Ireland’s greenways are a shared haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a unique space for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the county’s stunning landscapes. To ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone, visitors are encouraged to follow the Code of Respect, which outlines general usage guidelines and specific instructions for all users.
General Usage Guidelines
Be considerate of others.
Greenways are shared spaces. Be mindful and considerate of all other users.
Be considerate of animals and plants
Greenways often border farms and private property. Please stay on the greenway and do not trespass. If farm animals are crossing the route (via designated crossing points), please yield and cooperate with the landowner to facilitate the crossing. Please keep dogs on leads to avoid disturbance to farm animals.
Greenways can feature a mixture of habitats and run alongside areas of environmental sensitivity. Please respect signage and keep to the trail, dogs should be kept on leads to protect ground-nesting birds.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Listen for and respond to the chime of cycle bells, which indicate an oncoming cyclist. Cyclists, ring your bell well in advance when overtaking. This helps create a safer environment by alerting others to your presence.
Demonstrate traffic etiquette.
At road crossings, practice patience and give way to vehicular traffic. Safety is paramount, and cooperation ensures a smooth flow for everyone.
Keep left, pass right.
Keep to the left side of the greenway and overtake on the right, ensuring a safe distance from others. This simple rule helps maintain traffic flow and can help prevent accidents.
Stay alert.
Exercise caution while enjoying the greenways, especially if using headphones or mobile phones. For excursions in low light conditions, wear reflective clothing and use appropriate safety gear to enhance visibility.
Leave no trace.
Help preserve the beauty of the greenways by taking your litter home. By respecting the environment and other users, you can help ensure the greenways remain unspoiled for future generations.
Guidelines for Cyclists
Safe cycling practices
Cycle at a safe and reasonable speed, considering the shared nature of the greenway.
Communication with others
Ring your cycle bell well in advance when overtaking others. This simple gesture promotes awareness and prevents sudden surprises.
Allowing sufficient space
Be courteous and give ample space to other users. Whether passing pedestrians or fellow cyclists, maintain a safe distance to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.
Guidelines for Pet Walkers
Leash regulations
Keep all pets on a short lead while on the greenways. This rule is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of both the animals and other users.
Clean up after your pet
Carry waste bags and promptly clean up after your pet. This helps maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the greenways, and protects other users and animals.
Guidelines for e-Scooters
(Based on the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024)
Age Restriction: E-scooter users must be aged 16 or over.
Speed Limit: 20kmph is the maximum permissible speed.
Carriage of Goods or Passengers: The use of an electric scooter for the carriage of goods is prohibited. The use of an electric scooter for the carriage of more than one person at the same time is prohibited.
Communication with Others: Ring your scooter bell well in advance when overtaking others. This simple gesture promotes awareness and prevents sudden surprises.
Allowing Sufficient Space: Be courteous and give ample space to other users. Whether passing pedestrians or fellow cyclists, maintain a safe distance to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.
Prohibited Activities
All users should note that the following activities are not allowed on greenways.
No Camping
Camping is not permitted on the greenways. Respect the natural environment and stick to designated camping areas in the county.
No Barbeques or Campfires
Open flames such as fires and barbeques are strictly prohibited. Help minimise the risk of wildfires and preserve the greenways’ integrity.
No Motorised Vehicles
The use of motorised vehicles, including motorbikes, quad bikes and cars, is strictly prohibited on many greenways (short sections of quiet road do feature on some greenways where motorised vehicles are permitted as well as on sections of the Grand and Royal Canal greenways).
By adhering to this Code of Respect, we can collectively contribute to the preservation and enjoyment of Ireland’s greenways. Let’s work together to create an inclusive and sustainable outdoor experience for everyone.