of hi vis vests mandatory was ‘worth pursuing’, when answering a question about cycling during a debate. He did however add that improving education, may also be a preferable way forward.

However, the move is considered a punitive one by cycling campaigners such as Dublin Cycling Campaigns Mike McKillen.

Mr McKillen argues. "We need to target the less-than-careful drivers who are causing all the mayhem and ruin lives,"

"Asking potential victims to wear high-visibility clothing is just ludicrous and stands health and safety management principles on their head."

If the plans were to go ahead they would make the non-wearing of high visibility clothing by cyclists a criminal offence. Pedestrians could also be required to wear high visibility clothing when out and about under the proposals which the Road Safety Authority is strongly against, pointing out that Ireland was not a ‘police state’.

The debate follows the recent revelation that more than 95,000 Dubliners now cycle in the city each day. Injuries are also increasing with the 100 people being seriously injured in a collision each year, and 11 cycle deaths in Dublin in the past year, the Irish Times reported.