Where can you ride a bike according to the rules?

Usually the traffic police pay little attention to those riding a bicycle on the road. However, a cyclist is the same participant in the movement as a motorcyclist or car driver. Accordingly, all requirements stipulated by the traffic rules apply to it. So, what do the rules of the road for cyclists stipulate?

What is a bicycle according to traffic regulations?

First of all, you need to determine what a bicycle is from a legal point of view, and how to distinguish it from other types of vehicles (vehicles). The traffic rules give this definition, highlighting several key points:

— presence of at least two wheels.

— the driving force is the muscles of the people driving the vehicle.

— an electric motor is acceptable, but not more powerful than 0.25 kW and with automatic shutdown at speeds above 25 km/h.

Thus, a bicycle is distinguished, on the one hand, from wheelchairs (although they move with the help of muscles, they are not considered vehicles), and on the other, from electric mopeds. Installing an internal combustion engine of any type and power turns a bicycle into either a moped or a motorcycle (tricycle, ATV, etc.). But at the same time, a tandem bicycle or velomobile still belongs to the category of bicycles.

It should be noted that if a cyclist gets off the saddle and drives his vehicle (for example, crossing a zebra crossing), he will be considered only as a pedestrian. The rules relating to the vehicle will not apply to it.

The role of a cyclist when riding on the roadway or sidewalk

When a person rides a bicycle, he is characterized by the following features:

Relatively low speed. Although a cyclist is faster than a pedestrian, only trained and experienced cyclists can reach or even exceed the 30 km/h mark.

High vulnerability. Despite any protective equipment (helmet, elbow or knee pads, etc.), a cyclist easily loses his balance - and a fall easily ends in injury or even death. At the same time, due to high speed, a cyclist is more vulnerable than a pedestrian: he cannot stop instantly, nor can he dodge a car.

Low mechanization of the vehicle. A bicycle, as a rule, is not equipped with turn signals or a brake light - and the driver must signal his intentions with gestures.

The bike is universal. Traffic regulations for cyclists allow movement both in special lanes on the road - and on the roadway or, in extreme cases, on the sidewalk, as a pedestrian.

Based on this, you need to consider the rules of cycling.

Traffic rules for cyclists: how should a law-abiding person ride?

Since the rules for cyclists on the road are based on current traffic rules, it makes sense to consider separately those requirements that a bicycle driver must comply with if he wants to avoid violations.

Responsibilities regarding the technical condition of the bicycle

The traffic rules for cyclists regarding the technical condition of the vehicle are very simple. The cyclist is obliged to monitor the serviceability of the following systems of his machine:

The bicycle driver should not worry about everything else - but he must take care of the steering wheel and brakes and ensure they are in good condition. Otherwise, he risks receiving a fine under the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

In addition, traffic regulations require that the headlights and tail lights of any vehicle be on in the dark or in poor visibility. Therefore, if your bike does not have these devices, you can only use it during the day. Formally, you are supposed to turn on the headlights during the day, just like on cars, but in practice the traffic police do not enforce this requirement. In addition, not all bicycles are equipped with headlights.

What do traffic rules say about turn signals?

The rules for the movement of cyclists on the roadway also provide for signaling. However, since bicycles usually do not have lights, such signals must be given by the motorist himself with gestures.

According to traffic rules, a cyclist is required to use the following gestures:

- when turning or turning around - an arm extended to the side on the side in which the cyclist is going to turn;

- when stopping or braking – hand (any) raised straight up.

The rules allow the use of a hand, not only moved to the side, but also bent at the elbow, as a turn signal. However, as practice shows, drivers often confuse such a signal with a brake signal, and therefore it is not recommended to use it.

Alcohol is always a violation of the rules!

Since a bicycle is still considered a means of transport, driving it while intoxicated is strictly prohibited. If a drunk cyclist is stopped, he will have to answer according to the law.

In addition, traffic regulations directly prohibit the transfer of control to a drunk person. Therefore, a bicycle owner who lends his vehicle to a drunk friend for a ride will also be held liable.

