N4 Cyclelanes (Mandatory or Not)

PDD

Hi Folks,

I was hoping someone here could clarify the situation on the M4 for me, on a regular basis I have seen cyclists on the N4 which I was under the mistaken impression was illegal. I know it is only a Motorway after Lexlip and at that point I think cyclists are most certainly not allowed. From the Lexlip junction onward it is the N4 so cyclists are allowed however with the new upgrade of the N4 cycle paths were put in place. I went looking for the rules of the road that would clarify the position however all I can find is this:

"A cycle track or lane is a reserved part of a roadway for bicycles (not motorcycles) and can be either:

• mandatory, or
• non-mandatory

A mandatory cycle track is bordered by a continuous white line on the righthand side. It is only for bicycles and motorised wheelchairs, so no other drivers may use it or park in it."


The cycle lanes on N4 are single white lined and thus mandatory but are they mandatory as in its a chargeable offence under the Road Traffic Act or is it like a very strongly worded suggestion?

Dave

monument

PDD wrote: »

Hi Folks,

I was hoping someone here could clarify the situation on the M4 for me, on a regular basis I have seen cyclists on the N4 which I was under the mistaken impression was illegal. I know it is only a Motorway after Lexlip and at that point I think cyclists are most certainly not allowed. From the Lexlip junction onward it is the N4 so cyclists are allowed however with the new upgrade of the N4 cycle paths were put in place. I went looking for the rules of the road that would clarify the position however all I can find is this:

"A cycle track or lane is a reserved part of a roadway for bicycles (not motorcycles) and can be either:

• mandatory, or
• non-mandatory

A mandatory cycle track is bordered by a continuous white line on the righthand side. It is only for bicycles and motorised wheelchairs, so no other drivers may use it or park in it."


The cycle lanes on N4 are single white lined and thus mandatory but are they mandatory as in its a chargeable offence under the Road Traffic Act or is it like a very strongly worded suggestion?

Dave

There's no mandatory use on the N4. The rules of the road are out of date, the law has been changed to revoke mandatory use (expect contra-flow lanes and lanes in pedestrian areas).

The cycle lanes -- and more so their junctions -- on the N4 are a desperate and not suited to longer-distance cycling which is why most cyclists would be on the N4 in the first place.

M4 as you know already is a motorway and cyclists are prohibited.

rollingscone

PDD wrote: »

Hi Folks,

I was hoping someone here could clarify the situation on the M4 for me, on a regular basis I have seen cyclists on the N4 which I was under the mistaken impression was illegal. I know it is only a Motorway after Lexlip and at that point I think cyclists are most certainly not allowed. From the Lexlip junction onward it is the N4 so cyclists are allowed however with the new upgrade of the N4 cycle paths were put in place. I went looking for the rules of the road that would clarify the position however all I can find is this:

"A cycle track or lane is a reserved part of a roadway for bicycles (not motorcycles) and can be either:

• mandatory, or
• non-mandatory

A mandatory cycle track is bordered by a continuous white line on the righthand side. It is only for bicycles and motorised wheelchairs, so no other drivers may use it or park in it."


The cycle lanes on N4 are single white lined and thus mandatory but are they mandatory as in its a chargeable offence under the Road Traffic Act or is it like a very strongly worded suggestion?

Dave

There are no mandatory cycle lanes as of August 2012, the statute was changed, presumably as a result of someone realising that forcing people to use badly maintained and designed infrastructure might result in a lot of misfeasance suits.

mcgratheoin

I was on the N4 recently coming from Leixlip to Lucan and got a salute from a parked motorcycle garda as I flew along in the bus lane, not on the cycle path.

Seemed to be ok by him...

monument

rollingscone wrote: »

There are no mandatory cycle lanes as of August 2012, the statute was changed, presumably as a result of someone realising that forcing people to use badly maintained and designed infrastructure might result in a lot of misfeasance suits.

No, far more likely as a result of extensive lobbying.

D!armu!d

PDD wrote: »

On a regular basis I have seen cyclists on the N4 which I was under the mistaken impression was illegal.

Some of the Dublin Bus drivers on the N4 have this impression also!