Woman knocked off bicycle on busy Laois road
There have been 'near misses' at Foxcroft Street in Portarlington, where a short section is one-way only. Image: Google Maps
A WOMAN was knocked off a bicycle on a busy road in Portarlington, which many motorists wrongly believe is a fully one-way route.
The collision was highlighted by Cllr Aidan Mullins, as he appealed for more traffic signs on the link road approaching Foxcroft Street in the town centre.
Cllr Mullins explained that a short section of the street, about 100 metres, is one-way only but many drivers believe the entire length of the route is one-way, despite prominent road markings.
“A lady was knocked off a bicycle some time back. It was a while ago now, but there is still a safety risk there. There have been a few near misses, so we need more signs,” he told the latest meeting of Graiguecullen-Portarlington municipal district council.
In a written proposal, Cllr Mullins asked that Laois Co Council ‘install additional signage on the link road approaching Foxcroft Street in Portarlington, in the interest of safety’.
He told the council meeting: “Many motorists believe Foxcroft Street is one-way and drive out into traffic coming from the left hand side. As you are coming from the SuperValu side, there is traffic coming from the Portlaoise side and there have been a few near misses, because a short section of the street is one-way.”
The proposal was seconded by Cllr Aisling Moran.
In a written reply, senior engineer Tom Drennan said the county council would ‘review existing arrangements’ and would ‘consider providing additional signage to warn and advise motorists of traffic movements and existing priorities’.
