Meanwhile on the Roads...

Fair point… Good to see somebody on here has the respect to answer a question without resorting to primary school playground politics so thanks for that at least

Thats not Mandatory either! ;)

I don't see any tank but yes that Audi driver is acting the maggot. What does that have to do with my post though?

An advertising campaign by the RSA advising motorists that cyclists don't actually have to use cycle lanes is badly needed. But instead we have millions spent on political waffle like vision zero which is never going to happen.

I hope this helps:

Common Reasons Cyclists in Ireland Opt for Roads Over Cycle Lanes:

Cyclists in Ireland are not legally required to use cycle lanes (except for mandatory contra-flow lanes on one-way streets), a rule change implemented in 2018 to prioritize safety over poor infrastructure. This flexibility stems from widespread issues with cycle lanes, which are often criticized as inadequate, unsafe, or impractical. Based on discussions from cyclists, road safety experts, and advocacy groups, here are the primary reasons many choose the road instead:

1. Poor Maintenance and Hazards Cycle lanes frequently suffer from potholes, broken glass, debris, and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of punctures or crashes. For instance, one cyclist noted they're "much less likely to get a puncture on the roads than the cycle lane." These conditions make lanes unusable, especially in wet or icy weather when grip is already compromised.

2. Obstructions and Encroachments Lanes are often blocked by parked cars, buses stopping at bus stops, or construction works, forcing cyclists to merge unpredictably with traffic. Advocacy site IrishCycle.com documents over 25 such scenarios, including drivers parking illegally without enforcement, turning lanes into "death traps." In Northern Ireland, similar issues lead to campaigns against motorists treating cycle lanes as parking spots.

3. Design Flaws and Inconvenience Many lanes are too narrow for safe passage or overtaking, end abruptly, or force frequent stops at junctions/side roads, disrupting momentum and right-of-way. Cyclists report needing to "give way frequently," which is energy-intensive and slower than staying on the road. Shared paths with pedestrians or joggers add unpredictability, while lanes beside parked cars heighten "dooring" risks (drivers opening doors into cyclists).

4. Lack of Connectivity and Network Gaps Ireland's cycle infrastructure is fragmented—lanes start and stop sporadically, making point-to-point travel inefficient. Cyclists often find it "quicker to get from A to B on a road rather than random cycle lanes which are not connected." This is exacerbated in urban areas like Dublin, where planning prioritizes cars, leading to "weaving" through traffic or pinch points.

5. Perceived or Actual Safety Risks While roads involve close passes from vehicles, many cyclists feel lanes expose them to worse dangers like hidden hazards or sudden merges. A Reddit poll highlighted "danger and fear of mixing with motorists" as a barrier to cycling altogether, but poor lanes amplify this by funneling cyclists into vulnerable spots. Experts recommend "taking the lane" (positioning centrally in the road) for better visibility and safer overtakes.

These issues reflect broader critiques of Irish cycling infrastructure, often described as "murderous" or "useless" due to lax standards and enforcement. Advocacy groups like Cycling Ireland and I Bike Dublin push for segregated, continuous networks modeled on Dutch "cycle streets," where cyclists have priority. Until then, many cyclists view roads as the safer, more practical option—exercising their legal right to the full carriageway while minimizing personal risk. If infrastructure improves, usage could rise, but current designs deter even experienced riders.

No, it's not seen as an attack on all cyclists.

What it is is that people are used to your posting style, where you post like a provacateur despite the fact you should know better, and then retreat into "but I was just asking questions!!!" narrative when called on it.

Don't pretend you're not frequently guilty of it.