Kildare gardai asked to monitor cyclists use of footpaths
Concern
Local gardai have been asked to monitor the use by cyclists of footpaths.
Cllr Seamie Moore was speaking at last Monday’s meeting of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) and raised the issue of cyclists using footpaths in Naas.
He said that locals were reporting feeling hounded on the footpaths by cyclists and that lately it was often two or three cyclists at one go.
“In my opinion pedestrians should feel safe on the footpaths,” he remarked to the JPC.
“It’s an increasing problem,” he said, adding that he had “no problem” with small children on bikes if accompanied by a parent.
He also noted there was often “no bell, no helmet or no high viz”.
“Some of our own aren’t great,” he said, but added: “It’s soon copied by those who come to live in Ireland.”
Chief Superintendent Brian Sutton responded that the phenomenon was often a precursor to people having their mobiles snatched from them by people on bicycles.
He said he would make it a priority.