Statement Regarding Headphones and Cycling

Cycling Ireland recommend that cyclists don’t use headphones while on public roads, however, we do not believe that this should be an offence subject to penalty points. The onus of safety on the roads does not lie solely with the cyclist; due care and caution should be taken by all road users.

In response to this particular incident, where the truck drivers accept that their visibility is restricted we would question why the actions of the cyclist should be punished by law, as the use of headphones could not affect the vision and actions of the driver.

Cycling Ireland is not aware of frequent incidents with cyclists wearing headphones; however, we would be much more keenly interested to see the proposed 1.5 Metre minimum passing distance legislation coming into effect given the increase number of near misses on our roads.