New Cycling Ireland president, Ciaran Cannon, and the national governing body itself have called for the Garda – and other agencies – to re-set the approach to roads policing (Photo: abd)
Cycling Ireland has called for the publication of what it terms a “deeply troubling” report into how some gardaí are conducting roads policing across the country.
The national governing body also said the audit of roads policing, and the shortcomings it has uncovered, represents an ideal juncture for a “complete reset” around how the roads of the Republic are policed.
In refreshing remarks coming from Cycling Ireland, specifically from its new president Ciaran Cannon, the governing body appears to have taken a lead position in urging real action arising from the report.
Road safety, and the enforcement of traffic laws, is a pressing issue for all cyclists – and Cycling Ireland members – across the island as it dicates how safe we are when riding our bikes. A preceived lack of safety on the roads is also regularly cited by people who are reluctant to start cycling or take more journeys by bike.
Cannon has made his remarks after a new report, by Crowe consultants, found a worrying culture within Garda roads policing units. Some gardaí responsible for enforcing the law were found to be indifferent, even hostile, to performing their duties; including speed checks and checkpoints to detect intoxicated drivers, among a wide range of enforcement measures.
“The decision to publish this report is important,” said Cannon, after Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the report would soon be published. “We must confront the reality that our current roads policing system is failing to protect the most vulnerable. When Garda enforcement breaks down, lives are put at risk.
“Let this be the moment we draw a line in the sand,” Cannon added. “We need a total reset, in both enforcement and policy. That means resourcing and reforming Garda roads policing, and delivering on long-promised safety measures without further delay.
“Leadership from Garda management and Government must now be aligned and decisive. Vision Zero must mean more than words, it must mean ambition in action.”
Cycling Ireland added the country was now at “a critical juncture in how we think about road safety”. It noted that “plans to lower speed limits, a simple, evidence-based measure to save lives, have been delayed and diluted”.
The national governing body said “key enforcement tools such as red light cameras, mobile phone detection systems, and bus lane monitoring remain stalled or indefinitely deferred”.
“Cycling Ireland stands ready to engage constructively in any process that will advance real change,” the national governing body said in the same statement Cannon made his remarks.
“We want to see a roads policing system that is visible, professional, and accountable, and a national road safety strategy that protects every user, not just in principle, but in practice.”