186 cyclists booked for range of offences

The PSNI revealed the data on fines handed down to cyclists for breaking the law between 2011/12 and 2015/16.

In total 186 people were dealt with by way of either a fixed penalty notice or a discretionary disposal. The most common offence was riding a bike without a light; 61 cyclists were done for going dark over the five year period.

Fifty-seven people were fined or dealt a discretionary disposal for dangerous cycling. A further 52 cyclists were booked for cycling without due care and attention, and on top of this, five cyclists were pulled up for cycling without reasonable consideration. Just 11 drunk or drugs affected cyclists were done over the five years, according to the PSNI and all of these were booked over the past three years.

According to the Road Traffic Act a dangerous cyclist is someone whose riding “falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist” and who rides in a way that is obviously dangerous to “a competent and careful cyclist.”

“Dangerous” refers to danger either of injury to any person or of serious damage to property.

Careless and inconsiderate cycling refers to when a person rides a cycle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

Drink or drug affected cyclists are said to be offending if, whilst riding a cycle on a road or other public place, they are unfit to ride through drink or drugs (that is to say, they are under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the cycle).”

Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 cyclists must have lights attached after sunset and before sunrise.