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Bus drivers' union want to see hi-vis jackets become 'mandatory' for cyclists

The union said that the issue has grown due to a ‘proliferation’ of electric vehicles.

DUBLIN BUS DRIVERS aren’t happy with what they call “poor visibility” from cyclists on the streets of the capital.

Thomas O’Connor, assistant general secretary with the National Bus and Railworkers’ Union (NBRU), said they want to see the wearing of hi-vis jackets be “mandatory” as a way of addressing the issue.

The union is set to raise the matter at a Joint Oireachtas Committee in Leinster House later today.

O’Connor told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that the issue has grown due to a “proliferation” of electric scooters and electric bikes on the city’s streets.

He added that it’s critical to do “everything you can to mitigate the risk” faced in traffic, urging the wearing of the hi-vis jackets to help.

“It’s very difficult driving a large public service vehicle, 40 feet in length, on the way around this sprawling city,” O’Connor told host Anton Savage.

“There’s been a proliferation of faster vehicles, electric scooters and electric bikes making their way around the streets. And the job of a professional bus driver is difficult enough, and we want to do everything we can to assuage and mitigate that risk.”

O’Connor added that the way to do this is to make sure “anyone out there is visible to give the bus drivers an opportunity to avoid accidents”.

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