Dublin Bus drivers seek mandatory hi-vis clothing for cyclists and e-scooter users

The issue was raised at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport today.

The issue was raised by the National Bus and Railworkers’ Union (NBRU) at a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport today, at which professional drivers highlighted their concerns about speedy electric bikes and scooters sharing the busy streets.

Assistant general secretary of the NBRU, Thomas O’Connor, labelled mandatory hi-vis clothing as 'absolutely essential' in reducing possible risks.

“People just don’t realise how hard it is to drive a large public service vehicle or a truck and to be watching out for people who may be in dark clothing in dark evenings, nights or mornings.

“This is especially important due to the new battery powered bikes which are very fast and mandatory hi-vis clothing will save us,” Mr O'Connor explained.

The NBRU also raised concerns over inadequate policing of cycle lanes, saying it adds to tensions between heavy vehicle drivers and cyclists across the city.

Mr O’Connor told the committee drivers face a more complex road environment due to rising e-bike and e-scooter numbers.

Dublin Bus Driver Committee President Liam Weston and a SIPTU representative said poor infrastructure and weak enforcement are fuelling tensions with cyclists, especially where cycle lanes meet bus stops.

He commented: “I would say an essential to have protected cycle lanes, in that they do not cross over with the buses.

“They are also on electric bikes now going at speed, so isolate the cycle lanes.”

Mr Weston also cited illegally parked vehicles in bus lanes as further obstructions, forcing drivers to steer large buses around hazards and increasing the risk of accidents.

Representatives told the committee that safety policies must include 'visible and meaningful enforcement' that applies equally to all road users.

Intervention from the NBRU comes after increasing debate around road safety policy and how to protect vulnerable road users while ensuring drivers can safely navigate traffic.

Mr O’Connor said the union’s proposal is 'about making sure anyone out there is visible to give the bus drivers an opportunity to avoid accidents'.