From Newsgroup: uk.rec.cycling

rCaof pedestrians killed by cyclists? Now read onrCa

Number of cyclists killed on Irish roads doubles in three years, as safety group calls for rCLsustained political commitmentrCY to protect vulnerable road users

14 cyclist fatalities were recorded in the Republic of Ireland in 2025, the fourth highest number this century, while one cyclist was killed in
Northern Ireland

by RYAN MALLON FRI, JAN 02, 2026 12:58

14 cyclists were killed on the Republic of IrelandrCOs roads in 2025, the fourth highest fatality figure this century and double the number of
cycling deaths recorded in 2022, new road safety figures have revealed.

The recent surge in cycling fatalities forms part of a broader worrying
road safety picture in Ireland, where the total number of people killed in collisions rose from 175 in 2024 to 190 over the past year, including 45 pedestrians, prompting road safety groups to call for a
rCLwhole-of-government responserCY to better protect vulnerable road users and rCLreverse this tragic increase in road deathsrCY.

Garda figures released this week revealed that 14 cyclists were killed on
Irish roads in 2025, up from 12 in 2024, nine in 2023, and seven in 2022
and 2021. Last year saw the highest number of cyclists killed since 2017,
when 15 cyclists died on the roads. Since 2000, only two other years, 2002
(18) and 2007 (15), have seen more cyclist road deaths.

This recent surge in fatalities marks a concerning move away from the prevailing cycling safety picture in Ireland in the 21st century.

Following a harrowing period in the 1990s rCo 46 cyclists were killed on
Irish roads in 1990 alone, while the total number of deaths per year only dipped below 20 once throughout the entire decade rCo cycling fatalities have dropped dramatically in the past 25 years, reaching a record low of five in 2010 and 2013.

However, that period of apparent progress and reduced fatality rates seems
in danger of drawing to a close, with the rise in cycling deaths coming as IrelandrCOs overall road safety outlook worsens.

In total, 179 fatal collisions took place during 2025, resulting in 190 fatalities. Of the 190 killed, 45 were pedestrians, 30 were motorcyclists
(the highest number recorded since 2007), and three were e-scooter users.

[Linked article] Majority of new cycle lane projects rCLmaintained or enhancedrCY ambulance accessibility in city, new report from Irish council finds

In response to the figures, IrelandrCOs Minister of State responsible for
road safety, Sean Canney, described 2025 as an rCLincredibly difficultrCY year, stating that too many families have faced heartbreak.

Canney said the figures were a rCLstark reminder that road safety is not just
a policy area or a set of statistics rCo this is about peoplerCOs lives, about loved ones, about futures changed in an instant.rCY

Meanwhile, IrelandrCOs Road Safety Authority said the increase in road
deaths, especially among vulnerable road users, should act as a wake-up
call for the government to take action.

rCLIt is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of life on IrelandrCOs roads in 2025,rCY the RSArCOs chief executive Sam Waide said in a statement. rCLWe are deeply concerned by the increase in fatalities, particularly among our most vulnerable road users, cyclists, pedestrians,
and motorcyclists.

rCLWith sustained political commitment, a whole-of-government response, and adequate resourcing and funding, I firmly believe we can reverse this
tragic increase in road deaths.rCY

Catharina Gunne, the assistant commissioner for roads policing and
community engagement, said 2025 was a rCLdevastatingrCY year for road safety, and urged drivers to rCLadjustrCY their attitudes on the road.

rCLEach of these deaths has had a profound impact on their loved ones, families, friends, colleagues and communities,rCY she said.

rCLWe once again need to adjust attitudes to driver behaviour and make
driving while under the influence of any intoxicant, inappropriate speed,
and driving while distracted unacceptable behaviours.rCY

[Linked article] Driver who killed Dublin cyclist while speeding on wrong
side of road spared jail, after judge ruled her rCLdangerous driving is on
the lower siderCY

That need to clamp down on rCLunacceptable behavioursrCY exhibited by motorists was highlighted over the Christmas period, the Garda revealing that 4,600 drivers were clocked travelling at over the speed limit last week, while
150 Fixed Charge Notices were issued to motorists using their phone at the wheel.

Of the 4,600 drivers clocked speeding, one was found to be driving at
140kph in a 60kph zone in Co. Donegal, while two others were caught
speeding at 167kph in an 80kph zone and 207kph in a 100kph zone
respectively.

Officers also made around 600 arrests over the past four weeks for
intoxicated driving, with over 40 per cent of those arrested motorists suspected of being intoxicated while driving after using cannabis or
cocaine.

rCLThese are people making a conscious decision to take illegal drugs and to sit behind the wheel of a car that weighs approximately one tonne,rCY Garda superintendent Liam Geraghty said.

rCLSix hundred people took alcohol or took drugs and still got behind the
wheel of a car, putting themselves, and possibly their passengers and all
other road users, at risk. In the same period over 4,600 drivers were
detected driving in excess of the speed limit last week.rCY

[Linked article] Phone driver who sent two WhatsApp messages seconds before killing cyclist in rCLprolonged episode of bad drivingrCY set to serve one year in prison

Meanwhile, provisional figures released on Thursday by the Police Service
of Northern Ireland (PSNI) showed that 57 people were killed in road
traffic collisions in Northern Ireland in 2025, including one cyclist, down from the 69 people killed in 2024.

rCLI wish to offer my sincere sympathies to all those who have lost loved
ones and to those who endure life-changing injuries through road
collisions,rCY Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said in a statement.

rCLAs we start a new year, I would urge everyone to resolve to have a greater focus on road safety, so we can prevent collisions and save lives.

rCLWe all share the responsibility for road safety as evidence shows that
more than nine in ten deaths and serious injuries are due to human error.
So if you are driving, slow down; pay attention and look out for other road users; leave the mobile phone alone; always wear a seatbelt and never ever drink or take drugs and drive.rCY

Kimmins continued: rCLWhat is particularly shocking this year is the high number of deaths of some of the most vulnerable road users. Sixteen
pedestrians were killed on our roads in 2025, and nine of those were aged
65 or over.

rCLAs we go into 2026 and the dark winter nights continue can we all as
drivers look out for people walking, especially older people who may be
more vulnerable on our roads. If you are walking, whether using a footpath, walking along a country road or simply crossing the road, please always be aware of your surroundings. And if you are a cyclist or motorcyclist,
please ensure you put your safety first.

rCLHowever we choose to travel, each one of us has a responsibility to ourselves and others to do so safely. By each and every road user taking personal responsibility, we could see a reduction in the number of people
being killed or seriously injured.rCY

<https://road.cc/content/news/number-irish-cyclists-killed-doubles-three-years-317481>

Can anyone explain why this Irish-based article is headed by a picture of Newmarket Road, Norwich?
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