A group of cycling activists has painted fake parking spaces where cars illegally park on Dublin footpaths – only to see drivers starting to use them.

I BIKE Dublin, a volunteer group that advocates for better cycling conditions in the city, painted the fake parking spaces on the footpaths in Phibsborough yesterday morning.

The group told Newstalk that it chose points on the footpath where cars are regularly seen illegally parking.

I BIKE member Peter Collins said the problem has become “endemic and insulting” in the city.

“It’s a huge problem at the evening commute time between 4pm and 7pm – when buses are regularly held up and have to move lanes to get past," he said.

Mr Collins said the cars are often parked partly on the footpath and partly on the traffic lane for buses, taxis and cyclists. 

“Drivers are trying to be considerate by tucking in,” he said. “But all they’re doing is taking away space from pedestrians, families... tourists going up to Glasnevin.” 

Splitscreen of volunteers painting the fake parking spaces and the completed design on the Phibsborough Road. Image: Peter Collins

After painting, Mr Collins said it wasn’t long before more drivers came to park on Phibsborough Road again – and this time, they were using the fake parking spaces. 

“[They think] their journey is more important than others,” he said. “They put their convenience before others.

“Anyone who wishes to use a car, there’s no problem there – just don’t let your mode of transport affect other people.” 

Mr Collins said the paint and chalk are not permanent on the footpath – insisting that a signal must be sent to prevent people parking illegally.

The cycling activist said the main problem is the “evident lack of enforcement” of traffic laws in Dublin. 

He said more penalties for illegal parking and an actual risk of clamping and fines would discourage drivers from parking on the footpath. 

“A signal has to be sent,” he said. 

Car parked on footpath on Phibsborough road. Image: Peter Collins

Mr Collins noted there are several areas near Phibsborough Road where cars can park – as one driver told him. 

He said he spoke to the driver the evening before painting the parking spaces and asked him if he ever got in trouble for parking illegally. 

The driver said he hadn’t got a ticket in two years – but the risk of being ticketed would definitely stop him from parking on the footpath. 

“[The driver said] there's a number of streets and roads you can park in,” Mr Collins said. 

“But he said if he was a good citizen and didn’t park on the [footpath], someone else would park there instead.” 

Parking spaces in Dublin

The protest from the cycling group comes after Dublin City Council (DCC) executives watered down major plans for public transport in the city centre. 

Under the new plan, there will no longer be a ban on private cars along a significant section of the North Quays. 

The plan may also be delayed beyond August - although DCC Executive Richard Shakespeare has said he will consider an economic impact plan from the Dublin City Traders Alliance before making final decisions.

Green Party Councillor Feljin Jose, based near the Phibsborough Road, said footpath parking is “endemic” in Dublin. 

“It's clear that we need a much stricter parking enforcement regime in Dublin city,” he said. “One that focuses on stamping out parking on footpaths, cycle lanes, bus lanes.” 

Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment.