The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has highlighted the safety challenges faced by cyclists on Irish roads with the publication of a new report.
The Cyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2020-2024, is based on Irish collision data and provides analysis of the circumstances surrounding cyclist fatalities and serious injuries.
During this period, 45 cyclists lost their lives and 1,278 were seriously injured – an average of nine deaths and 256 serious injuries per year. Cyclists accounted for six per cent of all road fatalities and 18 per cent of all serious injuries during this time.
“This report is a sobering reminder that despite progress in road safety, cyclists are still at risk on our roads,” said Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA.
“These are not just numbers, they are lives lost, families devastated, and communities affected. We must increase our efforts to protect those who choose active and sustainable modes of transport. Drivers need to slow down for cyclists and keep a safe distance.”
Key findings from the report include:
- The most affected age group for cyclist fatalities was 56–65 years, making up 29% of deaths.
- Large proportions of fatalities (87%) and serious injuries (78%) were male.
- High proportions (53%) of fatalities occurred between 8am-2pm, while high proportions (30%) of serious injuries occurred between 4-8pm.
- Half (51%) of fatalities were killed on urban roads. This rose to 80% among seriously injured cyclists.
- Dublin (33%) and Cork (16%) had the highest numbers of cyclist deaths.
- Most fatalities (64%) and serious injuries (70%) involved a collision with another vehicle.
- A fifth of fatalities occurred at a junction.
