We want parents to be able to cycle to school with their children

In response to a letter from John Leahy recently carried by you in respect of cycling on footpaths (Letters, 21 July), it is worth noting that in extending the Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) system to cyclists no new traffic offences were introduced.

All seven of the 36 existing offences which are being brought under the FCN system, are already offences under road traffic legislation. Those offences which are not being brought under the FCN system (including cycling on a footpath) remain subject to a straight to court summons.

Minister Paschal Donohoe consulted with the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána in introducing this initiative, the aim of which is to promote safe cycling practices and to reinforce the message that cyclists also have a responsibility to obey road traffic law.

The selected offences, for which cyclists can be fined €40 from next month, are those considered to be the best suited to encouraging good behaviour.

Minister Donohoe is in favour of measures to encourage greater take-up of cycling and is of the mind that bringing the offence of cycling on a footpath into the FCN system may discourage families who cycle to school with their young children from doing so.

The inclusion of the offence of ‘cycling without reasonable consideration’, which is one of the seven offences for which fines can be issued, will allow the Gardai to deal with those who are cycling in a reckless or aggressive manner on footpaths, similar to the unfortunate incident described by Mr. Leahy.

Aidan Glover

Press Office

Department of Transport

Kildare St

Dublin 2