Kildare cycle lanes under fire as man (86) had to have a hip replacement following fall

The construction design of cycle lanes in Kildare has been criticised after an 86 year old man sustained serious injuries in a fall off a bicycle.

Maynooth councillor Tim Durkan called for a review of the cycle lane and path at Mill Lane.

This was one of two recent accidents in the area, he told a Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting and he said the kerb construction is the likely cause of the problem.

Similar projects are in place in Naas and Newbridge, he said, adding the man sustained a serious fracture, had to have a hip replacement and endured “a lot of pain and anguish” over the Christmas period.

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He said the man was an accomplished rider who participated in the Rás Tailteann on nine occasions and his children are accomplished competitive cyclists.

Cllr Tim Durkan

He said the work was designed by the National Transport Authority adding “we’re putting in infrastructure that’s causing accidents.”

He said: “We need to ask the NTA if they’re happy with it. I don't want to see another accident (and) this could have been more serious given the man’s age.”

Cllr Durkan said similar projects are causing difficulties in several towns across Kildare.

He said if the NTA continues to develop schemes with these kerbs there will be more accidents.

KCC engineer Dónal Hodgins said the KCC welcomes correspondence from people with concerns about projects like this.

He said the scheme was not fully finished and is subject to audits including a full appraisal when it is finished.

Mr Hodgins also told the meeting that the work is done “in accordance with the drawings.”

He said the final audit will be conducted “in accordance with current guidelines and mandatory regulations.”