Cyclist fumes as driver stops in front of him in cycle lane 'for a chat with pal'

A cyclist from Cork has vented at the behaviour of one driver's inconsiderate move on the road this week.

Joe Leogue took to X to share the incident with followers, posted: "Had someone in a car pull into a cycle lane right in front of me and throw their hazards on to have a chat with a pal on the footpath as I was going uphill with two kids on my cargo bike and reader."

The move angered Joe who added, "let me tell you, those children now have some new words in their vocabulary."

He called out the action of the driver as "nonsense" and said "local election candidates who advocate actual cycling infrastructure and not just painted lines on a road will get high preferences in this house."

One concerned follower replied to the post to say: "Mind yourself Joe, all the best to you and your family."

Another said: "Sounds sh**e. Hope all OK. Can never underestimate what some drivers might do."

"All good, thankfully," Joe replied.

Had someone in a car pull into a cycle lane right in front of me and throw their hazards on to have a chat with a pal on the footpath as I was going uphill with two kids on my cargo bike and reader, let me tell you, those children now have some new words in their vocabulary.

— Joe Leogue (@JoeLeogue) June 5, 2024

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has long campaigned for more consideration from drivers towards cyclists using the roads and cycle lanes.

They ask motorists to "give the space to ride safe," imploring drivers to "give people who cycle the space to ride safely when overtaking them (at least 1 metre in speed zones up to 50 km/h and at least 1.5 metres in zones over 50km/h)."

They warn that "people who cycle can be thrown off course by sudden gusts of wind or when having to avoid uneven road surfaces."

Their other advice to drivers includes:

"Check mirrors regularly - Remember a person cycling could be in your blind spot so look carefully before you manoeuvre your vehicle.

"Slow Down - If you are driving too fast, you will not be able to react in time to the presence of other road users. There is a 50% risk of deaths if a cyclist is hit by a vehicle travelling at 60km/h.

"If you or passengers are getting out of a parked vehicle, make sure you check for passing people cycling before opening the door."