Retired Garda Sergeant hit by Letterkenny cyclist calls for 'stricter enforcement'

A retired Garda Sergeant has added to the calls to ensure pedestrians' safety on footpaths in Letterkenny having been struck by a cyclist. 

Christy Galligan added to the plea from the staff of Caitriona’s Hair Salon this week, after a female client was left hospitalised having also been hit by a cyclist. 

He stressed that there is a requirement for “stricter enforcement of our bye-laws and road traffic acts”

“On Friday morning as I was exiting the Youth Club in Lower Main Street in Letterkenny I was struck on the side of the face by a pedal cyclist. The impact was very sudden and strong which left me with a very sore jaw,” Mr Galligan told DonegalLive. “The cyclist was a young man in his late teens.

“He was extremely apologetic and I informed him in no uncertain terms that cycling on a footpath was unlawful and that he could be prosecuted for this offence. To my surprise, though not unexpected, the following day I was then informed of a woman who was seriously injured by a person on an e-scooter as she was exiting from a hair salon, again at Lower Main Street.

“This sadly is an ongoing problem, not only in Letterkenny, but in other parts of the country where e-scooters and cyclists are using footpaths instead of our roadways. I contacted the local gardai regarding my incident.

“What is needed here is open public consultation for members of the public regarding the use of e-scooters and bicycles on our footpaths and the need for stricter enforcement of our bye-laws and road traffic acts to ensure the safety of our pedestrians.”