The gardai were out with their speed trap and one of those they stopped was a cyclist on a modified bicycle.
A Garda speed trap has clocked a cyclist travelling at 62km per hour on a modified bike. And because the bicycle had been fitted with a small petrol engine, it is a vehicle under the law.
However, while the man on the bike now faces penalty points for a range of motoring offences, the Garda’s messaging when highlighting the case was slightly confused.
The suspect was recorded doing 62km per hour on a main road in an unspecified location in Dublin south central last evening.
Photos of the bike, and the speed gun that recorded the bike's speed, have been shared on the Garda Twitter account.
It said the man in question had no insurance or registration. He also had no driving licence and no front light.
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Because the bike is a vehicle under the law, all of those offences highlighted by the Garda are straightforward under the fix charged penalty notice (FCPN) system.
However, the Twitter message from the Garda also noted the man on the bike was wearing dark clothing, had no hi-vis and no helmet.
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The lack of a helmet is an offence in this case because this suspect’s bike is technically a motorbike rather than a bicycle. However, the Garda’s message - below - does not make that clear.
And some people might understand from the messaging that cyclists are legally obliged to wear helmets, hi-vis and to avoid dark clothing; none of which is true.
“Motorised bicycle stopped by DMR South Central Road Policing Unit doing 62km/h on a main road,” the Garda Tweet said.
“No insurance, no registration, no driving licence and no front light. Driver wearing dark clothing with no helmet and no hi-viz vest. A number of FCPNs to follow.”
Last year the Garda warned members of the public that if an engine is fitted to a bicycle it becomes a ‘vehicle’ under the law.
It means they must be taxed, insured and have an NCT. And those riding/driving them must always wear a motorbike helmet.
The bikes in question would never pass an NCT. And that means the bikes have been rendered illegal in the Republic.
Motorised bicycle stopped by DMR South Central Road Policing Unit doing 62km/h on a main road. No insurance, no registration, no driving licence and no front light. Driver wearing dark clothing with no helmet and no hi-viz vest. A number of FCPNs to follow. pic.twitter.com/RGp2d8u4Ff
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 31, 2018
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