Cyclists form one of the key components of the Garda’s roads policing plan for the month ahead, with a specific pledge to prosecute the new ‘dangerous overtaking of a cyclist’ offences.
Some of the early reports from cyclists received by
stickybottle suggest little awareness of the new offence in the weeks after it
was created late last year.
However, in its statement about roads policing plans in
February, Garda Headquarters has clearly stated its personnel are aware of the
new offence and will act on reports from cyclists.
“Garda members are aware of the new offence of ‘dangerous
overtaking of a pedal cycle’ and where such incidents are reported they will be
fully investigated,” the statement says.
“The Road Safety Authority will be running radio
advertisement throughout the month highlighting this issue.”
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Committing to prosecuting the cases is a welcome move by
the Garda and cyclists should need no more encouragement in coming forward to
their local gardai with evidence of dangerous overtaking.
In more general terms, Garda Headquarters has also
recognised the need to clamp down on driver behaviour that makes cycling more
hazardous.
“Cyclists are vulnerable road users and every effort must
be made to ensure that where cycle lanes have been made available, that they
are accessible to the cyclist,” the roads policing plan says.
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“Each Divisional Roads Policing Unit and Community
Policing Unit will ensure that regular patrols are conducted in areas where
cycle lanes are provided and where vehicles are obstructing these lanes
appropriate action will be taken.”
Supt Eddie Golden also reminded cyclists of their
responsibilities in complying with the rules of the road and so avoiding fines.
“I would also
appeal to pedal cyclists to be aware of the ‘fixed charge notices’ which apply
to them on the public road. These offences all carry a €40 (fine),” he said.
“Cyclists have a
responsibility to stay within the rules of the road for the safety of all.”
The offences
cyclists can be penalised for under the fixed charge notice system are as
follows:
- Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration.
- No front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours on a pedal cycle.
- Cyclist proceeding into a pedestrianised street or area.
- Cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated
- Cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit.
- Cyclist failing to stop for a School Warden sign.
Cyclist
proceeding beyond a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a railway level
crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing.
The Garda has
also outline a range of other enforcement measures for the month ahead that do
not specifically relate to cyclists.
For example, a significant targeting of speeding drivers is planned and new speed detection equipment has been purchased and was being rolled out. You can read the full list of measures by following this link.
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