How should a cyclist ride on the roadway?

Which side of the road should cyclists ride on?

Many cyclists use a bike as a practical vehicle and ride it to the shops, to the country, to nature and even to work.

The only problem is the lack of the required number of special bike paths; for example, for a city with a population of one million there may be only one or two. There is only one option left - moving along with cars on roads and highways.

To travel safely, every cyclist must strictly adhere to the traffic rules, which, among other things, state in black and white which side of the road the cyclist should ride on..

Riding an unprepared bicycle is ridiculous and extremely dangerous, so it is important to determine how and where a cyclist should ride and what to follow when doing so.

Cyclist safety

Not everyone understands that a bicycle is equal to a car, so on the road a cyclist will need to follow the general rules of movement on the roadway (regarding non-motorized vehicles).

Along with all other road users - motorists, motorcyclists, horse-drawn vehicle drivers and pedestrians - cyclists are obliged not only to know, but also to strictly adhere to all traffic rules relevant for 2019.

Let's look at what important factors need to be taken into account for the safe movement of cyclists.

Serviceability

First of all, the cyclist is obliged to carefully monitor the serviceability of the vehicle.

Namely, check all the most important parts of the bicycle (handlebars, working brakes), check whether it is equipped with other important parts for driving on the highway:

reflectors (back, front, and sides);
flashlights that work at night;
a working bell to sound a signal.

A cyclist must highlight his bicycle on the roadway so that both the vehicle and the driver himself are clearly visible to all other road users.

Road signs

Bicycle drivers should be especially attentive to the following signs:

priority signs;
signs of special instructions (informing about the movement of route vehicles, one-way traffic);
signs that indicate the direction of movement;
signs prohibiting turns and entry.

However, the cyclist must also know all other signs and strictly observe them. While driving, the bicycle driver should also take into account road markings:

It is forbidden to cross a solid line;
do not stand in places that are marked in yellow;
allow pedestrians to cross the zebra crossing.

Also, the cyclist must move correctly in a group, be extremely attentive and have good reactions.

According to traffic regulations, moving synchronously with the flow of cars is the safest option for each vehicle.

But on the road you should develop and maintain a fairly high speed, at least 20 km/h.

Sticking to this speed limit is necessary because driving too slowly can interfere with cars, as they will have to maneuver around the cyclist.

This is especially true on narrower roads, where passing oncoming and passing traffic is difficult.

It is worth noting that high speed is only justified if all other vehicles are moving quickly.

For a cyclist, distance is the distance in length between other vehicles and him.

Side spacing is the distance across the width. Safe and comfortable riding on the road requires maintaining a distance and interval so that if a dangerous situation develops, the cyclist can turn to the side.

If the distance with the car in front decreases, you will need to slow down, or vice versa - speed up if the distance decreases with the vehicle behind.

In case of parallel movement, you should not press too close to parked or passing cars, and there are good reasons for this:

There is a chance of falling on the car as a result of an uneven road.
The car may hit the cyclist in some way.
The door of a stationary car may suddenly open.

So, attentiveness is the key to safe cycling. In this case, you should carefully monitor what is happening on the sides and in front.

The road is movement, so the situation can change every second. It is useful to purchase a special rear-view mirror and attach it to the steering wheel, thanks to which you can also monitor the road from behind.

Where to go?

Which side should cyclists ride on? This is a rather controversial issue among bicycle drivers: some argue that you need to move in the direction of travel, some prefer to ride “against the grain,” and others do not think about this issue at all. Who is right?

The traffic rules clearly and clearly define the correct position of a bicycle: in the same direction as other vehicles, but to the right. For example, along the edge of the road or in the right lane in case of multi-lane traffic.

The traffic rules also determined that riding cyclists over 14 years of age is possible in descending order:

Along bicycle pedestrian or bicycle paths or a lane for cyclists.
On the roadway along its right edge.
On the side of the road.
Along a pedestrian path or sidewalk.

