Cyclists urged to have lights on in the dark this winter or face fine from gardaí
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste launched the Dublin Cycling Campaign’s Light up your Bike initiative.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste launched the Dublin Cycling Campaign’s Light up your Bike initiative.
Amy Donohoe
Today at 12:31
Cyclists are being urged to light up their bike in the dark this winter or they will face a fine from gardaí.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste launched the Dublin Cycling Campaign’s Light up your Bike initiative.
“As the clocks go back and the days get shorter, remembering to light up our bikes becomes increasingly important to ensure the visibility and safety of cyclists on our roads,” he said.
According to the Road Safety Authority, cyclists must carry a lamp showing a white or yellow light to the front and a lamp showing a red light to the back at night.
A spokesperson said: “The fine for no front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours on a pedal cycle is €40.
“These are the minimum lighting requirements laid down by law. However, to be even more visible to motorists at night, you should add strips of reflective material to the bike (white to the front and red to the back); wear a reflective armband; and wear a ‘Sam Browne’ reflective belt or reflective vest.”
The use of bike lights is a legal requirement during lighting up time, which is from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
The enforcement of road traffic laws for cyclists is primarily managed by the Garda Roads Policing Unit, with support from all members of An Garda Síochána.
A garda spokesperson said: “The focus remains on compliance with traffic signals and controls, proper lighting, cycling whilst intoxicated and responsible cycling.
“While not a legal requirement, An Garda Síochána encourages full engagement with safety measures such as helmet use, high visibility clothing, and the use of cycle lanes where available.
“Since 2015 gardaí have the power to stop cyclists and fine them for specific fixed charge cycling offences.
"Gardaí can fine cyclists for the following offences, no front or rear light during lighting-up hours, riding a bicycle without reasonable consideration, failing to stop for a school warden sign, failing to stop at traffic lights when the red lamp is lit.
"Failing to stop at a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing and cycling in a pedestrianised street or area.”
Dublin Cycling Campaign will hand out free sets of bike lights to cyclists at designated points around the city in the coming weeks.
Details of times and locations will be shared on their social media channels.
“Cycling is a reliable and cheap way of getting from A to B, and also has the added bonuses of being quiet, emissions-free and a way of building gentle physical activity into your day.
“With the nights drawing in, Dublin Cycling Campaign wants to remind everyone who cycles that it is essential to light up their bike.
"Working lights are a legal requirement during lighting up hours and a key part of staying safe on the road,” Dublin Cycling Campaign member, Siobhán McNamara said.
Walking and Cycling Officer with Dublin City Council Ailish Lally added: “Dublin City Council is keen to promote cycling as a year-round option for people to travel to school, work and for leisure.
“We encourage everyone to light up their bikes to improve their visibility to other road users and increase their safety on the roads during the darker mornings and evenings.”
