An Garda Síochána have launched a new road safety campaign urging pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users to wear high-visibility clothing.
The initiative aims to highlight the importance of being seen on Irish roads, particularly for vulnerable road users.
However, the campaign has received strong reactions from listeners on Lunchtime Live, with some arguing it unfairly places responsibility on cyclists and pedestrians rather than addressing wider road safety issues.
The focus of the campaign
Cian, one listener, criticised the campaign’s message, which suggests a connection between pedestrian and cyclist deaths and visibility.
“The focus of the campaign is linking all of the pedestrian and cycling deaths to visibility when that link just isn’t there,” he said.
“Visibility is an issue, but it’s not this all-encompassing issue being made out in the campaign.”
He argued that many recent fatalities are under investigation or before the courts, making it inappropriate to draw conclusions about visibility.
"[Gardaí] are creating a direct link in people’s minds that these deaths are linked to visibility.”
Instead, he believes the message is taking away from more significant causes:
“It’s problematic because it distracts from the real issues such as speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving like looking at your phone.
It is a bit disingenuous.”
Cian added that existing laws should be enforced, particularly around cyclists using lights after dark.
“One of the main things we could do is enforce the current laws.
A lot of Deliveroo riders are on the road without lights. We need to enforce it more.”
John, a listener in his sixties who has ridden motorbikes since the 1970's, argued in favour of wearing high-vis, and the campaign.
“Anything you can do to protect yourself, it’s common sense to wear a high-vis jacket,” he said.
He added that many cyclists are still riding without lights:
“The legislation needs to be upgraded.
There are hundreds of cyclists going around with no lights. We’re not being responsible.”
“A necessary campaign”
Hugh supported the Garda messaging, saying awareness campaigns are essential.
“I think it’s a necessary promotional campaign to make people aware of deaths on our roads today.”
He also suggested that cyclists should require licences.
“Every other road user is regulated. There are incompetent cyclists on our roads and we have to consider that as part of health and safety.”
“Cyclists aren’t the problem”
Caitlin also criticised the campaign for placing blame on cyclists rather than addressing systemic road safety issues.
“There are already so many barriers to cycling.
Putting the focus on cyclists being the problem is very disingenuous,” she said.
“It is your responsibility as the operator of a vehicle to be aware of the things around you. It is not your responsibility whether someone hits you.”
As both a cyclist and a driver, she said awareness should be prioritised over blaming vulnerable road users.
She warned that placing more requirements on cyclists could discourage people from choosing a healthier, more environmentally friendly mode of transport.
Written by Annemarie Roberts
