‘Kamikaze cyclists’ comment causes consternation in the Council
A misjudged comment about "kamikaze cyclists" in the capital led to a heated Dublin City Council debate - with demands that the Councillor withdraw his statement.
At Monday’s South East Area Committee meeting, Fine Gael Councillor Danny Byrne spoke the offending word, which he later retracted and replaced with "reckless cyclists" during a discussion on transport matters. He said it while explaining the importance of riders properly understanding shared spaces.
“I think a lot of the kamikaze cyclists don’t understand what a shared space means. I would ask perhaps for signs stating this is a shared space, or for wardens to spend time there to slow down people on these huge e-bikes or whatever they are, motorbikes disguised as e-bikes,” Cllr Byrne said.
“I am really terrified something terrible is going to happen, especially for children, older people, and riders delivering food. They are just banging through and they don’t seem to realise, and they need to be put off the road.”
This statement led to Cllr Carolyn Moore asking that Cllr Byrne rethink his use of language and requested he consider withdrawing the word. “I think that’s a very unfortunate and insensitive choice of words and nobody wants to get to a point where we’re blaming cyclists and some of our most vulnerable road users for accidents that happen to them. Perhaps he wants to reconsider the use of that word and would like to withdraw it,” she said.
Cllr Hazel Chu also voiced her opposition to the word and wanted it put on record that's it's not the type of language Council members should use. "Can I ask that this committee note that this is not a term that we, as a committee, condone," she requested.
When Cllr Byrne was asked if wants to withdraw the word he initially said: “No, perhaps I won’t.” Chairperson Cllr Dermot Lacey attempted to keep the meeting on track and didn’t want to allow the proceedings to be side-tracked by this “row”.
“I wouldn’t use the term to be honest with you. I think there’s a lot of people who behave badly on the roads and they include motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. All people should have a little bit more manners,” he said.
Cllr Lacey explained that this was not an issue to be dealt with at this meeting and it’s only after a formal complaint is made to the Protocol Committee that it should be taken further. “The issue of procedure and protocol isn’t a matter for this committee. If people feel that a word or phrase is highly inappropriate it is up to the Protocol Committee to determine,” he said.
“It's insensitive at this moment in time, but it’s up to the councillors to determine how they’d like to behave - unless a formal complaint is made.” Ultimately, Cllr Byrne said the word had a “much deeper meaning” than he initially understood, and, upon reflection, he chose to replace the phrase with “reckless cyclists.”
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