In February, a bill will be voted on by members of the Dáil and Seanad (the lower and upper houses of the Irish legislature) that would make a minimum passing distance enforceable by law, when motorists are overtaking cyclists.
The Road Traffic Bill will be considered by the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday 7th February 2018.
The MPDL (Minimum Passing Distance Legislation) is a result of years of campaigning by Stayin’ Alive at 1.5, with other bodies such as Cycling Ireland, I Bike Dublin and Dublin Cycling Campaign also helping to increase awareness of the issue. Phil Skelton in particular has worked tirelessly with his Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 campaign to lobby politicians on the importance of the issue.
Phil has written an article entitled ‘How do we solve a problem like ‘close pass’?’ on his Safe Cycling Ireland page where he provides more information about the benefits of a minimum passing distance law and how it could be enforced.
http://www.safecyclingireland.org/how-do-we-solve-a-problem-like-close-pass/
The legislation would give cyclists rights in the eyes of the law in the instance of dangerous passes and it will also increase the focus on the safety of cyclists, and the safe distance required for passing them, to the fore of all road users.
How you can help
You can contact your local TDs and ask them to support the campaign. Dublin Cycling Campaign have developed a template letter which can be sent to your local TDs and which can be accessed through the following link: http://www.dublincycling.ie/cycling/minimum-passing-distance-law-urgent
You can find out who your local TDs are, their current position on MDPL and their contact details through this tracker developed by I Bike Dublin
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSfR6joM1DOpg67eHBtn2kx7p3QiloguEelMwg4_nQ6Tm1h7ReL6ATv35TrFK_Gfl4KEv_HS_amSN9g/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true
