More than 240 Fixed Charge Notices (FCN) have been issued to cyclists in the first two months of the introduction of the new regulations.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said the new regulations are helping to promote better cycling behaviour and keeping our cyclists and other road users safer on the roads.
” An Garda Síochána has indicated that between July 31 and the end of September a total of 244 fines have been issued to cyclists who have broken the law and committed one of the seven road traffic offences identified under the regulations.
“Unsurprisingly, most fines have been issued for the offence of breaking a red light (144), with failure to have appropriate lighting on a bike accounting for the next highest number of fines at 44.
“This measure was introduced with a view to promoting safe cycling practices and changing poor cycling behaviour and preventing needless collisions and injury on our roads. Last year, 13 cyclists were killed in Ireland. I want to see that number reduced and a greater emphasis put on cycling road safety.
“The majority of cyclists obey the rules of the road when out on their bikes, however, there are some who put themselves and others at risk by disregarding the law. I would like to commend An Garda Síochána for the work they are doing in this area and for reinforcing the message that cyclists, as vulnerable road users, have a responsibility to themselves and others when out on the roads.
“By allowing for fines for cyclists to be issued in place of direct summonses to court, court time is also freed up and a more immediate enforcement tool provided to An Garda Síochána,” Minister Donohoe concluded.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.