Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
554. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the circumstances under the Road Traffic Acts or regulations in which young children are allowed to cycle on footpaths due to the danger of mixing with motorised traffic on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15348/16]
View answerUnder road traffic legislation, it is an offence to cycle on a footpath. However, An Garda Síochána may use discretion in enforcing this offence. Following consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority, the previous Minister decided not to include this offence in the first phase of fixed charge notices for cycling offences.
Furthermore, while road traffic legislation does not specify exemptions for children, I understand that the Children Act 2001, as amended in 2006, provides that no child under the age of twelve may be charged with an offence. There are exceptions to this rule which relate to serious violent offences and are not relevant in a road traffic context.
Children under twelve years of age cannot therefore be charged with any offence under the Road Traffic Acts, and this includes cycling on pavements.