Traffic rights for cyclists

And now - the most important thing: which side of the road should a cyclist ride on?

The rules for cycling in the city are as follows: cycling must take place on a path specially designated for cyclists. However, such paths are extremely rare in Russia, only in large cities. Where there is no such allocation, the bicycle driver must be guided by the following rules:

- if there is no bicycle or bicycle pedestrian path, the cyclist must ride along the roadway on the right.

- if for some reason it is not possible to move on the road, the cyclist should move along the side of the road.

- and only as a last resort, when there are no other options, is driving on the sidewalk allowed.

The points are mutually exclusive, therefore, having reached a place where there is a bicycle path marking or a “Bicycle” road sign, you must urgently change lanes, move off the side of the road or from the sidewalk. Otherwise, it will be considered a violation of the rules with all the ensuing consequences.

However, there are exceptions to every rule. In particular, if a bicycle or the load on it is wider than 1 m, it is not only permitted, but also directly ordered to move on the road and follow the rules of cycling on the roadway. In addition, driving in organized convoys is allowed there:

- in one row - as a general rule.

- in pairs - if each of the vehicles is already 75 cm.

- in this case, you need to move in a column in groups of 10, or 10 in pairs. There must be a distance of at least 80 m between each group so that passing cars can easily overtake cyclists.

It is always allowed to move on sidewalks if an adult cyclist accompanies a child on a bicycle under 7 years old, or carries him on a regular additional seat or in a trailer (bicycle stroller). In this case, the question of which side the cyclist should ride on is resolved in the same way as when driving on the roadway: you need to move along the right sidewalk.

Prohibitions for cyclists

Like any other road user, bicycle riders have their limitations. The following cyclist rules have been established that prohibit:

— ride “hands-free.” Even when giving signals, you must hold the steering wheel with your other hand;

- carry oversized cargo that protrudes beyond the edge of the bicycle by more than 50 cm;

- transport cargo that interferes with driving a bicycle (for example, placed or loaded on the handlebars);

— turn left on roads where there are more than two lanes in one direction, or where there are tram tracks;

— tow or ride in tow (only transportation of special bicycle trailers is allowed).

- drive on highways.

In addition to general prohibitions that apply to all bicycle drivers, there are also specific ones that apply to individual situations. Let's take a closer look at them.

New rules for pedestrian crossings

The question of how a cyclist should behave on a zebra crossing is decided by the traffic rules unambiguously: he is prohibited from crossing the road using a pedestrian crossing. If necessary, the bicycle driver must dismount and move along the zebra crossing like a normal pedestrian while driving his car. This is a new norm: previously it was not prohibited to drive on crossings.

But how should a cyclist ride along the road if it is crossed by a crossing? Here the same rules are established for him as for drivers of all other vehicles: he can drive through the crossing without dismounting - but only across the zebra crossing.

Restrictions for children

Not only adults, but also children can ride bicycles. Therefore, traffic rules establish special rules for them:

- children under 7 years old can only drive in areas intended for pedestrians;

- children under 14 years old - in the same place, plus also on bicycle paths. They are prohibited from entering the roadway.

After 14 years, restrictions are lifted, and you can drive wherever traffic rules allow.

Interestingly, with a literal interpretation of the Rules in force until 2014, only those over 14 years old could ride bicycles. The traffic rules were not specified on what to do with numerous children on bikes, but formally they (or rather, their parents) could be fined for violation at any time.

Relations with pedestrians

When moving on roads or sidewalks, cyclists are required to give way to pedestrians. In all cases when a bicycle interferes with them, the driver must dismount and drive his vehicle with his hands.

At a crossing, if there is no traffic light, a cyclist must give way to a pedestrian. If there is a traffic light, then he must make sure that pedestrians have finished crossing the road, and only then can he continue moving.

Reminder when transporting passengers

How many people can ride on one bike? Although a bicycle is a vehicle, usually only the driver himself can ride it. Exceptions are situations when:

— there are standard seats for passengers provided by the manufacturer;

- there is a trailer or stroller, again structurally designed to be towed by a bicycle.

