The photo that saw the Minister for Justice call the Garda into action against drivers who park in cycle lanes.
Charlie Flanagan strikes a blow for cyclists
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has called out drivers who park in cycle lanes. And he has told the Garda to clamp down on them.
His comments may not solve any problems in themselves, but they will put pressure on the Garda to act.
And if the problem continues, as seems highly likely, the Minister will be put under pressure to follow up his words.
Significantly, he called on the Garda and local councils to act on the problem of motorists parking in cycle lanes.
His comments were given a very warm welcome. We’ve included some of the responses below.
Clearly from the positive reception he has received, there is huge political gain to be made from promoting safer cycling.
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“Cycle lanes must be kept clear for cyclists only,” Flanagan said in a Tweet. “Gardai and local authorities must act to enforce the law.
“I intend convening a meeting with Ministers Ross and Murphy to improve matters. This is unacceptable.”
His reference to his Cabinet colleagues related to Minister for Transport Shane Ross and Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy.
Flanagan’s Tweet was a follow up to an initial Tweet by cycling campaigner Ciarán Ferrie.
He had posted a photo of cars parked on a cycle lane in Dublin with the message:
“Just a normal day on the 24-hour mandatory cycle lane on Upper Camden Street.
“Three vehicles in total, several more parked in the bus lane on Lower Camden Street.
“And six vehicles parked in the South Great George’s Street bus lane, but sure who cares, eh?”
The incident, though it must be said is just a single Tweet by Flanagan, comes as the Government is also working on close pass legislation.
It would make it an offence to pass cyclists any closer than at least 1 metre. Let’s hope this is the start of a sustained cultural change, led by Government.
Flanagan's message and the initial Tweet
Cycle lanes must be kept clear for cyclists only. Gardai & local authorities must act to enforce the law. I intend convening a meeting with Ministers Ross & @MurphyEoghan to improve matters. This is unacceptable. https://t.co/xZo89YPjx0
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) June 23, 2018
Reaction showing political gain for the taking
Thank you minister. This is the leadership we need. There is a cultural of ignoring the law on cycle lanes in this country. This culture needs to change. Thank you for protecting vulnerable road users like cyclists.
— Kevin Baker (@__kbaker__) June 23, 2018
Thank you Minister - not an easy task but if you managed to ensure cycle lanes were kept free (maybe with higher ticket fines and increased frequency of enforcement), it would add greatly to the safety and enjoyment of people cycling in our cities and towns. #SaferRoads
— Síle Ginnane (@sileginnane) June 23, 2018
Thank you.
— Sam (@Sam_Fitzgerald7) June 23, 2018
Thank you.
— Micko (@inkling_micko) June 23, 2018
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Well said Minister. It would also be nice if motorists who are not entitled to park in disabled spaces and do so had a bit of self awareness and desist from doing so. Seems a problem in Portlaoise from my observations.
— Brian Howard (@brianh40619646) June 23, 2018
This is good to hear. There is simply no enforcement of this by Gardai/authorities, change is badly needed to make cycling safer for all.
— Ed Moynihan (@EM_Creative) June 23, 2018
Good on you Minister!
— Mark Ahern (@MarkAhern) June 23, 2018
The hero we need.
— Robert Lawson (@BikerRobert) June 23, 2018
A government minister thinks this is important. Why don't government ministers in NI also think it's import ... oh wait ..
— Hedley Abernethy (@abuliam) June 23, 2018
Thanks Minister - cyclists have been ignored for far too long. This is despite the fact that they are reducing costs for the health service, reducing traffic congestion and reducing emissions.
— Avril Kennan (@AvrilKennan) June 23, 2018
This is a very positive first step. Thank you Minister.
— Brennanstown, Cabinteely (@BCabinteely) June 23, 2018
Thank you minister. This is not a single event, it is the culture in our roads and seen as acceptable by law enforcement. Only proper enforcement and stronger penalties can change this. We are counting on you.
— I BIKE Dublin (@IBIKEDublin) June 23, 2018
Much appreciated @CharlieFlanagan
This is long overdue..— Stayin' Alive at 1.5 (@SafeCyclingEire) June 23, 2018
Thank you Minister - it's a chronic problem throughout the city and there seems to be some confusion over whether it is the responsibility of @gardatraffic or @dcctraffic
— Ciarán Ferrie (@ccferrie) June 23, 2018
Thank you Minister, lack of infrastructure is one big issue for people who cycle & the other is lack of enforcement to protect what infra we do have so cooperation betw the relevant depts wd be a big help. Enforcement of speed limits is anoth strand
— Sligo Cycling (@SligoCycling) June 23, 2018
Thank you, Deputy Flanagan. This kind of parking can cause so much danger to road users, especially to people cycling, that it must be stopped. Your efforts are hugely important.
— Joan O'Connell (@clicky_here) June 23, 2018
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