It is worth noting that all subsequent items in the above list apply if the previous ones are missing. For example, you can move along the side of the road only if there is no bicycle lane or path, as well as if there is no possibility of driving on the roadway (along the right edge).

Additionally, there are a few exceptions:

It is allowed to ride on the roadway if the width of the load or bicycle exceeds 1 meter.
It is also allowed to move on the roadway if the movement is carried out in columns.

In some cases, in the event of a breakdown or injury, the cyclist has to walk along the roads with the bicycle. Wondering which side of the street you'll be on while riding a broken bike?

In this case, it should be remembered that when moving on the roadway outside populated areas, pedestrians are required to follow the movement of other vehicles. However, persons driving a bicycle must walk in the direction of other vehicles.

When choosing a route, a bicycle driver should give preference to roads with low traffic and less intense traffic, which will make riding easier, safer, and help avoid unwanted accidents.

Features of the movement of young cyclists

The movement of cyclists aged 7 to 14 years is permitted on sidewalks, bicycle, bicycle and pedestrian paths and within the boundaries of pedestrian zones. It is worth noting that “schoolchildren cyclists” are prohibited from riding on the roadway, shoulder and bicycle lanes.
The movement of cyclists under 7 years of age is permitted only together with pedestrians (on pedestrian paths, bicycle and pedestrian paths, sidewalks and pedestrian zones).

While driving on pedestrian paths, sidewalks, pedestrian zones and roadsides, the cyclist is obliged not to interfere with the movement of other persons. If necessary, the cyclist must dismount from the bicycle and continue moving as a pedestrian.

Special signs for cyclists

To indicate the maneuver, the Traffic Rules provide the following signs:

Changing lanes or turning to the right: right arm extended or left arm extended, bent at the elbow.
Changing lanes or turning left: left arm extended or right arm extended, bent at the elbow.
Stop: any hand raised up.
Pits on the right: right hand down.
Pits on the left: left hand down.

It is not recommended to use alternative methods (where the arm is bent), since the driver may not understand.

When moving in a column, the leader gives the signs first, and all members of the group immediately repeat them. Below we consider actions that cyclists are prohibited from doing.

Unacceptable actions

Cyclists are prohibited from:

Ride on roads in a populated area if there is a bicycle path. It is indicated by a round sign with a white bicycle on a blue background.
Turn left or turn around on a road with tram traffic.
Bicycles are prohibited on highways.
Towing bicycles is prohibited (do not use hitches, cables or other tricks or devices).

Common rule violations

The most common violations by bicycle drivers include riding toward oncoming traffic or riding in a crosswalk.

In the above situations, cyclists often simply forget that they have already become drivers, but at heart they continue to remain pedestrians.

Both of these maneuvers are extremely dangerous, but this especially applies to the movement of a cyclist along a pedestrian crossing.

Unfortunately, the most common victims of such violations are children, and the driver of the car is not to blame, since he must only let pedestrians pass, and cyclists do not belong to this category.

So, strict and timely compliance with the rules of cycling on the road surface will certainly contribute to safety and comfort. To everything else, we can add that patience and respect on the road are another key to successful travel.

Video: Traffic rules for novice cyclists (the most important points)

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Which side of the road should a cyclist ride on?

I think each of us can confidently say that in Russia we drive on the right hand side. And to the question “ Which side of the road should a bicycle (car/bus/motorcycle) ride on?” everyone will answer: . ”

Moreover, schools now teach the basics of traffic rules for pedestrians and cyclists. And a cyclist who decides to enter the roadway is simply obliged to study the traffic rules that concern him before doing so. Fortunately, there are few of them.

And yet, every summer I encounter careless cyclists who ride along the edge of the right lane of the road in the opposite direction. Moreover, I usually encounter such irresponsible citizens, being on horseback myself.

What do they write in the traffic rules?

According to traffic regulations, in the absence of sidewalks and curbs, a pedestrian can move along the road in the opposite direction. But if you are riding a bicycle, then you are a vehicle and are obliged to move only in the same direction!

