Bad cyclists to be punished ‘fairly’

DUBLIN Bay South TD Kevin Humphreys (Lab) has welcomed the announcement of the new fixed-charge notices system for cyclists.

Mr Humpreys, who is the Minister for Employment, Community and Social Support, described the introduction of the FCN system as

“a fair compromise

?.

He noted that cycling on footpaths was omitted from the list of penalties under the new system.

“I’m a strong supporter of cycling as a clean, green way of getting around,

? Minister Humphreys said.

“Dublin Bikes was pioneered by the Labour Group on Dublin City Council, which I led from 2002 until my election to the Dáil.

“The focus here needs to be on safe cycling. It only takes a split second and one bad decision to cause an accident.

?

He added:

“As a city centre resident, I know all too well that it takes longer to drive into work in the morning than it does to cycle through the traffic. Be that as it may, we can’t compromise on safety for the sake of this convenience. The rules of the road apply to all road users, and a little care goes a long way towards staying safe.

?

Around 36 offences will be introduced under the new system. Similar to the system in place for motorists, cyclists who break the law will receive notices of

?¬40 fines in the post.

Mr Humpreys described the penalty as

“a fair figure

? that would be enough to dissuade cyclists from engaging in reckless practices, without being extortionate.

He pointed out that people who cycle dangerously on footpaths will be dealt with under the offence

‘cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration’. This will allow the gardaí to offer a level of flexibility – for example, in the case of young children cycling to and from school.

“Cycling is an accessible activity that provides a gateway to healthy living for everyone,

? Minister Humpreys continued.

“The FCN system is intended to promote safe practices rather than act as a prohibitive development.

?