Think Twice Think Bike. May Bank Holiday Weekend

“Think Twice, Think Bike”

On Friday 1^st May, South Dublin County Council along with An Garda Siochana, in collaboration with Fingal County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Meath County Council, Wicklow County Council, and Dublin City Council is launching their “Think Twice, Think Bike” campaign.

As summer approaches, more Motorcyclists will be taking to the roads. This high-profile multi-agency initiative will include radio & social media campaigns aimed at Motorcyclists, highlighting the dangers facing them when out on our roads.

According to the RSA there were 30 Motorcycle fatalities on Irish roads in 2025, compared to 17 in 2024 an increase of over 76%. (please note these are provisional figures). In South Dublin County Council the number of Motorcycle fatalities rose from 3 to 8 from 2024-2025.

The campaign coincides with the May Bank Holiday weekend and will run throughout the weekend period. It will focus on highlighting “Safe Ways” to protect you as a Motorcyclist and encourages safer road use, highlighting to Drivers that Motorcyclists are Vulnerable Road User.

To promote safer behaviour and taking responsibility the campaign will include the following tips:

• Check your bike is in good road worthy condition.
• Check you are familiar with the operations of your bike.
• Are you familiar with any changes that may have occurred in relation to the “Rules of the Road” since you last took your Motorcycle out on the road?
• Before you head out on your first summer trip, get someone to ride with you, effectively shadowing you to ensure you haven’t forgotten your Motorcycle skills since last summer.
• Ensure you have reflective safety gear, Be Safe Be Seen.

Road Safety Officer at South Dublin County Council Orlaith Maguire said “the campaign is aimed at creating awareness of Motorcyclists on our roads, the safe use of Motorcycles,  targeting both Motorbike Riders and Car Drivers alike. Research shows that almost 51% of fatalities occur on a weekend day (Saturday / Sunday).  It only takes a split second to change someone’s life forever, and as a driver ask yourself could you live with the consequence of your actions?  So far this year there have been 2 Motorcyclist fatalities on Irish road. We all share the road, so let’s all come together and we can do this.”

 “Think Twice, Think Bike”

Further information can be found by emailing info@sdublincoco.ie

Inspector Michael Houlihan, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said  “An Garda Siochana are delighted to work alongside and support South Dublin County Council and the other East Coast Local Authorities in the launch of this very important multi-agency road safety campaign designed towards promoting the safe and enjoyable use of Motorcycles on our roads, whilst at the same time advising other road users to remember that there will be an increased number of Motorcyclists on our roads over the summer period and to take additional extra care when turning at junctions or entering onto a roadway.  We are urging all drivers over this Bank Holiday weekend and summer period to slow down and be aware of your surroundings at all times”. An Garda Siochana fully participate in delivering BikeSafe programmes at various locations throughout the country. This road safety initiative includes video pre-learning, a Motorcycle safety/skills theory, classroom based workshop and an observed ride led by Advanced Garda Motorcyclists and is free of charge, T&C apply.

Road Safety Engineer at Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Gerry Flaherty said, “Every Motorcyclist who sets out on a journey has people at home expecting them to return safely. This campaign is about reminding riders that while Motorcycling can be enjoyable, it also comes with increased risk. Even where a Motorcyclist has done nothing wrong, their lack of protection means the consequences of a collision can be life‑changing. Taking care on the road can make the difference between getting home safely and serious injury”.

Zewar Zyada Dublin City Council Road Safety Engineer said “This multi-agency campaign shows the strength of collaboration across East Coast Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána in promoting safer roads. By working together and raising awareness, we can reduce risk and support safer choices for all road users”.

Mayor Pamela Kearnes of South Dublin County Council expressed her delight at the launch of South Dublin’s multi-agency Motorcyclist Campaign “Think Twice – Think Bike” noting that with summer fast approaching there will be a lot more Motorcyclists out and about on our roads.  She urges both Motorcyclists and Car Drivers alike to look out for each other as we all share the road together.

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