A number of incidents during early season road races have been reported back to Cycling Ireland by An Garda Síochána. Such incidents include racing cyclists refusing to adhere to Garda instructions regarding rider safety during races on public roads to racing cyclists verbally abusing members of An Garda Síochána as they attempt to deliver these instructions during a race from the side of the road. Such behavior is appalling and causing irreparable damage for the Irish Cycling community at a time when the majority of the public want events banned off Irish roads.
Participants in Road Racing are reminded that when they pin on their race numbers and sign on for an event, that they are still subject to National Law, irrespective of agreements and cooperation between event organisers and An Garda Síochána. The assistance of all static marshals and motorcycle marshals who attempt to provide as safe an environment as possible on a public road while still subject to National Law in order for you, the racing cyclist to participate in a slightly less restrictive manner compared to being out training (no longer two abreast but keep to the left side of the road). Future incidents like the above will eventually see Road Racing being severely restricted where participants will struggle to get into an event on a weekly basis. A "thank you" instead of verbal abuse to the authorities can go a long way towards maintaining a working relationship for the future.
The responsibility is yours to protect the image of your sport, use it.
Note in the below photo:
The peloton finishes Stage 3 of the 50th Gorey 3 Day on the busy N81 just outside Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Note the peloton is sprinting on both sides of the road with a double white line. This was only possible because of prior coordination by the race organisation with An Garda Siochána who facilitated a temporary traffic detour away from the finish area. These privileges are in danger if rider behaviour towards the authorities does not improve nationwide.
