Judge James O’Donohoe made the remarks in the Dublin Circuit Civil Court as he ruled on a personal injury action brought by a cyclist who suffered a brain injury following a collision with a motorcycle, The Irish Times reports.

He said he was taking judicial notice of his own experience as a motorist, and suggested that it was difficult to know “what [cyclists] are going to do or anticipate what they are going to do”.

The judge significantly reduced the headline award of damages for the brain injury from €50,000 to €10,000 after finding that the cyclist contributed to the collision.

Neasa Bheilbigh, chair of the Irish Cycling Campaign, said: “As a mother who cycles with her children, I find it alarming that a judge would so clearly and openly outline personal biases toward people who cycle. Generalisations like this are dangerous.

“Public commentary from the judiciary should recognise that vulnerability and support a culture of care and responsibility, rather than language that risks normalising hostility toward people who choose to travel by bike.”

Ciarán Cannon, president of Cycling Ireland, added: “It is deeply disturbing and disappointing to hear a member of the judiciary speak about cyclists in such a disparaging and dismissive way.

“Cyclists are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, simply trying to get home safely in an environment that is often hostile and dangerous.”