Ireland recorded the highest annual increase in deaths of cyclists among all EU member states over a nine-year period, a new report has found. The study by a leading EU transport safety body said deaths of cyclists rose by an average of 8 per cent annually between 2010 and 2018. The average increase in cyclist deaths in Ireland in 2010-2018 compares to a 5 per cent annual decrease in the deaths of motor vehicle drivers and passengers on Irish roads over the same period. The report by the European Transport Safety Council, whose members include Ireland’s Road Safety Authority, has called for urgent action to tackle the deaths of cyclists and pedestrians on European roads. It said sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling must be made safer not only to cut deaths and injuries but also to help the environment.

Source: The Irish Times February 02, 2020 18:33 UTC