Remember:

you can only ride a bicycle on the roadway in the same direction and if there is no bicycle path nearby! If you're scared to drive on public roads and shy away from every car passing by, maybe it's just not worth it? The feeling of being in control of the situation when driving in oncoming traffic is false: if something happens, the reaction to prevent an accident will most likely not be enough, and looking at a truck approaching at full speed seems like a terrible thing to me. If you are afraid to regularly look behind you on the road, buy a bicycle mirror; Rear and front markers and bright reflective clothing are also mandatory on the road.

It is worth paying attention to the persons driving the bicycle. According to traffic rules, they must drive the bike in the same direction. Although, I would leave this question open.

Why can't a cyclist ride in oncoming traffic?

Speed difference

Let's say that in city mode the average cyclist travels at a maximum speed of 30 km/h, and the average car travels at 60 km/h. In oncoming traffic, their relative speed is 90 km/h, and in passing traffic – 30 km/h. The difference in relative speed is 3 times! Accordingly, there are also risks for the cyclist.

The suddenness of the cyclist's maneuvers

Imagine you are flying downhill on a bicycle along the right (and for you, left) edge of oncoming traffic. And at high speed, suddenly a stone/oil/puddle gets under your wheel, as a result of which you can fall or suddenly turn sideways. Result: you fly at full speed into an oncoming car rushing towards you. In the case of passing traffic, the chance that the driver will have time to dodge is much higher.

Obstacle for other drivers:

cyclists, drivers of mopeds and other low-speed vehicles. By moving against the grain, you interfere with other cyclists, slow-moving vehicles, and create a negative attitude among motorists towards cycling enthusiasts. There are often situations when I am riding along the edge of the right lane in the same direction, there is a continuous stream of traffic on the left, a bump stop on the right, and a satisfied cyclist, sincerely confident that he is right, is riding against the grain. Honestly, I want to hit you in the forehead. To each.

I hope that at least one cyclist, after reading this article, will stop practicing English driving on the left in Russian realities. Do not violate traffic rules, respect yourself and other road users, regardless of the vehicle they choose!

PS Be sure to check your knowledge of traffic rules by clicking on the picture next to it!

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Traffic rules for cyclists

Everyone who moves along any section of the roadway bears their share of responsibility for safety. And it doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle he is driving: a cool car, a super-fast motorcycle, or pedaling a simple bicycle. There are different “rules of the road” for everyone.

What rules should cyclists ride by?

A cyclist is a full participant in the road traffic. But sometimes, compared to motorists, he finds himself in a deliberately losing position for one reason: often he does not even know his rights, responsibilities and rules that he must follow. And there are not so few of them. It’s not difficult to find them; they are all described in the brochure for driving school students and drivers.

And yes, cyclists are not required to pass exams for their impeccable knowledge. But, whatever one may say, a bicycle is also a vehicle. Accordingly, its driver bears exactly the same responsibility as those who drive other vehicles, from a truck to a horse-drawn cart.

Where to ride: on the roadway or on the sidewalk

Today there are several options for the “path” for cyclists. However, this does not mean that those who like to pedal will always have a large choice. Each road suggests only one answer to the question of where to go:

on a lane dedicated specifically for cyclists or on bicycle paths, which are not available in every city;
along the right edge of the roadway;
on the side of the road;
on the sidewalk.

These options are listed in order of preference. That is, if there is a special lane, you shouldn’t even look at the road for motorists. The side of the road becomes open to two-wheelers only when there is no sign of a “separate lane” and movement on the roadway is impossible: it is littered with snow or debris, crowded with cars, etc.

Accordingly, a cyclist has the right to move onto the sidewalk where pedestrians are scurrying about only occasionally, if there are no other options. Unfortunately, this rule is not always observed in Russia. Out of ignorance or deliberately, out of convenience, many cyclists prefer to ride on sidewalks, often creating not only obstacles for pedestrians, but also dangerous: hitting a pedestrian can result in serious injuries. In any accident that occurs on the sidewalk involving a pedestrian, by definition the cyclist will be to blame.

