RSA Urges Greater Road Safety for Cyclists During National Bike Week 2025
National Bike Week runs 10-18 May with safety as top priority.
As National Bike Week 2025 begins today, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a campaign calling on motorists to maintain safe distances when overtaking cyclists on Irish roads.
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing that 45 cyclists were killed and 1,278 were seriously injured on Irish roads over the past five years (2020-2024).
The RSA is emphasising that motorists must allow at least one metre clearance when overtaking cyclists in zones with speed limits up to 50 km/h, and at least 1.5 metres in areas with higher speed limits.
"Cycling should be a fun and safe activity, whether for commuting, school, or leisure. But too often, we see lives changed or lost in preventable collisions," said Sarah O'Connor, Director of Partnerships & External Affairs at the RSA.
Drivers must slow down, check their mirrors and blind spots, and give cyclists the space they need. It's not just about rules, it's about respect and responsibility on the road," O'Connor added.
The RSA highlights that cyclists can be thrown off course by sudden gusts of wind or when navigating around road hazards such as potholes, making these buffer distances crucial for safety.
Motorists are also being reminded to exercise additional caution at junctions, particularly when making left turns, and to always check for cyclists before opening car doors.
While the focus is on driver behaviour, the RSA is also calling on cyclists to take responsibility for their own safety by ensuring their bicycles are roadworthy, wearing high-visibility clothing, and using proper lighting and reflectors.
The authority notes that wearing a properly fitted cycle helmet can reduce the risk of head, neck and facial injuries by 33%, and advises cyclists to seek professional guidance when selecting helmets and to replace them after any impact.
National Bike Week 2025 runs from Saturday, 10 May to Sunday, 18 May, with Bike to Work Day scheduled for Wednesday, 14 May. The celebration includes community rides, safety workshops, school events and various activities organised by local authorities, cycling clubs and community groups throughout Ireland.
For additional information on safe cycling practices and road sharing guidelines, the public is encouraged to visit the RSA website at www.rsa.ie.
