Green Party call for ‘Vision Zero’ approach to road safety following 13th cyclist deathThe Green Party has called for the Minister for Transport Shane Ross TD and the Road Safety Authority to introduce a 'Vision Zero' approach to road safety as a thirteenth cyclist dies this year on Irish Roads.It called for Ireland to learn from countries such as Sweden that have had a 'Vision Zero' plan in place since 1997, and has seen a dramatic reduction in road deaths and serious fatalities. Green Party Transport Spokesperson Cllr. Ciarán Cuffe stated: “It is not enough to throw free lights and high-viz vests at cyclists. Instead we need a comprehensive approach that tackles driver behaviour, road geometry, lighting, speed limits and other factors.“An undue focus on the visibility of more vulnerable road users can result in a 'victim-blaming' culture that benefits no-one. Instead we need to recognise that many of our roads and streets need to be modified, particularly at junctions to ensure lower speeds.“The dramatic rise in cycling on urban roads needs to be matched by at least an equal investment in cycling safety and improved facilities, including segregated bike lanes on busy urban roads.“Road safety requires joined-up thinking from An Garda Siochána, the Road Safety Authority, Local Authorities and the Minister for Transport. It is not good enough to regret another death on our roads. We are all complicit until such time as we place road safety higher on the agenda of all organisations.”ENDSIssued 20^th November 2017, page last updated 9th January 2018