Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to join other speakers who spoke on the proposals to introduce on-the-spot fines for cyclists who flout traffic laws. As Senator Jim D'Arcy said, an on-the-spot fine of €50 will be issued in three circumstances: where cyclists cycle on the footpath, break a red light or partake in dangerous overtaking. The introduction of such a fine is long overdue. We have given cyclists improved facilities around cities, with bike lanes, shelters and tax incentives to purchase bikes, and the Dublin Bikes scheme has been a huge success, but these improvements also come with responsibilities, now that there are more people on our roads. It is beyond the time when the voluntary approach to regulating cycling is effective. Cycle tourism is a major development nationwide and regulation needs to be enforced on cycling, as in the case of initiatives such as the Greenway, which have been hugely successful. The Taoiseach's interest in cycling is a positive thing-----