Transporting people on a frame or trunk is strictly prohibited.

Signage system on the road

In cases where a separate lane is allocated for bicycles, special markings are used. In particular, the bicycle path must be fenced off from the lane for motor vehicles with a continuous line: this means that neither drivers of cars or motorcycles can enter there, nor cyclists have the right to enter the roadway. In addition, a bicycle path is indicated either by a special road sign or by a bicycle symbol painted on the asphalt.

Moreover, if there is a “Motorway” sign on the road (sign 5.1 according to traffic rules), then any movement of bicycles is prohibited. From a formal point of view, the restriction applies only to vehicles that are not capable of reaching a speed of more than 40 km/h, but bicycles are directly mentioned in the Rules. Cyclists on highways can only ride on the shoulders.

Separately, you need to consider what kind of lighting devices can be installed on a bicycle. Unlike cars, the installation of headlights, headlights or other devices not provided by standard does not need to be coordinated - the owner decides what he needs, buys it himself and installs the necessary lighting devices if necessary.

However, in order not to violate traffic regulations, it is best to install the following on your bicycle:

Headlight. Replacing it with a headlamp on a bike helmet is highly not recommended.

Red marker for the trunk or rear fender.

The traffic rules also recommend that when driving at night, use reflectors or other reflective or reflective devices on the bicycle or the clothes of its owner. This requirement is not mandatory, but it does save the life of the cyclist.

Lighting devices can be powered either from a battery or from a “dynamo” - a small-sized electric generator. It is recommended to use battery-powered models: when stopped, the generators stop working and the headlights stop shining.

Changes to fines for cyclists

Since there are rules, there must be responsibility for breaking them. Currently, a cyclist can be fined:

- for traffic violations - 800 rubles;

- for driving while drunk - up to 1,500 rubles;

- for talking on a mobile phone (without a hands-free headset) while driving - up to 1,500 rubles.

In addition, bicycle drivers are also subject to rules prohibiting damage to road signs or polluting the road surface. However, it is not worth dwelling on them, since these violations are not common.

The most common traffic violations when riding a bicycle

Now let's see what violations are most often committed by bicycle owners. According to statistics, the most common offenses are:

Driving on pedestrian crossings. This suicidal practice is unfortunately common among Russian cyclists. You need to remember: neither a bicycle nor a car can brake sharply - and because of the speed, a cyclist is even more vulnerable than a pedestrian.

Driving without brakes. Braking systems make the bike heavier and interfere with rapid acceleration, so many people either dismantle them or do not install them (if the bike is not equipped with brakes as standard). However, this is also an option for suicide.

Interference with pedestrians. Riding on sidewalks is allowed in certain cases, but if a cyclist interferes with passers-by, he should not honk the bell, but dismount and drive his vehicle.

Causing harm to the health of a pedestrian. For this, a fine of 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles is provided.

We must remember: a cyclist is the same participant in the movement as the driver of a car or motorcycle. Therefore, he must comply with traffic rules to the fullest extent.

Where can you ride a bike?

A bicycle, even if it is for children or teenagers, is still a vehicle, which means that you can ride it on highways and streets only if you follow the rules. Moreover, both general traffic rules and traffic rules for cyclists.

Bike rules

In the current traffic rules, a bicycle is given an appropriate definition. It is a vehicle on (at least) two wheels, driven by the muscular power of the person riding it. The bicycle moves using pedals or special handles. It can also be equipped with an electric motor (a change made to the traffic regulations in April 2014). However, the maximum permissible power of an electric bicycle motor should not exceed 0.25 kW at the longest load. In addition, such a motor should turn off if the bike’s speed exceeds 25 km/h.

And since bicycles are wheeled vehicles, then all current traffic regulations can also be attributed to the regulation of their movement. Especially section 24 of the mentioned rules.

