As Bike Week 2025 draws to a close, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is highlighting the safety challenges faced by cyclists on Irish roads with the publication of the Cyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2020-2024.
Based on Irish collision data, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the circumstances surrounding cyclist fatalities and serious injuries between 2020 and 2024.
During this period, 45 cyclists lost their lives and 1,278 were seriously injured – an average of nine deaths and 256 serious injuries per year. Cyclists accounted for 6% of all road fatalities and 18% of all serious injuries during this time. For every cyclist killed, approximately 28 more sustained serious injuries.
Key findings include:
- The most affected age group for cyclist fatalities was 56–65 years, making up 29% of deaths.
- Large proportions of fatalities (87%) and serious injuries (78%) were male.
- High proportions (53%) of fatalities occurred between 8am-2pm, while high proportions (30%) of serious injuries occurred between 4-8pm.
- Half (51%) of fatalities were killed on urban roads. This rose to 80% among seriously injured cyclists.
- Dublin (33%) and Cork (16%) had the highest numbers of cyclist deaths.
- Most fatalities (64%) and serious injuries (70%) involved a collision with another vehicle.
- A fifth of fatalities occurred at a junction.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney TD, commented: “This report reinforces our commitment to delivering a safer more inclusive road network. Cyclists play a vital role in a sustainable transport future. We must act on this evidence and accelerate the rollout of infrastructure and education measures that will make cycling safer for all.”
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, added: “This report is a sobering reminder that despite progress in road safety, cyclists are still at risk on our roads. These are not just numbers, they are lives lost, families devastated, and communities affected. We must increase our efforts to protect those who choose active and sustainable modes of transport. Drivers need to slow down for cyclists and keep a safe distance”.
With four cyclist fatalities already reported in 2025, the RSA is urging all road users to stay vigilant, share the road responsibly, and support ongoing efforts to enhance road safety.
The Cyclist Spotlight Report 2020–2024 is now available at https://www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/road-safety/road-users/cyclist-spotlight-report-fatalities-and-serious-injuries-2020-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=cf6157b3_1
