Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cycling Offences.

Seán Haughey

Question:

310 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the increase in the numbers of cyclists who are cycling on public footpaths; if he will instruct the Garda to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Cycling on footpaths is an offence under article 13, Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997, S.I. 182 of 1997. Where breaches of these regulations come to the attention of the Garda the matter is dealt with by way of prosecution or caution. However, it is not possible to say, on the information available, whether incidences of cycling on the footpath are on the increase.

Cyclists stopped by the Garda for cycling on footpaths are warned of the danger they pose to pedestrians, in particular to young children, people with impaired vision and the elderly. Where members of the public bring a complaint about the prevalence of cycling on footpaths in a particular area to the attention of the Garda the area is monitored by Garda patrols. In particular, local gardaí, and juvenile liaison officers, avail of opportunities such as visits to schools, youth clubs and community centres to promote greater consciousness amongst young people of the dangers of cycling on footpaths.

I assure the Deputy that all members of the Garda Síochána are exhorted to pay particular attention to the offence of cycling on the footpath and to enforce the regulations.