The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995

Regulation of cycle racing on public roads

45.—(1) A person who promotes or takes part in a race or trial of speed on a public road between cycles is guilty of an offence, unless the race or trial

(a) is authorised; and

(b) is conducted in accordance with any conditions imposed, by or under regulations under this Article.

(2) The Department may by regulations authorise, or provide for authorising, for the purposes of paragraph (1), the holding on a public road

(a) of races or trials of speed of any class or description; or

(b) of a particular race or trial of speed,

in such cases as may be prescribed and subject to such conditions as may be imposed by or under the regulations.

(3) Regulations under this Article may prescribe the procedure to be followed, and the particulars to be given, in connection with applications for authorisation under the regulations.

(4) Without prejudice to any other powers exercisable in that behalf, the Chief Constable may give directions with respect to the movement of, or the route to be followed by, vehicular and other traffic during any period, being directions which it is necessary or expedient to give in ration to that period to prevent or mitigate—

(a) congestion or obstruction of traffic; or

(b) danger to or from traffic,

in consequence of the holding of a race or trial of speed authorised by or under regulations under this Article.

(5) Directions under paragraph (4) may include a direction that any road or part of a road specified in the direction shall be closed during the period to such traffic or to such classes or descriptions of traffic as may be so specified.

(6) A person who wilfully contravenes any direction given under paragraph (4) is guilty of an offence.