Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1126: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the laws preventing cycling on footpaths are being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1341/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána enforce the law on cycling on footpaths on an ongoing basis. When traffic is heavy it is difficult for Garda motorcyclists and patrol cars to intercept offenders, and the most effective means of targeting this offence is through the use of Garda mountain bike units.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that breaches of the Road Traffic Acts 1961, as amended, are regularly targeted by way of various operations. Garda operations target specific localities for breaches of road traffic legislation, including cycling on footpaths. In addition, all Garda members enforce breaches of the traffic legislation as part of their normal duties. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that during the most recent Operation Freeflow this particular offence was targeted by personnel on the beat and mobile patrols, who had been directed to pay specific attention to pedal cyclists on footpaths and failure by cyclists to stop at red lights.