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05th Nov 2019

Cyclists stage ‘die-in’ demonstration outside Dublin City Council

Brian Dillon

Dublin cyclists have been protesting the state of the city’s cycling facilities by taking part in a ‘die-in’ demonstration outside Dublin City Council offices today.

Cyclists were spotted lying on the steps of the Dublin City Council offices on Wood Quay.

According to one Twitter user, the – Dublin die-in took place this morning in reaction to the death of Neeraj Jain, who was incident outside St James’ Hospital last Friday, November 1.

Another Twitter user shared a video of the protest with the caption, “paint is not a path.’

Another wrote, “It was emotional lying there and thinking about how it could be any one of us. I am a mother, friend, daughter, sister and cyclist. We deserve a city that allows all of us to get to work, school and home without fear of being killed.”

This morning’s demonstration was organised by the activist group I Bike, who describe themselves as a “community of people who choose to cycle in Dublin” who “seek a more liveable city and safer cycling conditions for all.”

Explaining the reasons behind the protest, the group wrote on Facebook, “These actions aim to highlight that slow and inadequate progress from CEO Owen Keegan and his team is costing lives.

“The die-in represents the risk that each and every person in Dublin takes when they step up on their bicycle to go to work, school, college or elsewhere.”

They added, “We will not accept the current State treatment of people who say “I Bike in Dublin”. We all have loved ones. They deserve for us to out of harm’s way. We all contribute to society including caring for others, paying taxes, voluntary work etc.

“If you are dreading your next cycle, we feel that with you. If you are tired of the abuse, we are also wary. Particularly, if you live and/or cycle in the Kilmainham area, you are not suffering that heavy feeling alone.”

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