Can a cyclist ride on the roadway?

The existing “Rules of the Road” are quite friendly to cyclists. They do not need to obtain medical certificates, study or demonstrate their knowledge and skills to obtain a license. All you need to do is purchase a vehicle. Traffic regulations even allow people not to wear protective equipment. Although many of those who are seriously involved in the development of cycling urge not to neglect this measure.

And yet the law makes a number of requirements for fans of mechanical transport. The current “Rules...” allowed only those who:

has reached 14 years of age (children under this age “Rules...” are allowed to drive only on special paths or on the sidewalk);
is in adequate condition, that is, is not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other medications;
travels in a fully operational, prepared and tested vehicle;
equipped the bike with special headlights on the front and side lights on the rear. Their use is mandatory in the dark, in fog, in heavy rain, etc.

What exactly do traffic regulations say about cyclists?

Owners of this vehicle will especially benefit from taking a look at section 12 of this brochure. It contains rules written specifically for them.

According to them, such road users are obliged to:

Drive exclusively along the right edge of the roadway, trying to stay as close to the road border as possible. Cyclists should line up in a single row and not interfere with other road users;
Give signals:
● when turning left using the left turn signal, and in its absence, with the left hand extended upward or bent at an angle of 90 degrees and the right hand pointed upward;
● when turning right with the right turn signal, and in its absence, with the right hand extended upward or bent at an angle of 90 degrees and the left one pointed upward;
● when braking with your left or right hand extended upward.
Give way to pedestrians in accordance with the rules applicable to motorists. That is, give them the right of way at unregulated pedestrian crossings. On regulated ones, start moving only after the traffic light turns on and you can make sure that all pedestrians have managed to leave the crossing.

It is prohibited for a cyclist to be on the roadway

Every cyclist entering the roadway is prohibited from:

turn around or turn left if the road you are driving on has more than two lanes. In this case, the cyclist is obliged to reach the pedestrian crossing, get off his vehicle and, as a pedestrian, cross to the other side at the traffic light signal;
turn around or turn left on those roads where there are active tram tracks;
cross the road at a pedestrian crossing on a bicycle;
carry passengers if the design of the bicycle does not provide equipped seats for them. Children under 7 years old are allowed to be transported only in special devices;
transport a large load that will protrude beyond the dimensions of the bicycle itself by more than 50 cm on any side, in length or width, as well as load that can interfere with the control of the vehicle.

If a cyclist does not follow the rules, he will have to pay a fine. A representative of the traffic police has the right to write it out.

How should a cyclist move along the roadway?

12 minutes Author: Andrey Smirnov 170

Many cyclists think about using their bike as a vehicle and riding it to work, to the country, to shops, to nature... Riding on the sidewalks among pedestrians is quite problematic; there are only one or two special bicycle paths in a city with a population of one million, and even that is not a fact. There is only one option left - roads and highways, and traffic on them is equal to cars.

Not everyone knows that a bicycle is equal to a car, and on the road it is necessary to follow the general rules of movement on the roadway. Going out with a bike unprepared is absurd and dangerous, so now we will determine where and how a bicycle driver should ride and what to follow when doing so.

Bicycle safety in the “iron kingdom”

To ride a bicycle safely on the roadway you must:

Good condition of transport.
Required position relative to other vehicles.
Optimal speed.
Maintaining distance, lateral interval.
Attentiveness, good response.
Visibility from the outside.
Compliance with the requirements of road signs, markings, traffic lights.

When moving along the roadway, the bicycle must be in good condition. First of all, this concerns the steering wheel and brake system. It is also necessary to check the mounting of the wheels to the frame, the condition of the transmission and the air pressure in the tires.

We decide which side of the road we need to be on. This is a rather controversial issue among cyclists: some argue that it is necessary to ride in the direction of travel, others - “against the grain”, like pedestrians - on the side of the road, others don’t care at all, even if it’s in the middle. So who is right?

