Letters to the Editor: If we're going to cycle more, we need to emulate countries such as Denmark

'If the rules we already have in place are not enforced in the interest of safety, any increase in the uptake of cycling in Ireland will result in frequent accidents'

A cycle lane at Washington St, Cork. 'Cyclists are obliged to follow the rules of the road the same as any motorist and can be issued fines for breaking them.' Picture: Denis Minihane

Denmark is one of the most successful countries when it comes to the uptake of cycling. In Copenhagen, there are miles of cycling lanes, divided by a kerb or marked which ensures of safety of pedestrians and separates the cyclist from motorists.

Cyclists are obliged to follow the rules of the road the same as any motorist and can be issued fines for breaking them. In the interest of pedestrian safety, cyclists cannot cycle on public paths or dedicated pedestrian-only streets as is the case in other countries of mainland Europe. Shared spaces between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists cause accidents.