Cyclists

This sign appears where cycle routes join or cross main roads, near popular cycling areas, and on scenic routes frequented by recreational cyclists.

Common locations include approaches to Phoenix Park in Dublin, coastal roads around Howth and Bray, greenway crossings such as the Great Western Greenway in Mayo, routes around Killarney National Park, and on roads near universities and colleges.

The sign also appears on quiet rural roads popular with cycling clubs throughout Ireland.

Cyclists may be present on or joining the road ahead.

Reduce your speed and scan for cyclists who may be riding singly or in groups.

When overtaking, you must leave at least 1.5 meters clearance and only overtake when it is completely safe to do so.

Never squeeze past cyclists in narrow spaces.

Be aware that cyclists may swerve to avoid potholes, drain covers, or debris.

Check your mirrors carefully before turning left—cyclists may be on your inside.

At junctions, look specifically for cyclists before turning.

Passing cyclists too closely constitutes careless driving, carrying 2 penalty points and fines to €2,000.

If close passing causes a cyclist to fall or swerve, dangerous driving charges apply: 5 penalty points, fines to €5,000, imprisonment, and disqualification.

Since 2023, Irish law requires minimum passing distances: 1.5 meters on roads with speed limits over 50 km/h, 1 meter in 50 km/h zones.

Violations carry fixed penalties.

Collisions with cyclists due to inadequate observation at junctions result in serious charges and typically full driver liability.

Theory test questions extensively cover cyclist safety, including required passing distances, the need to check for cyclists before turning, and priority rules.

You must know the 1.5 meter passing rule.

During practical tests, examiners specifically assess your response to cyclists: appropriate speed reduction, safe passing distance with clear gap before returning to lane, mirror checks before turning left, and specific observation for cyclists at junctions.

Passing cyclists too closely is an immediate Grade 3 failure.

Examiners may use marked test routes with expected cyclist presence.