Ban big bike events from rural Galway roads

[classic33]

Cycling congestion is choking the winding roads out west – and it’s time to call a halt.

That’s according to Councillor Joe Folan who wants a curtailment or ban on large cycle events and large groups of cyclists on the roads of Connemara.

“I have nothing against those who go out individually – or three or four cyclists together.

“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,” he said.

“This causes long delays to motorists, many of them local people who have business, work and other commitments to attend to. I encountered a group of about fifty cyclists last weekend in south Connemara and drivers had a very difficult time negotiating their way,” he said.

He was unapologetic about the rights of local motorists and local people.

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

http://connachttribune.ie/ban-big-bike-events-from-rural-galway-roads-121/

Okay its rural Ireland, but do the same arguments hold true this side of the water?

 

[Milkfloat]

It is a 'motor tax' very similar to the UK. However, even zero emissions vehicles pay. Interestingly, it looks like e-bikes should pay too.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e.../motor_tax_and_insurance/motor_tax_rates.html

http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/motor_tax_rates_01_january_2016.doc

 

[raleighnut]

It is a 'motor tax' very similar to the UK. However, even zero emissions vehicles pay. Interestingly, it looks like e-bikes should pay too.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e.../motor_tax_and_insurance/motor_tax_rates.html

http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/motor_tax_rates_01_january_2016.doc

Do they mean electrically 'assisted' bicycles or electric motorbikes like this though?

 

[ufkacbln]

It is the same here, and te same false propaganda and lies

New Forest - Wiggle Sportive

Allegedly the organisers had asked about the annual roundup, were given the dates and planned to avoid it. The date was then changed to clash with the event to create the adverse publicity

 

[classic33]

I asked because the Tour de Yorkshire sportive came through pretty close to me. Compared to that 2,000 is nothing. Local(to me) shops made nothing out of it. Nor would I have expected them too.
We also had the Tour de France pass through the area. Again very little made by the local shops, from those passing through, not just the cyclists.

What both events did do was draw a large crowd to the area, many of who stayed in the area. But they also put the area on the map as one you might just want to cycle in.

Whilst organised rides may not benefit his particular area, it's attitudes like his that are preventing cycle schemes from being finished. Could more be offerred in his area for organised cycle tours, to make them want to stop?

 

[jonny jeez]

You heard it here first folks, its official. Galway HATES you. Avoid it, avoid riding there, avoid visiting the area, avoid holidays and weekend tourism, avoid spending any time ...or money ....in this part of western Ireland.

 

[classic33]

You heard it here first folks, its official. Galway HATES you. Avoid it, avoid riding there, avoid visiting the area, avoid holidays and weekend tourism, avoid spending any time ...or money ....in this part of western Ireland.

Just a minority, mainly those who have moved into the area.

 

[Drago]

What a twot. Will he next be banning traffic jams for 'the serious hindrance to local people and the safety risk'?

 

[ufkacbln]

What a twot. Will he next be banning traffic jams for 'the serious hindrance to local people and the safety risk'?

Interesting argument on the Daily Echo website after the linked article

Some were pointing out the traffic delays caused by the New Forest Show which causes gridlock in a 5 mile radius

But apparently spending 4-5 hours in a traffic jam is acceptable, but a few minutes behind a cyclist needs the event banned