26th April 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS FOR PROSECUTION IN CYCLIST ROAD RAGE ATTACK

The Green Party has called for a Garda investigation into an incident on Friday evening in Dublin City's Centre in which a motorist drove into a group of cyclists. One cyclist was hospitalised after the car drove over bicycles belonging to a group that were participating in a 'Critical Mass' cycle demonstration.

The group of approximately seventy cyclists were with a rally that takes place once a month to 'reclaim the streets' for cyclists and pedestrians.

"These cyclists were making a peaceful protest and have as much a right to be on the roadway as anyone else", stated Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party. "I understand that the driver drove over several bicycles and struck one cyclist before speeding away. He should face the maximum penalty under law. This amounts to assault with a deadly weapon.

"Several cyclists have been struck by vehicles and killed in the City Centre over the past few years. All that these cyclists are asking for is safe cycle routes through the city centre, and that is a reasonable request."

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe    087 265 2075 or 618 3082