Bike-users will soon be faced with on-the-spot fines for dangerous cycling on footpaths, according to the Minister for Transport Paschal Donohue.
The new fixed fine penalties for reckless cycling are expected to come into effect by late July this year.
Prior to the new fine system, dangerous cyclists would have received a court summons for carrying out any of 36 different cycling offences.
The fines will be enforced by An Garda Síochána, following the update of the PULSE system for the cycling offences.
Mr Donohue acknowledged certain circumstances in which some cyclists may use footpaths due to road traffic, but said that would be left up to the discretion of gardaí.
"I don't want to move to a situation where any kind of an adult feels they can't be on a footpath, for example when they might be taking their kids to school," the minister said on RTÉ Radio.
“What I do want to see change, and we are going to make that change, is where people are cycling dangerously on a footpath at risk to themselves and other people”.
The minister also announced on Wednesday the free use of leap cards for children between July 6th and 19th on any form of public transport where the card is accepted, following the recent sale of the one millionth leap card.