National Road Safety Committee Forms Strategic Partnership with Cayman Cycling to Improve Cycling Safety

The National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) met earlier in May 2025 to advance efforts to reduce traffic collisions and enhance road safety across the Cayman Islands. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Eric Bush, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI), welcomed key stakeholders including representatives from Cayman Cycling.

A central focus of the meeting was the discussion on cycling safety following the tragic death of a Cayman Cycling member on 21st April 2025 (Easter Monday). The NRSC extended their condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to improving road conditions for all users.

Representatives from Cayman Cycling, including President Daniel Cummings and Vice-President Wayne Kirkconnell, shared their concerns and highlighted the growing dangers faced by cyclists. They advocated for immediate action, including better enforcement, updated infrastructure, and a shift in public attitudes toward cyclists. The Association also proposed a formal partnership with the NRSC to pilot safety technologies, conduct education campaigns, and organize family-friendly road closure events for safe recreational use.

Following a detailed discussion, the NRSC resolved to:

• Issue a joint public commitment with Cayman Cycling to enhance road safety.
• Begin implementing cycling safety engineering measures, including cyclist-detection signage and thermal camera technology.
• Collaborate on updating the Road Code with an emphasis on shared road usage.
• Launch a recurring “Family Micro-Mobility Day”, closing designated roads for safe cycling and outdoor activities.

Mr. Edward Howard, Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), supported the initiative and confirmed that many of Cayman Cycling's suggestions are being integrated into planned improvements. Mr. Bush acknowledged the need for cultural change, emphasizing that cyclists must be seen and respected as equal road users.

“We are not simply reacting to the tragedy that brought this issue to light,” said Eric Bush, Chief Officer of PLAHI. “We are committing to building a safer, more inclusive transportation culture—one where cyclists are respected as equal users of our roads. These measures are just the beginning. Every road user, regardless of their mode of travel, has a right to safety and consideration. We all share the road, and with that comes shared responsibility.”

As part of the agreed-upon action plan, the Ministry of PLAHI will:

• Lead the drafting of updates to the Cayman Islands Road Code in collaboration with the RCIPS, DVDL, and NRA.
• Coordinate planning for the launch of the first “Family Micro-Mobility Day,” providing safe, car-free roadways for public use.
• Continue work with Cayman Cycling on technology pilot zones and education campaigns in schools and public spaces.
• Conduct research comparing sentencing for road deaths in the Cayman Islands versus other jurisdictions, with a draft report to be reviewed by the Committee.
• Support ongoing enforcement enhancements in collaboration with RCIPS, including new traffic reconstruction training and public accountability campaigns.

The Ministry of PLAHI will spearhead sustained collaboration with Cayman Cycling and other road safety stakeholders to ensure continued progress in creating safer roadways for all.