Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe today launched a new series of fixed charged penalties for cyclists who commit traffic offences. There are seven offences and each will be punishable with a €40 fine, with one offence in particular concerning cyclists as potentially too broad in scope. 

The new fines come into effect on July 31.

"This new measure is intended to promote safe cycling practices and to discourage dangerous cycling," Mr Donohoe said at the launch of the fixed charge notices today today.

The system is based on the success of the fixed charge notice system for motorists, which has been “hugely successful in changing driver behaviour," according to Mr Donohoe.

"I am confident that a similar change in behaviour and attitudes by cyclists who break the law will result following the introduction of this measure," he added. 

The decision to not include cycling on a footpath in the list of offences caused controversy yesterday, however the inclusion of the broad offence of "cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration" does allow leeway for gardaí to fine individuals cycling on paths in some circumstances.

One area of concern to cyclists is this offence, with a fear its broad nature offers a wide scope for prosecution at the discretion of a garda.

The offence “gives sweeping powers to a member of the force and is undefined,” Mick McKillen, Chair of Cyclist.ie, said to Jonathan Healy on Newstalk Lunchtime.

“Of course the cyclists presumably could appeal it ... but you wouldn’t now what would happen under those circumstances.”

Further to this Mr McKillen called on stricter enforcement on traffic offences concerning motorists parking in cycle lanes.

“We need balance. If we’re going to be paying 40 e a driver parked in the cycle track ... it should be detected and enforced,” he said.

So what are the 7 offences that will get you a €40 fine?

1. Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration.
2. No front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours on a pedal cycle.
3. Cyclist proceeding into a pedestrianised street or area.
4. Cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated.
5. Cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit.
6. Cyclist failing to stop for a School Warden sign.
7. Cyclist proceeding beyond a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing.