https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/nort ... 6WnSoOTNmsCyclists to get spot fines if caught in pedestrian areas under new PSNI planPolice have asked for a range of new fixed penalty notices for cycling similar to those in the Republic
These would include breach of a red light, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and a specific offence of cycling in a pedestrianised zone.
Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officials said they are considering introducing spot fines for cyclists in pedestrian areas who are deemed to be cycling in a dangerous or careless manner.
However, cycling campaigners warned Stormont not to "punch down on active travel" by making any changes that would discourage people from using bicycles.
It follows correspondence from the PSNI and Stormont officials to a member of the public who had called for pedestrian zones in Belfast to be reserved for pedestrians only.
In an email a PSNI official in its Road Policing department responded: "I don't think there's any doubt that cyclists shouldn't be cycling in the pedestrianised areas in the city centre."
But they said that "given the 'green' agenda", the Belfast Bikes rental scheme and DfI encouraging cycling, "this puts police in an invidious position".
They added: "PSNI have requested that DfI introduce a range of fixed penalty offences that would allow us to simply deal with offending cyclists similar to what occurs in Ireland."
Since 2015 in the Republic, cyclists can face €40 fines for offences including breaching a red light, failing to stop for a school warden sign, cycling without reasonable consideration, and cycling in a pedestrian area.
Replying to the member of the public, a DfI official said the department is "keen to promote active travel and encourage walking and cycling in the city centre".
They added: "This does of course need to be done in a safe and responsible manner, and as such, consideration is being given to the introduction of a range of fixed penalty offences which would allow the PSNI to deal with cyclists when they are deemed to be cycling in a dangerous or careless manner in a pedestrian area."
The correspondence, obtained by Belfast Live through a Freedom of Information request, came last August following a complaint about party bikes.
Police, the council and Stormont have for years been unable to determine how to regulate the popular pedal-powered vehicles, in which up to 18 people hop aboard and play music while drinking mainly alcohol.
Jonathan Hobbs, editor of Bikefast.org which campaigns for better cycling infrastructure in the city, said authorities should avoid unnecessarily restricting cycling generally to address any issues with party bikes.
He added: "Anyone who uses Belfast's pedestrianised areas knows the single biggest drag on the experience and safety is trucks, vans and cars driving around at all times of the day, and the new phenomenon of rampant free parking.
"Have the courage to punch up at that actual problem, and not punch down on active travel for an unrelated problem."
In a statement a PSNI spokeswoman said: "There have been a number of recent collisions involving cyclists who have failed to heed a red signal or give way lines, therefore, in order to deal with them in a manner similar to motorists, we would welcome additional enforcement options.
"We have looked at the Fixed Penalty (FPN) option available to An Garda Síochána and have requested that a similar range of fixed penalties be considered for NI.