Tragic Crashes Kill Cyclists

There have been two Irish road tragedies involving cyclists.

A female cyclist in her 30s has been killed after being involved in the crash on the Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast on Wednesday morning.

The PSNI said the victim was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but later died and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Earlier, the PSNI said the collision involved a lorry and that the road was closed at its junction with the North Road.

The East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has expressed his deep sadness at news that a cyclist has died following a collision with a lorry in East Belfast.

"This was an extremely tragic incident and I am deeply saddened at this news.

"I want to pass on my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who has died.

"It's absolutely devastating to hear about another death on our roads and the community in the area is shocked at this news.

"This is the second death of a cyclist on our roads in Belfast in recent times and improving road safety must be a key priority," he concluded.

Across the border, Gardaí in Carrickmacross are also investigating a hit-and-run fatal road traffic collision involving a cyclist and a vehicle that happened at approximately 10.15am yesterday, on the N2 Carrickmacross to Castleblaney Road.

A 23-year-old male cyclist was fatally injured when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was initially closed pending completion of an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí wish to appeal for witnesses who travelled this stretch of road between 10pm and 10.30pm or to any one that can assist in this investigation to contact Carrickmacross Station.

(BMcC/GK)