Cycling has become a popular form of transport in Ireland. It’s a great inexpensive and sustainable form of exercise.
However, cyclists are vulnerable road-users and need to be careful to adhere to the rules of the road when out and about.
We’ve put together some safety tips for you to use when out cycling:
- Never cycle in the dark without lighting. Remember, white at the front and red at the rear.
- Always wear bright clothing such as hi-vis vests, fluorescent armbands and reflective belts so that other road users can see you.
- Wear a helmet.
- Make sure you keep to the left. Always look behind and give the proper signal before moving off, changing lanes or making a turn.
- Follow the rules of the road, never run traffic lights or weave unpredictably in and out of traffic.
- Maintain your bike properly, in particular your brakes, lights and bell should work properly, and your tyres should be inflated to the right pressure and be in good condition. Always ensure your saddle is at the correct height.
- Always respect other road users and make sure to stop at pedestrian crossings.
- Watch your speed, especially when cycling on busy streets and going downhill.
- Steer well clear of left-turning trucks, let them turn before you move ahead.
- Don’t cycle on the pavement or up a one-way street.
- Don’t use a mobile phone or earphones.
Always obey the rules of the road – stop at red lights, understand and follow road signs and markings.
Hire a bike
In Dublin, Cork, Limerick or Galway, hire a bike with DublinBikes or TFI Bikes.
Cycling and Luas
- If you’re cycling in Dublin, cycling is not allowed in Tram Lanes. Tram Lane surfaces, track grooves, tram junction signalling and tram traffic pose a risk to cyclist’s safety.
- If you need to cross Luas tracks, cross them at the right angle so your wheel doesn’t go into the gap.
- Be extra alert in wet and icy weather as the tram tracks can be extra slippery.
- There are Shared Tramways in a limited number of locations, which are used by trams, vehicles and cyclists. The easiest way to identity them is if buses and cars are also using the lane. In these cases:
-
- Always cycle between the tracks and ensure your bike wheels stay away from the grooves in the tracks.
- Never tailgate a tram as they may suddenly stop in case of emergency.
- Never overtake a moving tram as they are 40 metres or longer and moving and it is likely another tram will be coming in the other direction.
- If necessary for your safety dismount and walk along or cross the tracks on foot.
Cycling and Children
- If your child cycles always make sure their helmet fits, they wear it the right way: covering the forehead and making sure it does not tip back.
- Use lights in dark and dusky conditions.
- Children under 12 should not cycle on public roads without proper supervision.
For more hints and tips on cycling safety visit RSA.ie or HSE.ie
For more videos on cycling safety, check out the Road Safety Authority’s Youtube channel!
