Cyclists asked to slowdown after ‘near miss’

The coronavirus lockdown has resulted in a large increase in the number of people using cycle paths and pedestrian walkways in Derry.

Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue said the surge in people exercising and using more sustainable ways to get around were real positives.

However, she urged cyclists in the city to ensure that they have bells on their bikes.

She made the call after people contacted her about a number of incidents on the walkway along the riverfront at Foyle Road.

She said: “We have all seen the increase in the number of people using the walkway with the good weather which is great and must be encouraged.

“But there is a concern however that some of the cyclists using the walkway are going far too fast and not using a bell to warn people out walking or running that they are coming.”

Colr, Logue, who represents the Moor District Electoral Area (DEA), said one local family told her they were almost hit by a cyclist while enjoying a walk out ‘the line.’

“One walker told me of their families’ experience this week of nearly getting hit with a bike that came on them very quick and just by sheer luck did not get tangled in their dog’s lead.

“They said to me, can you just imagine if one of these bikes hit a child or older member of our community who couldn’t get out of the way in time, or hit a family pet?

“Some of these bikes are very heavy mountain type designs and could cause a lot of injury if they hit you,” she said, adding that bells are not optional.

“The cost of a bell is relatively low and could prevent an accident in a split second. As a first step I think it’s very important that cyclists in the city ensure that they have a bell on their bikes before they go out on the road,” she said.