In advance of the upcoming August Bank Holiday weekend (August 3 to 6), the Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are urging motorcyclists to ride safe during this high-risk period for riders. They are also appealing to drivers of other vehicles to pay particular attention for motorcyclists.

In 2017, 70 percent of the 20 motorcyclists killed on Irish roads died in the second half of the year. Five motorbike riders alone were killed in the last six days of July 2017. These figures are a reminder of the added dangers facing motorcyclists throughout the summer months and the need for all motorists to exercise caution.

“Motorcyclists often refer to the thrill of riding, but it is important to remember that biking is an activity that requires a high level of skill, knowledge and concentration,” said Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. “I would urge all motorcyclists to exercise caution at this dangerous time on our roads. This is not only a safety message for motorcyclists. It’s also a call to drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, especially when turning, overtaking and at junctions.”

The RSA says that while most motorcycle riders are aware of their vulnerability when biking and the majority are safety conscious, a worrying minority take unnecessary risks. An examination of forensic fatal collision investigation files published in 2016 by the RSA found that almost a third of motorcyclists involved in fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 had consumed alcohol and that bikers speeding was a factor in almost half of all motorcyclist deaths.

To date in 2018 seven motorcyclists have been killed on Irish roads, 70 percent of them on a Sunday.