Requirements for cyclists:

Maintaining a satisfactory (from a technical point of view) condition of the vehicle in operation. After all, the rules prohibit going on the road on bicycles that, for example, have faulty brakes and/or steering.
You cannot ride a bicycle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It is also prohibited to transfer control of a bicycle to a person who is drunk or in any other inappropriate state.
Cyclists under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding on roads and streets.

Where are bicycles allowed?

In April 2014, several points related to cycling were officially included in Section 24 of these traffic rules.

Now cyclists over 14 years old can ride:

along lanes on roads marked with markings or appropriate road signs for bicycle and/or pedestrian traffic;
along the right edge of the roadway;
along roadsides and sidewalks;
along pedestrian paths.

You must travel in accordance with each of the following items on the list, if the previous ones are missing. For example, when there is no bicycle or pedestrian path, you can move along the right edge of the road. If this edge is small or not suitable for driving, then choose the side of the road, etc.

Special bike paths

There are exceptions to these rules. You can travel by bicycle:

along the roadway, when the width of the bicycle transport (or the cargo delivered on it) is more than 1 m;
along the roadway as part of a bicycle column;
on a pedestrian path or sidewalk, accompanied by a cyclist under 7 years of age, or with a passenger of the same age.

You also need to know that a bicycle column can move on the right edge of the roadway, forming only one row. However, such a column can also consist of two rows if the width of each vehicle in it is less than or equal to 0.75 m. When moving in one row in a column of cyclists, distribution into groups is provided, each of which should contain no more than a dozen vehicles, and when driving in two rows - no more than 10 pairs of vehicles. The distance between such cycling groups cannot be less than 80 or even 100 meters.

Movement of children on bicycles

Children aged 7 to 14 years can ride a bicycle in:

sidewalks;
bicycle and pedestrian paths;
pedestrian areas.

Student cyclists cannot ride on:

bicycle lanes;
roadway;
roadsides.

Children under 7 years old can ride on sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as within courtyards and special pedestrian zones only in the company of walking adults.

Additional requirements for cyclists

In addition to the main points of the rules, there are a number of additional requirements for persons driving bicycles:

If a bicycle interferes with other road users in permitted places, the driver must dismount.
A dismounted cyclist must follow the traffic rules written for pedestrians.
Be attentive to road signs that designate special lanes for bicycle traffic.

2015 changes to traffic rules concerning cyclists

Since 2015, cyclists over the age of 14 and driving a serviceable vehicle are allowed to ride on lanes allocated on the roadways for public transport.

At the same time, persons on bicycles (in accordance with traffic regulations) are required to let people pass at all controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, as well as on tram tracks. Even if pedestrians are not yet walking across the road, but have just stepped onto the roadway (or onto the same tram tracks).

Traffic rules for cyclists in 2019.

Hello everyone, today we would like to talk about the innovations that have been introduced to the traffic rules.

Let's start with the most basic. What does the concept of bicycle include?

A bicycle is a vehicle that has at least two wheels and is usually propelled by the muscular energy of the people on the vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or handles. Or it may have an electric motor with a power not exceeding 250 W. This is exactly the interpretation given in the traffic rules, which applies even to small children.

There is also the concept of a pedestrian in the traffic rules. Pedestrian is a person who is outside a vehicle on the road or on a pedestrian or bicycle path and does not work on them. Based on this, if you are walking and rolling a bicycle nearby, you are a pedestrian. And when you sit on a bicycle, you are driving a highly dangerous vehicle. And the new traffic rules apply to you.

Alcohol intoxication of a cyclist.

Traffic regulations clause 2.7 prohibits persons under the influence of alcohol from driving a bicycle, as well as transferring control to persons under the influence of alcohol.

In other words, you won’t be able to ride an iron horse while drunk. For such a violation you will face a fine of 1000 to 1500 rubles. However, they will not be able to deprive the rights, if any. Fortunately, you don’t yet need a driver’s license to drive a bicycle, so there are no grounds for deprivation.

Bicycle turn signals.

Clause 8.1 states that before starting to move, changing lanes, turning and stopping, the driver must give hand signals. If you are going to turn, then you need to extend the corresponding arm in the direction of the turn, or raise the opposite arm and bend it at the elbow 90 degrees.

