What is a cycle track and who can use it?
A cycle track is part of a road, footpath or verge, reserved for the use of pedal cycles and wheelchairs. If it is on a carriageway it is defined as "on-road". If it is part of a footpath or verge it is defined as "off-road".
Some cycle lanes are marked with solid white lines, and others with broken white lines. What's the difference between them?
Motorists must not stop on, or cross, a solid while line, except for the purposes of loading/unloading goods and picking up/ setting down passengers. Motorists may cross a broken white line when it is safe and necessary to do so, e.g. where the road narrows.
Cyclists should remain inside the solid white line at all times. Where there is a broken white line, cyclists may leave the track, e.g. to pass a stopped bus, or to change lanes.
What is a Toucan crossing?
A Toucan is a shared crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, indicated by separate symbols. Cyclists do not have to dismount but can cycle across when the green bicycle signal is activated, having due care for pedestrians using the same facility.
Is there a speed limit on cycle tracks?
No but cyclists are required to exercise due care and attention.
Who is responsible for the enforcement of cycling regulations?
The Garda Siochana. Statistics on breaches of such regulations, however, were unavailable from the Garda as a spokeswoman said they were not collated separately from other traffic offences.
Do cyclists have to use cycle tracks
Yes, except where (1) the cycle track is obstructed, or (2) the cyclist is indicating his/her intention to turn right or left.
Are vehicles permitted to stop or park on a cycle track?
No, except for loading or unloading goods and picking up and setting down passengers.
Who has priority when a motorist is leaving or entering a driveway?
The cyclist or the pedestrian, in both cases.
Who has priority where a cycle track crosses a side road?
If the track is on-road, the cyclist is de facto part of the general traffic on the main road, and therefore has priority over sideroad traffic.
If the cycle track is off-road, the motorist on the road has priority unless otherwise indicated.
What about shared pedestrian walkways/ cycle tracks?
In general, cyclists should give priority to pedestrians where facilities are shared. If a line, or some other division, separates the cycle part and pedestrian part of the path, each should adhere to their allotted space.
What is an Advanced Stop Line?
It defines an area in front of the vehicular stop line at a junction on which cyclists should wait for the green light.
Its purpose is to improve safety for cyclists at junctions, and provide a storage area so that bicycles may precede vehicles across the junction. It is usually identified by a red surface.
This safety advice is available on the Dublin Transportation Office website: www.dto.ie