In the bustling town of Letterkenny, the owner of Catriona’s Hair Salon, Catriona O’Donnell, has raised a pressing concern to Donegal County Council: the need to ban cycling on footpaths.In the bustling town of Letterkenny, the owner of Catriona’s Hair Salon, Catriona O’Donnell, has raised a pressing concern to Donegal County Council: the need to ban cycling on footpaths. This urgent appeal stems from a distressing incident that occurred on Letterkenny Lower Main Street, where a female customer was struck by an oncoming cyclist on the footpath. The young woman, who was preparing for a family funeral, was rushed to the hospital and her travel plans were abruptly halted. Catriona expressed her deep concern over the safety risks posed by cyclists using footpaths. While acknowledging the dangers on the roads, she emphasized that sidewalks are not a suitable environment for bicycles or e-scooters. Citing multiple near-misses involving cyclists and e-scooters, she believes that footpaths should be reserved for pedestrians to ensure their safety. The incident left both parties in shock and trauma. Catriona expressed her gratitude to the ambulance service, An Gard Síochána, and the individuals who intervened to provide assistance. She extended her well wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured woman. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Catriona implored the local authorities to take immediate action and prohibit cyclists from using footpaths in all towns. This measure, she believes, is essential to protect the safety of vulnerable pedestrians, especially the young and the elderly. Catriona’s passionate plea highlights the growing concern about the safety of pedestrians as more and more cyclists opt to use footpaths for convenience or perceived safety. It remains to be seen if Donegal County Council will heed her call and implement a ban on cycling on footpaths to ensure the well-being of pedestrians in Letterkenny and other towns within its jurisdiction.
The owner of a Letterkenny salon has called on Donegal County Council to ban cycling on footpaths in the town after a female customer was admitted to hospital on Saturday just before her planned trip to a family funeral.
The appeal was made by Catriona O’Donnell, of Catriona’s Hair Salon in Letterkenny, after the “very traumatic incident” and “a nightmare for everyone involved”. She said it was an accident waiting to happen and went on to thank the local ambulance service, An Gard Siochana and everyone who had helped. She also wished the injured woman a speedy recovery.
“An incident occurred on Letterkenny Lower Main Street on Saturday afternoon and it was probably only a matter of time before it happened,” she wrote.
“Sadly for a beautiful young woman who had spent a lovely morning with us preparing herself for a trip to the UK for a family funeral, her plans came to a sudden halt.
“As we left our premises on Lower Main Street and said goodbye to her, we heard a loud bang and saw our beautiful friend lying on the ground (hit) by an oncoming cyclist who had chosen to use the footpath instead of the road.
“As for cyclists, I can understand how dangerous our roads have become, but having seen a few similar near misses and an employee at our work nearly being hit by an e-scooter, we feel that the sidewalk is definitely not a safe environment for bicycles or scooters, unless there are toddlers riding on them.
“In this unfortunate situation it was a horrible sight to witness. It was a nightmare for both parties, but our friend who left us, after a wonderful morning, ended up in the hospital and could not make her scheduled flight.
“When we spoke to the authorities on the ground we were strongly advised to contact our local council and call on them to take immediate action and ban all cyclists from using our footpaths in all towns with immediate effect as this should not be happening.
“In this particular situation our friend had no chance of getting to the pavement. At this time we wish our friend a speedy recovery and would like to thank the ambulance service, local police and the people who stopped and supported us all at this time. Once again we can all call on you to make our pavements bike free and a safe place to use for young and old.
“To our county councillors, can you please advertise and take strict action with immediate effect? Thank you for taking the time to read our appeal, but this was a very traumatic incident that has affected many people and both parties involved. From Catriona and all the girls at Catriona’s Hairsalon Letterkenny.”
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