Councils collaborate to launch road safety campaign to tackle 76pc increase in motorcycle fatalities
Local authorities will work together to launch a road safety campaign after motorcycle fatalities saw a 76pc increase last year.
Last year, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) reported the highest number of deaths among motorcyclists since 2007 with 30 people losing their lives, compared to 17 in 2024.
The ‘Think Twice, Think Bike’ campaign is aimed at raising awareness among motorcyclists and other road users in the run-up to summer.
“The initiative is to raise awareness of motorcycle safety as the summer riding season gets underway and increasing numbers of motorcyclists take to the roads,” said a spokesperson from the campaign.
Local authorities in the Eastern region – Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council, Meath County Council, Wicklow County Council and Dublin City Council will collaborate with An Garda Síochána on the campaign.
“We are urging all drivers over this summer period to slow down and be aware of your surroundings at all times,” said Inspector Michael Houlihan from the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau.
“This road safety campaign is designed towards promoting the safe and enjoyable use of motorcycles on our roads, whilst at the same time advising other road users to remember that there will be an increased number of motorcyclists on our roads over the summer period.
"And remind them to take additional extra care when turning at junctions or entering onto a roadway.”
The RSA reported that there was a 76pc increase in motorcycle fatalities last year.
“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and while many collisions occur through no fault of the rider, the lack of physical protection means that the consequences can be particularly severe,” said a spokesperson from the campaign.
Tips for motorcyclists include taking time to refresh riding skills after a break from riding, ensuring motorcycles are in a safe condition, wearing appropriate protective clothing and safety gear and riding within speed limits.
"Every motorcyclist who sets out on a journey has people at home expecting them to return safely,” said Gerry Flaherty, Road Safety Engineer at DLRCC.
"Even where a motorcyclist has done nothing wrong, their vulnerability means the consequences of a collision can be life‑changing. Taking care on the road can make the difference between getting home safely and serious injury.”
The campaign will include video pre-learning, classroom-based workshops and an observed ride led by advanced Garda motorcyclists free of charge.