Delivery cyclist identification
Deputy Higgins proposed visible identification for professional delivery cyclists to promote safe road-sharing and accountability. The Taoiseach said it merited consideration and he would discuss it with the relevant Minister of State.
The Government is encouraging more and more people to use their bike and leave their cars at home. I believe that professional cyclists should be setting a good example to new and commuting cyclists by creating a safe road share culture. Yet many of us will be aware of incidents and near misses involving delivery cyclists who have broken red lights, who have face timed while they cycled or who have cycled the wrong way down a street. I believe we should consider a form of visible identification such as a car or motorcycle number plate solely for professional delivery cyclists. This would encourage safer cycling and hold those who break the law to account. There is no denying that food delivery cyclists experience their own challenges in terms of theft and their own personal safety but no one should have to fear walking or driving down the streets because of reckless behaviour of any kind. Will the Government legislate for unique identifiers for professional cyclists? By professional cyclists, I mean those who display company branding and who spend their entire working day on our roads.
Comment on this
I appreciate the Deputy is being very clear that she is referring here to professional commercial cyclists and not everyday leisure or commuter cyclists. It is something that should be considered and I will speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, about this in the context of our road safety committee. I do not make a commitment either way but it is something to which we can give some consideration.