Council urges motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to share the road in responsible way

ABOVE: A sign in Australia 

Kildare Co Council said that it is actively promoting initiatives to protect all road users. 

The Council said its Road Safety Officer is engaging with the Community Gardaí in raising awareness on road safety and cycling in County Kildare under a new programme for 2019 called 'Community Road Safety', which will deal with and advise primarily on appropriate and safer road user behaviour.

Safe cycling and sharing the road will also be part of this new initiative between the council and the Community Gardaí.

Cyclists will be encouraged to respect other roads users, in particular vulnerable pedestrians.

Cyclists will also be requested to 'Share the Road' on dual foot/cycle paths where provided.

Pedestrians too, however vulnerable, should also be respectful to cyclists and other road users.

These issues will form part of the Cycling and Safer Cycling Programme and will be proactively promoted and supported by the Kildare Cycle Forum.

Cllr Seamie Moore had called on the Council to ensure that pedestrians, particularly the frail, elderly, recuperating, children and those with hearing, walking and sight difficulties feel they are walking in a safe environment on footpaths at the areas of the Naas lakes, open parks, town centre or residential footpath areas.

The politician suggested erecting more 'No Cycling Allowed' public notices and by requesting the An Garda Síochána to be more vigilant to the abuse of 'footpath cycling' by cyclists of all ages and all times of the day.