"Cyclists continue to ignore law"

My story about Dublin cyclists that run red traffic lights; written in broadsheet style.

Dublin’s cyclists are continuing the dangerous practice of ignoring traffic lights despite the tireless efforts of Gardaí and road safety campaigners.

The widespread practice of cyclists running red lights and endangering the capital’s motorists and pedestrians has been the target of numerous road safety initiatives in recent times – although with little noticeable impact.

While it is clear that the authorities are making a significant effort in tacking this problem, the latest available statistics reveal that the message is not hitting home.

The Central Statistics Office reveals that more cyclists were charged with the “Dangerous riding of a pedal cycle” in the first six months of 2009 than in the whole of 2007 and 2008.

Dublin City Council has continuously attempted to tackle this issue through its BIKE START training programme, which teaches safe cycling principles to both school children and adults.

“The requirement to observe road traffic law is core to the Dublin City Council’s BIKE START training programme,” said a Dublin City Council spokesperson.

“This message is repeated throughout the BIKE START programme and is reinforced by trainers during practical modules.  Dublin City Council’s cycling website repeats this message and specifically states ‘red lights mean stop for cyclists as well’.”

The council spokesperson also pointed out that this message is repeated on the official “Dublin Bikes” website, which promotes the city’s bicycle rental scheme.

The website clearly states that the “rules of the road apply to all road users”, and reminds members to “respect road signs and signals (red lights, one-way streets, stop sign, etc)”.

The Road Safety Authority has also targeted this matter in its safety campaigns.

Brian Farrell, RSA Communications Manager said: “The RSA launched a new campaign aimed at vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians and cyclists.

“Specifically, new 30-second radio adverts were produced aimed at pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers . . . in particular the cyclist radio edit focuses on the issue of running a red light.

“We have plans to run the campaign again this year and following discussions with An Garda Siochána it will be timed to happen in conjunction with Garda enforcement activity.”

Sergeant Gerry Curley at the Garda Press Office explained that: “All members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing the criminal law, including the provision of the Road Traffic Acts in respect of cyclists.”

Sergeant Curley went on to highlight that “dedicated Traffic Corps Units . . . also run specific enforcement operations targeting pedal cycle misbehaviour.”

“Where breaches of the Road Traffic legislation are detected, members of An Garda Síochána may use their discretion and deal with the incident by way of advice or caution rather than by way of initiating criminal proceedings.”

“In addition, educational talks are regularly given . . . on issues of road safety and road traffic legislation, including legislation governing pedal cyclists to encourage greater compliance by bicycle users.”

A cyclist in P&K Cycles on Patrick Street gave his frank assessment of why cyclists choose to ignore traffic lights, but also acknowledged the obvious dangers.

“People are just in a rush these days, you know; time is money.”

Pointing out of the shop window at a traffic light he continues: “If you sat at that light in rush hour, I reckon 70% of cyclists would do it.  I do it myself but I’d never do it at a t-junction.

“People ride on the pavements all the time, too.  Lethal - I’d never do that.”