Cyclists yesterday gathered in force and demanded more resources to be ringfenced to build cycling routes, to promote cycling, and to aid the environment by keeping traffic off the roads.

A group representing Irish cyclists has criticised the number of fines issued by gardaí to motorists who parked in cycle lanes — despite a more than twofold increase in the amount of tickets handed down.

The news that yet another cyclist was seriously injured in an impact with an HGV (Dublin on 23 March 23) serves as a reminder that these impacts should not be happening as they are essentially avoidable.

Bicycle users from all around Ireland have called on all political parties to prioritise everyday cycling in both transport, environment and public health policies.

Just three fines a week were imposed on motorists who parked in cycle lanes last year, Garda figures have revealed.

A strong plea was yesterday made to An Taisce not to proceed with a judicial review in the High Court of a project to upgrade a major tourist route.