Pedestrian Cycle Crossing

Shared pedestrian-cycle crossings appear where greenways, cycle paths, and walking trails intersect roads.

Common at Dublin's coastal cycle route crossings, greenway intersections throughout the Wild Atlantic Way, crossing points on the Great Western Greenway in Mayo, where the Waterford Greenway crosses roads, and at numerous locations where Sustrans routes and other cycling infrastructure cross carriageways.

These crossings often have Toucan-style signals allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross simultaneously.

A designated crossing point ahead is used by both pedestrians and cyclists.

Approach at reduced speed (40 km/h or below) with heightened awareness.

Cyclists may approach crossings at higher speeds than pedestrians, requiring greater stopping distances.

Be prepared to stop—these crossings often have traffic signals that give pedestrians and cyclists priority.

Even without signals, Irish law requires you to give way to pedestrians and cyclists already on crossings.

Check carefully as cyclists can be less visible than pedestrians, particularly when approaching from your right.

Failing to give way at designated crossings constitutes careless driving: 2 penalty points and fines to €2,000.

If failure to yield causes collision with pedestrians or cyclists, dangerous driving charges apply: 5 penalty points, fines to €5,000, imprisonment, and disqualification.

Drivers bear almost complete liability in pedestrian and cyclist crossing collisions unless the pedestrian or cyclist acted with extreme recklessness.

Courts impose severe penalties for crossing violations involving vulnerable road users.

Crossing discipline is rigorously assessed throughout practical tests.

When approaching any crossing, examiners expect early speed reduction, continuous observation for approaching pedestrians and cyclists, readiness to stop, and complete yielding if anyone is on or approaching the crossing.

Proceeding without checking results in Grade 2 faults.

Failing to stop when pedestrians or cyclists are crossing results in immediate Grade 3 failure and likely test termination.

Theory questions extensively cover crossing rules, emphasizing that pedestrians and cyclists have right of way at designated crossings and drivers must be prepared to stop.