In practice, drivers easily understand the outstretched arm in the direction of the turn. But a bent elbow can mislead other road users. Turn signals must be given well in advance and your hand must be returned to the steering wheel immediately before the maneuver begins.

By the way, many cyclists feel very comfortable in traffic and position themselves as full participants in the movement.

Technical condition of the bicycle.

Based on paragraph 2.3.1 of the traffic rules, it is prohibited to drive if the brake system, steering or lighting devices are faulty in the dark or in conditions of poor visibility. Therefore, if a bicycle does not have brakes or lights, its operation is prohibited. However, there is no penalty for this.

Where you can ride a bike.

Everything is much more complicated here. Let's start in order.

if there is a bike path or lane for cyclists, then we ride along it
if there is no bike path, then along the right edge of the roadway
if this is not possible, then on the side of the road
if there is not even a curb, then we drive on the sidewalk
if the sidewalk is very busy and it’s difficult to pass, then we walk and roll the bike next to it

Age for bicycle drivers.

These rules apply to all cyclists over 14 years of age. If the cyclist's age is from 7 to 14 years, then driving is allowed only on sidewalks and bicycle paths. Cyclists under 7 years of age are prohibited from traveling unaccompanied by an adult.

Dedicated lanes for cyclists.

In 2019, you can see new signs on the roads that designate special lanes for cyclists.

Protective equipment for cyclists.

However, there is no talk about safety in the traffic rules! The use of a helmet and protection when riding a bicycle remains voluntary. Apparently, it is much more important to the guardians of the law that our bicycle has no play in the steering column than the safety of our heads.

That's all the innovations that affect cyclists in 2019. Thank you for reading this article to the end.

Like and write your opinion on this in the comments.

Cycling in the city: rules and recommendations

You bought a bicycle, but you only ride it in the park. Over time, other needs appear: many people want to ride a bicycle to work, others want to go on vacation on it. Before you start riding a bicycle around the city, it’s worth understanding where you can ride, as well as what conventional signs and rules exist.

Before you start riding your bike, you should check it carefully:

well inflated wheels;

Safety: rules for riding a bicycle

City streets are full of various types of transport and pedestrians; a cyclist should know how to interact with them and where to ride. There are three possible options:

Is it possible to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk?

Cyclists often ride on sidewalks because they are afraid of cars on the roads. A bicycle is a vehicle and it is prohibited to ride it on pedestrian paths. But there are exceptions to every rule: only children under 14 years old under adult supervision are allowed to ride on sidewalks, as well as an adult carrying a child under 7 years old in a bicycle seat.

If you do end up on a pedestrian path, contrary to the traffic rules, then move closer to the roadway, watch your speed, because many pedestrians are much more unpredictable than cars, and do not honk your horn demanding to give way.

If you are concerned about yourself and those around you, it is better to get off the bike and walk part of the way, holding your “two-wheeled friend” by the handlebars.

Cyclist on the road: traffic rules

On the road you are a cyclist-driver who, from the age of 14, has the right to be a full participant in road traffic.

To ride safely on the road, you need to know the traffic rules that affect you as a cyclist:

Move in the direction of the flow.

Signal to other road users.

Observe the requirements of road signs and traffic lights.

Slow down at intersections and exits from yards.

Give way to cars on the right when crossing an uncontrolled intersection.

At a zebra crossing, cross the road on foot.

Equip your bike with the following dimensions : white on the front and red on the back.

Try to avoid conflicts on the road, let pedestrians pass at zebra crossings and remain calm. When you drive onto and off the sidewalk, place the wheel at a right angle so that it does not slip and steer the bike to the side. Be careful on the road and predictable for the driver.

These are the basic rules to follow when driving on the road. But the safest option for cyclists is bike paths. City authorities actively support their creation within the city.

Cyclist signs

Cyclists must make their intentions known to other road users.

There are a number of generally accepted hand signals that should not be ignored:

Stop is a sign in the form of a raised hand.

