The Garda shared this video on Facebook as a warning to cyclists - in the snow and on motorways. A huge number of people are commenting but it backfired somewhat; take a look.

Garda Facebook video of "cyclist on motorway"

The gardai operating the force’s Facebook account shared this video of a cyclist in the snow on a motorway today.

It was intended as a warning against cycling in the snow, and the illegality of riding on a motorway. However, many Facebook users who responded took issue with the clip.

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They pointed out that the cyclist was breaking no laws and posed no danger to anyone. On the other hand, the clip seemed to have been recorded by the person driving the car.

The Garda shared it under the tagline: "Please use common sense! Bikes are not permitted on a motorway today or any other day!"

There was no mention of the fact it was a dual carriageway and no mention of the fact the video was recorded illegally.

Many who commented took issue with the suggestion the cyclist was riding on a motorway.

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They believe this clip was recorded on the Navan Rd in Dublin; a dual carriageway where it is perfectly legal to cycle.

On a day when the Government announced it planned to introduce the 1.5 metre safe passing distance, the reaction to this clip was heartening to see.

Very often such clips of cyclists are met with vitriol. And it must be said there are some comments posted with this video that are uncomfortable to read.

But much of the reaction is critical of the Garda for sharing the clip and of the person who recorded it while driving.

At the same time, a lot of the comment is supportive of the cyclist. We’ve included a small sample of the reactions just underneath this video.

Some of the reaction from others posting

• An Garda Síochána was this recorded from a squad car? If not, how do you know it's a motorway?
• Not a motorway, so good work gardai feeding the anti cyclist nonsense.
• A motorway in Ireland with no meridian??
• None of us know what that man's circumstances are or where he is trying to get to, it could literally be his only (transport).
• He shouldn’t be there. But is your man driving doing the recording? Just as serious to be fair.
• Driver filming. And it's not actually a motorway, looks like the Navan Road and he's in a cycle path. Slow applause.
• Honestly! I'm a cyclist and that’s just plain stupid!
• That's the Navan Road, isn't it? Not a motorway. Do An Garda Siochána have any comment on the driver using a handheld mobile phone while operating a vehicle, and about to pass a cyclist in dangerous conditions?
• What did you do him for? Cyclists get away with breaking all the rules! If he had alloys and a spoiler you would throw the book at him.
• Maybe this guy is working for the emergency services or is a hospital employee trying to get to work. No matter how bad the weather is these areas don’t close. Don’t judge unless you know his circumstances.
• Why not stop and give him a lift to where he is going? Maybe he has a job but can't afford a car? Were you waiting for him to fall off the bike so you could record it?
• An Garda Síochána can you confirm it's not a handheld camera/camera-phone and that it's actually a motorway in the video? People are losing their shit in the comment section!
• Please give what looks like a decent person on his way somewhere important a break! A little discretion wouldn't go amiss either. It's a pity people aren't as quick to catch and record thugs knocking a woman to the ground and breaking her elbow. Come on.
• For a start it’s not a motorway. Look at the width from hedge across to the next hedge. And then factor in hard shoulder on both sides.
• When are you gonna learn cyclists do their own thing. In my opinion bikes shouldn’t be permitted on the road, today or any other day!
• Give him a break. Maybe it was his only mode of transportation today.
• The poor man probably needed to get to work. The powers that be should have updated most counties to red alert. It’s not on the motorway either.