This group looks to be on the way out training from south Dublin this morning. They've sparked a heated debate online today.
This photo appeared on the Garda Checkpoints Dublin Facebook page this morning, with an accompanying message.
"Came across this on the Scholarstown Road-Ballyboden Way just off Junction 12,” the writer states of the cycling group’s location.
“They held up traffic for ages, looked back at the line of traffic and refused to move in a bit to let cars by.
“For all the complaining cyclists do about the lack of bike lanes, they don't use them when they are there.
“If I had a Euro for every time I've seen something like this I'd be rich. But this morning it really got on my nerves because they knew they were holding up traffic and carried on anyway."
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The post had been shared 170 times at the time of writing and resulted in 250 comments.
Before considering the comments, there are a few facts about this group that simply cannot be disputed.
They are not obliged to wear helmets, hi-vis clothing or to have lights during daylight hours.
Yet all seem to have helmets and some of them have their lights turned on while hi-vis and bright clothing is clearly visible throughout the group.
Whether they caused a delay or not – and there is no evidence they did – it was likely to be short and in line with everyday delays all road users must contend with.
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What has sparked the ire of some of those commentating is that a segregated cycle lane runs alongside the road the riders are on.
And some of those leaving comments cannot understand why the cyclists aren’t in that lane.
Under Irish law, cyclists are not obliged to use bike lanes, so they are not breaking any laws or rules of the road. And the group is also cycling two abreast, which is permitted.
Indeed, many Facebook users who left messages on the thread pointed out the cyclists are fully compliant with the rules of the road.
One man who joined the conversation, and is clearly a cyclist, put forward a point from the perspective of group cycling.
“It’s not possible to take a group onto a purpose built bike lane. Too narrow, short, dangerous low kerbing and they end suddenly throwing you right out into the traffic again.”
“Over 400 clubs in Ireland and growing. We are another road user that you are just going to have to grow up and deal with.”
Comments must be challenged
However, the level of vitriol and threats to drive over or brake check cyclists in the discussion was of real concern.
Do we need a publicity campaign to tackle some of the ignorance and challenge the hatred? Whose responsibility should that be; the Road Safety Authority, Garda or maybe Cycling Ireland?
In Britain many police forces take a very proactive approach on social media challenging the misconceptions expressed on Twitter and Facebook about cyclists.
Surely it is time for the authorities in Ireland to do the same here rather than leave these discussions unchecked.
A campaign in Ireland might result in a greater understanding of cyclist behaviour and the laws around, for example, riding two abreast and why cyclists sometimes opt not to ride in bike lanes.
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