Minimum Passing Distance Law - Urgent!
Contact your TDs NOW and ask them to support the Minimum Passing Distance Law!
A date has now been set for the commencement of the legislative process to bring the 1.5 metre Minimum Passing Distance Law into effect, but we need to generate support from TDs in all areas.
The Road Traffic Bill will be considered by the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday 7th February 2018.
Fianna Fáil transport spokesperson, Robert Troy TD, will bring forward an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill with the intention of introducing a cyclist-specific minimum passing distance law (#MPDL) for the Republic of Ireland.
We need your help to get this important piece of legislation across the line. We want all our supporters to write to their TDs immediately, urging them to support the proposed amendment to the Road Traffic Bill.
You can find your TDs at https://www.whoismytd.com/
Below is a sample letter that you can use as a template:
Sample Letter:
Re: Minimum Passing Distance Law in relation to Road Traffic Bill, 2017
Dear Deputy/Minister,
As you may be aware, in the coming weeks, Fianna Fáil transport spokesperson, Robert Troy T.D., will bring forward an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill, 2017 with the intention of introducing a cyclist-specific minimum passing distance law (#MPDL) for the Republic of Ireland. A similar measure, Road Traffic (Minimum Passing Distance of Cyclists) Bill, was proposed by Ciarán Cannon, FG Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development and Regina Doherty FG Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection in the form of a Private Members Bill. The Bill received all-party approval at its First Stage reading in the Dáilon 22nd February 2017 but has been awaiting a Second Reading since then.
The proposed legislation is responding to the fact that 15 bicycle riders died on our roads in 2017, a 50% increase over that recorded in 2016. This wholly preventable carnage needs to stop.
For the past four years, the Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 Campaign founded by Wexford based Phil Skelton has been tirelessly campaigning for MPDL. This year, Phil Skelton was awarded an RSA leading light award in recognition of his efforts. During this time, we have seen another 13 jurisdictions adding a similar Minimum Passing Distance Legislation which brings the total now to 42.
Now it’s time that we in Ireland do the same and I urge you and your party colleagues to help get this safety measure over the line by voting in the Dáil in favour of the proposed amendment.
Further details of the campaign available at this link: http://www.safecyclingireland.org
End of Sample Letter
Help us do more for cycling in Dublin by becoming a member!