A new survey has shed light on safety precautions taken by cyclists in Ireland.
The Road Safety Authority's Driver Attitudes and Behaviour 2014 reveals that 38% of cyclists do not always wear a helmet, while 30% do not always wear reflective gear.
One in five never wear a helmet, while one in 10 never wear reflective gear. The main reasons for ignoring safety precautions are the inconvenience of carrying them (53%) and because they are unattractive and/or ruin one's hair (13%).
Despite the rather lackadaisical approach to road safety by many, the majority of cyclists (74%), along with the majority of motorists (80%), believe that cycling is dangerous.
As a means of transport, cycling has been growing in popularity, especially by the young. 25% of under-24s use a bicycle as their primary means of transport, along with 18% of 24-35-year-olds. Usage among the young is largely a result of necessity, while those in older age brackets consider it more of a lifestyle choice.
Around one quarter of all Irish people are considered to be cyclists, with the figure rising to one-third in Dublin.
Motorcycling is by some margin considered the most dangerous mode of transport - 60% believe it to be 'very dangerous,' and a further 32% to be merely 'dangerous.'
