CYCLISTS will face on-the-spot fines for breaking red lights, cycling on footpaths and ignoring ‘yield’ signs under new measures being introduced next year. We asked our Facebook followers for their views.
Marie McDonnell: Cyclists should pay a road tax too. Motor tax money is being used to upgrade the cycle lanes.
Frances Mansfield: Great idea. But they should be fined for not using the cycle lanes when they are available. So many times I have seen cyclists using the road and ignoring the lanes. They won’t pay the fine as many will probably give a false name and address, or else somebody else’s name and address
Tracy Arnold: Great idea. I watched two cyclists yesterday break a red light and an elderly lady was crossing the other side at a pedestrian crossing and she had to stand back!
Ambrose O Shea: Yes and it would be great if they could stop all those young kids that are on the footpaths outside shops, cycling on one wheel. Some old person who can’t get out of the way will be killed, then you will see an outcry!
Bernice O’Leary: I think they should keep off the footpaths as they will injure someone and the speed they go at is unreal, and then if you get in way they attack you! The breaking of the lights is one thing I hate also, as you are not safe crossing without double checking, even though the light is green to walk and next thing a bike flies by you and nearly knocks one over. Some of them are cheeky!
Wayne Flanagan Tobin: Wouldn’t really support this as it could discourage people from cycling plus nobody has the money for fines. An education awareness campaign first, then a move to fines would be more plausible. Perhaps certain cyclists such as couriers are in more of a rush than others?