new fixed charge notices for cycling offences

horsebox7

fixed charge notice for cycling offences
Here is the latest leaflet regarding new fixed charge notices for cycling offences. I am a little confused with regard to points 4 & 7? They seem to mean the same thing as far as I can see?

Apparently a lot of motoring offences are dismissed in court for unpaid fixed charges if you do not receive the fixed charge notice in the post. I assume the same defence stands in relation to the latest fixed charges for cycling offences?

Does anyone have any idea how many prosecutions there were last year for cycling offences? I am struggling to find any data on this?

Thanks

coylemj

I've seen another variation on that notice, one of the red light offences refers to crashing a red light that's explicitly aimed at cyclists so it's presumably similar to the pedestrian red light but with an image of a bicycle.

The Irish Times has a list and this is no.5 ....

Cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/cyclists-face-on-the-spot-fines-for-seven-road-traffic-offences-1.2270816

ohnonotgmail

thats a mistake on the poster. what it should say is :

4 Cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated €40
5 Cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit. €40

ohnonotgmail

coylemj wrote: »

I've seen another variation on that notice, one of the red light offences refers to crashing a red light that's explicitly aimed at cyclists so it's presumably similar to the pedestrian red light but with an image of a bicycle.

*SNAP*

coylemj

I sincerely hope that that RSA poster was designed in-house and they didn't pay an external design agency to create a poster with two identical offences. The only difference between offences 4 and 7 is that the word 'illuminated' in 4 in replace by 'lit' on 7. Any fool could have spotted that in seconds - proofreading how are ye!

Carawaystick

There's also the illegal red reflector on the rear wheel.... should only be white or yellow

That's apart from all the red herrings in the picture (helmet/hi viz etc)

Victor

coylemj wrote: »

I sincerely hope that that RSA poster was designed in-house and they didn't pay an external design agency to create a poster with two identical offences.

Someone had people design two posters! http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=96339475&postcount=1380

MarkAnthony

Victor wrote: »

Someone had people design two posters! http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=96339475&postcount=1380

I've done loops, barrel rolls and stall turns. I've sailed in rough seas. My driving leaves much to be desired. The less said about my performance on a horse the better and yet that poster is what gave me motion sickness.

Cookie_Monster

Carawaystick wrote: »

That's apart from all the red herrings in the picture (helmet/hi viz etc)

well making cycling look as dangerous / specialist as possible seems to be one of the RSA's main goals.

horsebox7

only 5 days left before fines start being given out. Be interesting to hear if anyone gets fined and if they plan to pay or go to court.

MarkAnthony

horsebox7 wrote: »

only 5 days left before fines start being given out. Be interesting to hear if anyone gets fined and if they plan to pay or go to court.

Almost s**t myself the other day as I went through a red light just off SJR Quay only to have a guard follow me (green for him) on a bike. Didn't bother stopping me but I wonder will a big thing be made of it in a few days.

Must buy batteries for my lights also!!

FreudianSlippers

These new rules aren't likely to be enforced - AFAIK there is a fine in legislation for cycling on footpaths, I've seen this occur in front of Gardaí frequently and not an eyelid is batted at the cyclist.

MarkAnthony

FreudianSlippers wrote: »

These new rules aren't likely to be enforced - AFAIK there is a fine in legislation for cycling on footpaths, I've seen this occur in front of Gardaí frequently and not an eyelid is batted at the cyclist.

Is that not a function of having to go to court though? Something akin to Learner drivers getting let off with a warning in many cases?

I thought FPNs were there to address the issue in both cases.

I'm certainly taking it easy for a week or two after this comes in, just in case. That said the more stops my fat arse gets on my D5 to D4 commute the better!! Personally I'm for a water fountain at every traffic light. That and a KFC.

BaronVon

FreudianSlippers wrote: »

These new rules aren't likely to be enforced - AFAIK there is a fine in legislation for cycling on footpaths, I've seen this occur in front of Gardaí frequently and not an eyelid is batted at the cyclist.

I think there might have been a reluctance by some Gardaí to prosecute for cycling offences previously, as they were seen as minor offences, and the only option was a straight summons to court.

The idea of bringing in FCN's is that more will be issued, as there will be a far less likely hood of having to go to court for what is perceived as minor offences.

Therefore, I'd imagine there will be a lot more cycling offences dealt with once these FCN's come in!

FreudianSlippers

Good to know. Will the FCNs cover previously legislated offences, such as cycling on the footpath?

BaronVon

No, the 7 listed are being changed to FCN's, €40 fine, and summons to follow if not paid. Are the other cycling offences will remain summons only.

The other interesting thing is the power to demand name and address for a cyclist. There is no power of arrest for a Guard if the name and address provided is false or misleading, as there is in almost all statute law. The guard does, however, have the power to seize the bicycle in lieu of an arrest.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

horsebox7

As far as I understand it is not requited to carry ID if you are cycling or walking. It may be difficult for garda to get real names and addresses

BaronVon

No, it's not required to carry ID while cycling. But if stopped for an offence, and the guard is not not satisfied with your details, you could have to temporarily forfeit your bike. Very rarely happens though, if ever.....

MarkAnthony

A mate of mine was showing me the way home without having to go down near TCD, getting in everyone's way. Seems I'm not the only one behaving myself - he was stopping at every light; good job too or I'd never have caught up! I know a sample of 2 is not scientific but it seems to be having the desired effect.

Shep_Dog

FreudianSlippers wrote: »

Good to know. Will the FCNs cover previously legislated offences, such as cycling on the footpath?

That will be covered by 'cycling without due consideration' ( for...?), which gives Garda discretion to ignore child cyclists on the footpath and any others who are not being a nuisance.

Hopefully the Garda will get guidelines about what 'consideration' means or people might get done for wearing odd socks.

Simon2015

Next thing they will be breathalyzing cyclists

horsebox7

Cycling on a foothpath is not included as an offence.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/yourview/cycling-on-a-footpath-should-be-an-offence-unless-to-protect-children-344873.html

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

I'm happy it is not included.

There are various scenarios where it is too dangerous to cycle on the road.

I would agree with a fine where a cyclist used the footpath where there was a dedicated cycle lane.

What about the footpaths where half is marked as a cycle lane? Plenty of footpaths where the markings have been eroded - which side is the cycle lane?

horsebox7 wrote: »

Cycling on a foothpath is not included as an offence.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/yourview/cycling-on-a-footpath-should-be-an-offence-unless-to-protect-children-344873.html