Crackdownon bikesandquads
GARDAI have been urged to crackdown on cyclists who use the footpaths instead of cycling on the roadway. Cllr Maeve Yore highlighted the dangers which this poses to pedestrians, saying that ‘five cyclists nearly knocked me down in the distance between my home and Tony Kierans’.
Supt Gerry Curley responded that he was aware of the issue regarding cyclists using footpaths and he would advise staff to target this.
Cllr Emma Coffey raised the issue of people using quads and scrambling bikes, asking if it would be of any benefit if the Council passed by-laws regarding these.
Supt Curley said that the gardai were concerned about the use of these in one particular area of town and confirmed that the gardai did seize one.
There was also a problem in the forestry area of Ravensdale, he continued, saying it was something which they could talk to the Council about. PPN representative John Temple recalled that over a year ago he had submitted a motion regarding targeting cyclists on footpaths but it hadn’t been dealt with.
He said the idea behind the motion had been regarding the education of cyclists.
Cllr Conor Keelan pointed out that there were bye-laws regarding the use scrambler bikes in the Cooley mountains.
‘Cycling on footpaths is already prohibited by law,’ stated Director of Service Paddy Donnelly.
Chief Supt Christy Mangan acknowledged the difficulties regarding cyclists and said that the gardai had very clear powers regarding people cycling on footpaths as it was an offence.
He undertook to look a similar operation to Operation Enable which had targeted people who parked in disabled parking bays. However, he said they would first go out and tell people that they shouldn’t be cycling on footpaths before imposing fines.