10 Things You Should Know About Irish Bike Law

Cycling in Ireland has become increasingly popular over the last number of years with an explosion in the number of people who have chosen to commute to work by bike instead of driving or using public transport.  This is in part due to the successful bike to work scheme which allows tax relief for the purchase of a bike for the purposes of commuting to work.

While cycling is a widely enjoyed past time whether it be recreational or on your commute to and from work, from a legal perspective it is important to know what you are permitted to do by law and what the requirements are in respect to cycling in a public place. This is why we have put together a list of 10 aspects of cycling in Ireland every bike user should be aware of:

• You are required to have a front and rear light on your bike during lighting-up hours.
• You are required to have at least one rear red reflector.
• You are required to have two working brakes – one front and one rear (unless you are cycling a bike where one of the wheels is incapable of rolling independently of the pedals – then one brake is sufficient).
• You are required to have a bell fitted to your bike.
• You are not required to have a bike insurance policy.
• You are not allowed to cycle on a motorway.
• You are allowed to cycle is a bus lane – to include contra-flow bus lanes.
• You are not allowed to cycle a bike when you are intoxicated – by drink or drugs – to such an extent that you are incapable of having proper control over your bike.
• You are not required to wear high visibility clothing – although from a personal safety aspect it is essential.
• You are not required to wear a helmet – again, from a personal safety aspect, this would be considered to be essential.

The above list is not an exhaustive list of the legal requirements but it should give you a good general knowledge of what is required by the law when cycling. Being involved in an accident when cycling can have a serious effect on a person’s health and well-being. If you have been involved in an accident on your bike and have queries about what to do next, then please do not hesitate to contact Elaine Hickey on 0035316499900 or email eh@traceysolicitors.ie and tell her about your case.