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OTHERS - PEDAL CYCLISTS

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Bicycle Equipment

EQUIPMENT
A bicycle must be maintained in roadworthy condition - brakes, tyres, chain, lights, reflector and bell must all be in good working order. It should be of a proper size for the cyclist with the saddle adjusted to allow the cyclist to touch the ground with the toes of both feet. When carrying goods, a proper carrier or basket should be used and care taken to ensure that nothing is hanging loose. At night you must carry, duly lit, a lamp showing a white or yellow light to the front and a lamp showing a red light to the rear. These are the minimum lighting requirements laid down by law.

However, in order to be more visible to motorists, cyclists should, at night, supplement their lights by adding strips of reflective material to the bike (white to the front and red to the rear), wear a reflective armband and a "SAM BROWNE" reflectorised belt.

A bicycle must have an efficient braking system as follows:
• one brake where the bicycle has a fixed wheel or is designed for a child of less than 7 years of age,
• in any other case two brakes, one acting on the front wheel, the other on the rear wheel.

A bicycle is a relatively slow-moving vehicle which of itself affords no protection to the rider in the event of an accident. Because of their vulnerability cyclists should, in their own interest, wear protective headgear at all times.

Studies of cycling accidents have revealed that the gravity of a significant number would have been reduced had helmets been worn. While it is not a legal requirement it is strongly recommended that in their own interest cyclists should wear a helmet suitable for their head size. The helmet should be clearly marked as having been manufactured to a recognised national standard, and, when buying a helmet, check to ensure that it does not unduly restrict one's field of vision or one's hearing.

In addition the following should be noted:
• The rule of keeping to the left is of special importance for the safety of cyclists. Always look behind and give the proper signal before moving off, changing lanes or making a turn.
• Cyclists should not take up a position on the inside of a large vehicle out of view of the driver but should remain behind if the large vehicle has stopped at the junction with the intention of turning left.
• When turning left, keep close to the left-hand side of the road and watch out for pedestrians.
• When turning right, get into the left side of the right-turning lane (be sure to look behind and give the proper signal before you move out). On steep hills or busy roads it may well be safer to pull well into the left hand side of the road and wait until there is a break in traffic in both directions to enable you to make the turn safely.

You must not
• Ride or attempt to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
• Ride on or across a footpath,
• Hold on to a moving vehicle,
• Cycle more than two abreast (in heavy traffic cycle in single file),
• Cycle against the traffic flow on one-way streets.

You must
• Cycle in single file when overtaking (when overtaking parked vehicles beware of doors that may open suddenly),
• Give your name and address if requested, to a Garda,
• Obey signals given by a Garda or School Warden,
• Obey the rules applying at traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings,
• Know the meaning of hand signals for cyclists and give them when cycling on the road.

You should not
• Hold on to or lean against stationary vehicles,
• Weave in and out of moving traffic,
• Carry a passenger.

You should
• Keep well back when cycling behind a motor vehicle in slow moving traffic,
• Take extra care on wet or icy roads or when the wind is blowing strongly,
• Use your bell as a warning device only,
• Cycle on cycle tracks where such facilities are provided.

Motor Cyclists | Pedestrians | Pedal Cyclists | Fire and Emergency | agricultural machinery / animals