Warningissued aboutcyclingon busyfootpaths

April 2002

The potentially dangerous practice of cycling on the footpaths of busy Arklow streets is becoming more and more prevalent.

It has now been brought to the attention of the local gardai by a number of complainants of pedestrians who have lodged complaints about cyclists using the footpaths and it appears that it’s not just youths who are indulging in this practice but also some adults.

Last year, a woman suffered a brain haemorrhage after being knocked down by a bicycle on a path.

Modern day bikes can zoom along at 25 to 30 miles per hour and can cause serious injury to a pedestrian when travelling at that speed.

Elderly people are most at risk as they cannot take evasive action as quickly as more agile, younger pedestrians.

This week the gardai in Arklow have issued a timely warning to all teenagers, youths and adults who may have been cycling on footpaths in the past that action will be taken against them if they are caught indulging in the practice in the future.