Cyclists face on-the-spot €40 fines under new rules
The fixed-charge notices follow Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána consultations. A set fine of €40 will be introduced for the following seven of 36 traffic offences:
- A cyclist riding a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration.
- No front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours.
- Cycling in pedestrianised street or area.
- A cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated.
- A cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit.
- A cyclist failing to stop for a School Warden sign.
- A cyclist going beyond a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing.
Fines for cyclists who break the law will promote safe, and discourage dangerous, cycling http://t.co/GsbSpHsxC8 pic.twitter.com/b79FCRwECv
— Paschal Donohoe (@Paschald) July 2, 2015
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said he hoped the introduction of fixed-charge notices would be as successful in changing cycling behaviour as they have been for motorists.
“As a committed cyclist myself, I am of the view that the introduction of fixed-charge notices for cyclists will increase awareness among cyclists and reinforce the message that cyclists have a responsibility in relation to obeying road traffic law,” he said.
Last year, 13 cyclists were killed, while this year three cyclists have lost their lives.
The transport minister said that through investment in cycle lanes, Dublin Bikes, Coke Zero schemes in Cork, Limerick and Galway and the bike to work tax break, the Government was committed to encouraging more people to cycle regularly.
However, a UCD report published last year showed around 60% of commuters in Dublin who signed up for the €34m Bike to Work Scheme never cycle to work.
