Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
236. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if measures will be taken to address the issue of cyclists who continue to use footpaths in locations in which segregated cycle lanes have been provided in view of the danger such activity poses for pedestrians and those with mobility impairments. [30782/21]
View answerI agree with the Deputy that cycling on the footpath poses a threat to public safety, particularly when it comes to the very young, the elderly and people with disabilities.
An offence of cycling on the footpath is not explicitly set out in law, giving An Garda Síochána some discretion in allowing very young cyclists to stay off the road because of their age and heightened vulnerability. This discretion does not extend, however, to allowing all cyclists to use footpaths. As the Deputy may recall, in 2015 one of my predecessors as Minister for Transport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, introduced fixed charge notices for a number of cycling offences, including cycling without reasonable consideration. It is intended that the fixed charge notice for the offence of cycling without reasonable consideration will cover reckless cycling on a footpath.
I must emphasise that my Department's role is limited to the preparation and drafting of legislation. Enforcement is under the remit of An Garda Síochána.
