Cycling on a footpath should be an offence unless to protect children

With reference to Aidan Glover’s response (Irish Examiner, Letters, July 23) to my earlier letter, which highlighted concerns about the non-inclusion of cycling on footpaths in the new Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) system.

As a cyclist and pedestrian, I welcome the introduction of FCNs for cyclists and I believe that most reasonable people would not object to families with young children cycling to school on the footpath. This is not an issue, as it does not impinge on the safety of pedestrians.

Mr Glover does not mention, however, that it is the transport minister’s intention to allow cyclists of any age to use footpaths. According to an email from Jerry Buttimer, TD, on July 6: “However, the minister was of the opinion that there are times when it is either necessary or appropriate, for a cyclist to use a footpath, where there are safety reasons for not using the road.”