Wexford County Council Cycling Safety Video Campaign 2015

Wexford County Council (WCC) began a cycling safety campaign during 2014 which involved:

  1. Erection of signage throughout the county bearing the “Stayin’ Alive 1.5” logo requesting motorists to please allow 1.5metres when overtaking.
  2. The addition of the “Stayin’ Alive 1.5” logo to Wexford County Council Vans
  3. Completed a film shoot of cycling safety videos.


So why have we undertaken this cycling safety campaign? Between 2013 and 2014, the number of people who lost their lives on Irish roads has increased by 240%. Last year, an extensive study carried out by the American League of Cyclists found that 40% of cyclist fatalities are caused by collisions from the rear. These can happen when a driver 'takes a chance' and skims past a cyclist when there really isn't sufficient space to do so, only to find another vehicle coming from the opposite direction at the point of overtake.  It is important to anticipate hazards that you may not notice when you drive but are very apparent when you cycle.


It is important that we recognise people who cycle as real people. They are someone's father, mother, uncle, aunt, son or daughter. Do not let the actions of a few determine how you may feel about people who ride bicycles as a whole. In taking such attitudes out on the road, the risk of serious injury is far too great. It is also important to stress that cyclists have an equal responsibility and role to play in road safety. One of the videos suggests that cyclist should also consider other road users when using roads that have a “suitable” hard shoulder. Respect the road, it belongs to us all.

VIDEO ONE:

Expect the Unexpected when overtaking:

These videos will be released - one each day between January 29th and February 1st.

The aims of these 4 videos are:

  1. To display the safe overtaking of cyclists with the central message of allowing 1.5 metres.
  2. To educate all road users in the safety aspects of overtaking cyclists. It is hoped that these videos will go some way to illustrating key considerations when encountering cyclists on our roads.
  3. To foster a mutual understanding and respect when sharing the road.

The videos are proudly supported by the “Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 “campaign, a campaign run by Wexford man Phil Skelton. The videos were produced by a local Wexford media company - Highwinds and are narrated by our own Wexford Ambassador (former newscaster), Ms. Anne Doyle and organised by Wexford County Council. 

Thanks to all staff in Wexford County Council who assisted in some way, particularly the Staff in Enniscorthy Area Office and the Roads Department. The videos were greatly enhanced by Ms Anne Doyle’s contribution. Thanks to the Gardaí in Enniscorthy who helped with traffic control on the N11 during the video work. Thanks also to Phil Skelton of the “Stayin’ Alive 1.5” campaign, Johnny Gordon of the Bike Shop, Aidan Quigley of Loftus Hall, all three of which contribute to the Wexford Co. Co. Biking Review Group (WCCBRG) and a special thanks to all the cyclists who gave of their time in the making of these videos and to the residents who endured the road closure on the R744 during the video shoot. Thanks also to The Bike Shop, Loftus Hall, Fort Conan Hotel and Hayes Bike Shop for sponsoring the Beat FM WCC Cycling Safety Social Media campaign prizes.

Quote from Frank Burke, Cycling Officer “While we recognise that everyone makes the odd error of judgement on the road, however, if this error involves a motorist and a cyclist, it will result in a very serious injury or death. If these videos go some way to heightening awareness among all road users and just one life is saved, it will be worth it! One death is one too many, one injury is one too many. This is the core message that the WCC and the “Stayin’ Alive at 1.5” campaign are delivering through this video campaign and the objective is to get this message to as many people as possible. Greater mutual respect between motorists and cyclists will make the roads a safer place for everyone and this has never been more important as more people take to cycling”.

If someone is wondering how they can help, just share these video links with other road users and together hopefully we can develop a mutual understanding and respect between all of us on the roads of this country.