A councillor in Galway is looking for a curtailment or ban on large groups of cyclists on the roads of Connemara.

“I have nothing against those who go out individually – or three or four cyclists together,” Councillor Joe Folan told the Connacht Tribune, “but the large groups and throngs that are regularly swamping the narrow roads of Connemara in recent years is a serious hindrance to local people and a potential safety risk.”

Councillor Folan referred to an event last week in South Connemara which had over 2,000 participants taking part. “This causes long delays to motorists, many of them local people who have business, work and other commitments to attend to,” he said.

“I encountered a group of about fifty cyclists last weekend in south Connemara and drivers had a very difficult time negotiating their way.”

“Motorists pay up their road tax and contribute to the upkeep of our infrastructure, bad and all as it is,”
he explained. “There is no tax on bicycles”.

102 COMMENTS

    • Ian Clark safety is paramount & always comes first with me mate, some right cavemen in trucks and cars, I’ll be wrapping my helmet around someone’s head before long way they come past us haha

    • Ian Clark safety is paramount & always comes first with me mate, some right cavemen in trucks and cars, I’ll be wrapping my helmet around someone’s head before long way they come past us haha

  1. Given the way you’ve failed to maintain the infrastructure despite all that ‘road tax’, councillor, maybe you should consider limiting the number of cars and lorries that are damaging it.

  2. Most cyclists also pay car tax. Monday through Friday, hundreds of cars are left at the front door fully taxed, while they cycle in, around and across the city, reducing traffic, carbon emissions and wear and tear to our roads. Cyclists are getting fresh air in their lungs and keeping fit, which in turn makes them more productive in the work force and over a life time more healthy physical and mentally. Then at the weekend cyclists are out training, sipping coffee and scones in small businesses premises that are only two delighted to welcome them. Post work out cyclists are bringing their bikes into small family run bike shops for maintenance and up grades in preparation for big event, were they pay small, local and national charities a registration fee to provide services that our government fall too. And lastly don’t forget the MAMILS who have to been seen sporting the coolest, gear from head to toe….Cyclists are paying more than enough tax.

  3. I’m cycling here in Connemara for nearly 30 years this fella is a disgrace. On behalf of the lads and ladies cycling in the area ‘you all are always welcome. Don’t give any heed to this shite

  4. The stupid ideas that some people come up with, unbelievable. As Jennifer pointed out, most cyclists are paying tax on their cars anyway. Besides, road tax is supposed to go towards upkeep etc. Not to be used to discourage or punish. He has no clue and I’m sure this is not the first “brilliant” idea he has had. Makes me proud to be Irish, not.

    • Right on, and road taxes are supposedly based on the west and read the vechicle causes on a road, ergo, repair costs. I’d have no problem paying for the damage my carbon Nike does!

    • Right on, and road taxes are supposedly based on the west and read the vechicle causes on a road, ergo, repair costs. I’d have no problem paying for the damage my carbon bike does!

    • Nice try Pietsch. I thought the new laws that allow vehicles to pass bicycles and even briefly cross a solid line if it is safe would stop a lot of moaning and groaning. What’s tax got to do with it?

    • Nice try Pietsch. I thought the new laws that allow vehicles to pass bicycles and even briefly cross a solid line if it is safe would stop a lot of moaning and groaning. What’s tax got to do with it?

  5. This is typical bullshit, ban everything, have taken part in many sportives, charity cycles Tour de Connemara etc, and all marshalled and controlled, all responsible cyclists on these cycles know the law and adhere to it, dont listen to this ignorant person who would probably ban everything if he couldnt’n make money from it.

  6. I don’t know how Ireland distributes tax revenue, but in the UK local roads are maintained by council tax payers, I believe most cyclists live in houses – ergo they pay their taxes.

  7. Every study I’ve seen in North America on roads and costs shows that cars and commercial trucks are actually subsidized by general revenues…ie taxpayers in general. Taxpayers include cyclists.

  8. Yes, there is no tax on bicycles (well there is sales tax actually when you buy one), but cyclists pay just as much tax as everyone else and most own motor vehicles too yet use them less because they cycle. One could argue that most cyclists pay more tax (per drive) than non-cyclists because they pay the same rego, etc. yet drive less and cause less wear and tear on the roads. If the roads really are that narrow, I do think it’s a safety issue. I wouldn’t want to go on a bunch ride on a narrow winding road like that, but if it’s only for special events like gran fondos, that’s different. We all have to put up with inconveniences from time to time for special events.

  9. Most cyclis drive cars also go way and get a life. You would be alot better if you looked into cycle lanes and green ways

    • Should have some form of insurance. Be it directly or through house insurance. Don’t know if they’re covered that way or not currently. As they a zero emissions, shouldn’t pay road tax. Not for the reason they already pay enough though. You pay both for your car and your motorbike i guess.

    • Well, they are publically liable, so if the rider is at fault and causes damage, you can take them to court/make them pay. I have bike insurance, as my bikes rather expensive, so i want it covered. The reason, insurance is not forced, is that the level of damage should not reach an amount that is unmanageable by the rider.. They are not going to go through the wall of a house if they come off the road at 90 for example.

    • Matthew Ryder-Jarvis Well, you have 2 options, involve your own insurance company and get them to proceed, as you have legal cover. They will pursue for the cover of the cost, then take action to go to claims. (or at least they should) The other option, is to take them to court yourself, which is costly, as its about £2k to go to small claims, but if you win you claim the money back from the other side, they then have to pay. (normally, if the dont have the funds, there is some kind of government fund that will pay you and then the 3rd party will pay that back as a debt on a low interest) Its hard, but then its hard with Car Vs Car insurance, my current claim is now 2 years old as the other driver is just telling lies.. 🙂

    • Matthew Ryder-Jarvis I think, it was about £400 to open a small claim, but the Tories made it £2k and lowered the amount of legal aid you can get, you know, cos legal support and Justice is only of the rich!

  10. Am I right in saying that what he means is as we, the cyclists, do not pay a ‘road’ tax, that we’ve no right to be on the road, in a large group? Yes, down with that type of thing (sarcasm). You ignoramus. How dare you…..I literally take my LIFE into my hands cycling on these SHIT Irish roads every weekend, doing, I might add, a charity cycle raising money for various establishments. Take your cock and bull SHITE elsewhere. So disgusted at this suggestion.

  11. Hes not worth the hassle…
    He later retracted his “dont pay roadtax” on a radio show after.
    This moron also wanted to limit people to owning no more than 2 dogs !!!!! Gobshite

  12. In case people aren’t aware, this councillor is a retired Garda sergeant. He served in the Dublin Metropolitian Area before transfering to Oughterard. For me, his attitude is all the more unreal knowing that.

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