Blood Bikes Medical Transport Granted Approval to Use Bus Lanes
Blood Bikes Medical Transport approved for bus lane access after ministerial decision recognises vital role of 140 volunteers handling 6,000 calls yearly.
olunteer service that transports vital medical supplies between healthcare facilities will soon be able to bypass traffic congestion, following ministerial decision announced today.
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Seán Canney have granted approval in principle to permit Blood Bikes Medical Transport volunteers to use Ireland's bus lane network while carrying out their life-saving work.
The voluntary service uses motorcycles and vehicles to rapidly transport medical and clinical items between hospitals, medical centres, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. Currently, road traffic regulations prohibit Blood Bikes from using bus lanes, leaving volunteers at risk of being stopped or fined whilst transporting urgent medical supplies.
Today's decision marks the first step towards enabling Blood Bikes to bypass traffic congestion and reduce transit times for critical collections and deliveries. The service, staffed entirely by volunteers, handles approximately 6,000 calls annually across Ireland.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said:
"Blood Bikes Medical Transport volunteers provide a crucial health service, and this decision acknowledges the importance of their work to our society. Every day, Blood Bike volunteers transport vital medical supplies between hospitals and patients across the country quickly and efficiently."
He added: "I met with Blood Bike volunteers Michael Noonan and Fergus Lennon in July of this year to hear about the incredible service they carry out. They are among the 140 dedicated volunteers who give their time, free of charge, to ensure the service is both efficient and dependable."
Minister of State Seán Canney said:
"Blood Bike volunteers respond to almost 6,000 calls each year and their work contributes to the health and wellbeing of countless patients and their families. They also bring huge benefit to staff in our hospitals, medical centres, nursing homes and other healthcare settings."
The decision follows representations from Blood Bike volunteers who highlighted how traffic congestion can delay the transport of time-sensitive medical items. With access to bus lanes, volunteers will be able to maintain faster, more reliable journey times when transporting blood products, test samples, medical equipment and urgent prescriptions.
Before final implementation, the Department of Transport will consult with key stakeholders including the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus. A legislative amendment to the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations will be required to formally permit Blood Bikes access to bus lanes.
Blood Bikes Medical Transport is a registered charity staffed by almost 140 volunteers who provide their services entirely free of charge, reducing demand on ambulance services and private medical transport operators.