Turn to the right - the right arm is extended parallel to the ground with an open palm, or the left arm is extended and bent at the elbow.

Turn to the left - the left arm is extended parallel to the ground with an open palm, or the right arm is extended and bent at the elbow.

If a group of cyclists is riding, they should also exchange information. The first sign is given by the leader, and the group members repeat it, warning the next participant in advance:

The hole on the right is the right hand lowered down.

The hole on the left is the left hand lowered down.

Signs must be given in advance so that motorists or group members have time to react to them.

Comfort on the road: is cycling clothing necessary or can you do without it?

Many people think: why spend money on cycling clothes if you can wear what you have at hand. The answer is simple: convenience, practicality and safety.

When creating special equipment for cycling, the conditions of its use are taken into account:

does not hinder movement when driving;

protects from wind and rain;

Cycling shorts have a special padding that softens the fit. The sweatshirts have a pocket at the back where you can put all sorts of small things and not have to take a backpack with you, for which your dry back will thank you. It also has bright inserts that make you more visible on the road at night.

The rules do not oblige cyclists to wear cycling clothing; this choice is purely individual. If you ride a bike often and for long periods of time, convenience is paramount.

Bicycle helmet

An important attribute of cycling equipment is a helmet . It is optional according to traffic regulations, but make the decision yourself based on your personal comfort criteria. Remember that safety is not achieved by wearing a helmet, but by reducing your speed when driving on roads. This accessory, hated by many cyclists, is an element of protection in case of a fall. But for children it is a mandatory attribute.

Is it possible to ride a bicycle in casual clothes?

You can feel comfortable on a bike in casual clothes, especially if you ride short distances. But in the dark and foggy weather, it is worth adding reflective elements to it or your backpack. And also don’t forget about the flashlights, which must be present on the bike.

In rainy weather, the following will come to your aid: a raincoat, special shoe covers and properly selected fenders for your bike. If the bike breaks down on the road or you get tired of riding, then you will be allowed on public transport with it without any problems. Place it so that it does not interfere with the entry and exit of passengers.

If you want to ride a bicycle to work, but your bosses forgot about taking a shower, the only way out of the situation is to arm yourself with a change of clothes and wet wipes. It is also worth protecting yourself from driving with a backpack on your back; place it on the trunk or basket. You don't need to drive very fast; plan enough time on the road to drive at a relaxed pace.

Bicycle theft protection

Of course, in order to completely protect yourself from the theft of a bicycle, it is better not to have one at all. But we are not looking for easy ways!

First, let’s figure out what you shouldn’t do so as not to lose your beloved “iron horse”:

Leaving the bike unfastened and unattended, even for a couple of minutes.

Leave cycling computers, bags, pumps, etc. on the attached bicycle.

Park your bicycle without fastening it in the vestibule of the store or near it, and ask the security guard to look after it.

Fasten the bicycle to fragile structures.

There is a serial number on the bike under the frame, write it down for yourself if you don’t have a passport for the bike. It’s also worth taking a few photos of your bike. This will all come in handy in case it does get stolen.

Where to park your bike

People always leave their bicycles unattended when they go about their business. But you need to do it wisely. Nowadays there are more and more bike racks, try to fasten your bike to them.

If there are no bike parking areas nearby, use sturdy railings or barriers. Avoid flimsy structures and don’t expect that no one will look at your bike in a crowded place.

How to attach a bike

If you often leave your bike unattended for long periods of time, invest in a U-shaped metal lock. It is heavier and shorter than a regular cable lock, but it cannot be broken with wire cutters, and it will take a long time to saw. This process takes too much time, so thieves prefer not to mess with such locks.

If you are using a cable lock or chain, wrap the frame several times and attach it to the parking bar. The tighter you make it, the harder it will be to bite through it.

For reliability, purchase several locks : use the U-shaped one to secure the frame and rear wheel to the parking space, and fasten the front wheel with a thick cable lock.

Remember that God protects those who are protected. Follow the traffic rules, respect other road users, and you will be happy!