Sir, – Gabrielle Hyland writes: “Apparently, it’s not illegal to cycle on a footpath” (Letters, June 22nd). If this is true, there must have been a fairly recent change in the law. Article 13, Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997) stated that it was against the law to ride a bicycle on a footpath, and laid down fines as penalties. Three convictions within a year could lead to imprisonment. This is distinct from the more recent regulations concerning fines for dangerous riding on a footpath or in a pedestrian zone. If you are injured by a car or motorcycle which is uninsured, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland will pay compensation. There is no such compensation available to those injured by cycles or scooters. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL PEGUM,
Dublin 4.