Cyclists and e-scooter users are 11 times more likely than motorists to be seriously injured in road crashes, new research has found.

The report, which was published by the Injuries Resolution Board, found that €9.8 million was awarded in compensation in cases involving cyclists and e-scooters last year.

Orthopaedic injuries were common among both groups, while e-scooter users were twice as likely to experience facial injuries.

On Newstalk Breakfast, the deputy chair of the Galway Cycling Campaign Martina Callanan said the report is "grim" news and called for a number of changes.

"[We need to] address poor car behaviour and look at the poor standard of safety campaigns from the Road Safety Authority," she said.

"It's obviously very clear that there is a huge need for increased levels of funding for active travel campaigns within the next Government.

"We need the Government to step up with legislation to require councils to use best practice designs when it comes to designing cycle lanes and pathways."

Ms Callanan added that the report shows "very few collisions" happen within bike lanes.

"The report is quite clear; these collisions are collisions with larger vehicles," she said.

RSA

A change in the governance of the RSA will also help protect vulnerable road users, Ms Callanan suggested.

"The road safety function needs to be brought under the Department of Transport for ministerial oversight in terms of driver education and driver awareness," she said.

Ms Callanan also called for a better enforcement of existing laws to curb dangerous driving.

"People on bikes, we have to follow the rules of the road, we have to light up from sunset to sunrise and pay attention to other road users," she said.

"That behaviour is no match for somebody behind an SUV who is distracted on their phone.” 

Ms Callanan pointed to the impact of the injuries to e-scooter users and cyclists, with the report citing a reduced quality of life, financial loss and strained personal relationships in some claims.

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Feature image shows a cyclist in the countryside, Alamy.