Traffic regulations clearly and clearly defined the position of a bicycle on the road: passing other vehicles, moving as far to the right as possible. This could be the edge of the road, the right lane in multi-lane traffic. The key word "possible" means that traffic rules allow cyclists to veer to the left and even enter oncoming traffic. Such cases include:

Driving around a parked car.
Poor quality of the road surface, when driving on which you can fall and create an emergency situation.
Driving through the scene of an accident or cordon.

A group of cyclists moves in one row, in the extreme right position, at a distance from each other. Riding parallel in one lane, as the rules allow for motorcycles, is prohibited for cyclists.

The speed of the bike in traffic is of great importance. According to traffic regulations, driving synchronously with the flow is the safest for each vehicle. On the road it is necessary to develop and maintain a fairly high speed, at least 20 km/h. Driving too slowly interferes with cars, as they are forced to maneuver around the cyclist. This is especially true for narrow roads, where passing oncoming and oncoming traffic is difficult. However, high speed is only safe if all traffic is moving quickly.

The distance for a cyclist is the distance between him and other vehicles in length. Side spacing is the distance across the width. For comfortable driving on the road, they must be maintained so that in a dangerous situation you can turn to the side. If the distance behind the car in front decreases, you need to slow down. And, conversely, speed up if it decreases with traffic behind. When moving in parallel, you should not press too close to passing and parked cars, and here’s why:

There is a risk of falling on the car due to unevenness on the road.
The door of a parked car may suddenly open.
A car can hit a cyclist.

Attention is the key to successful cycling as a driver. You should carefully monitor what is happening in front and to the sides. The road is movement, and the situation changes every second. It will be useful to purchase a rear-view mirror and install it on the steering wheel: this way you can keep an eye on the road behind you.

An integral attribute of mindfulness is the reaction: the higher it is, the more opportunities there are to avoid an unpleasant situation. The reaction speed decreases when tired, taking medications and when intoxicated. In these cases, the rules prohibit driving, including a bicycle.

Peace of mind will give the cyclist the confidence to be seen. It is recommended to have reflectors on the frame, lighting devices (a headlight at the front and a flashing red light at the rear) when driving at dusk, and bright clothes, preferably also with reflective stripes.

Traffic rules oblige, along with car drivers, to comply with the requirements of road signs, markings and traffic lights. Current road signs for bicycles:

Priority signs.
Crosswalk.
No entry.
Prohibiting turns.
Prescriptive directions.
Signs of special requirements: one-way traffic, route traffic.
"Driving in lanes" signs.

Pay attention to the signs

Markings for cyclists:

Solid line (no crossing allowed).
Broken line (can be crossed).
Pedestrian zebra crossing.
Islands of safety.
Yellow markings prohibiting stopping and/or parking.

As for traffic lights, everything is simple: red, yellow - stop, green - the road is clear. When the additional section of the traffic light is on, traffic is allowed after other vehicles have passed through the main green section. For a cyclist, the “right” arrow will be relevant.

Safe flight when maneuvering

Maneuvering on the road is a deviation from a straight trajectory. According to traffic rules, the driver in this situation must give way to vehicles moving straight ahead. Maneuvers on the roadway include starting to move, changing lanes, and turning. We will consider the last category in a separate section, but now let’s talk about how to properly start moving and change lanes.

At the beginning of the movement, you must give way to everyone traveling in the same direction: cars, motorcycles, other bicycles. As soon as a safe gap has formed and other passing vehicles are still far away, we deviate to the left, straighten the steering wheel and pick up speed. When turning onto the road from the adjacent territory (yards, driveways, platforms), it is also necessary to let everyone through.

Changing lanes is necessary when avoiding obstacles or moving in the permitted direction. For example, the right lane is only for right turns, but you need to drive straight. When changing lanes, the trajectory should be as straight as possible, so you need to start deviating to the left in advance. We give way to passing traffic and reduce speed. When driving around obstacles on narrow roads with an exit on the left side, you must stop and let oncoming traffic pass. If the obstacle is on the oncoming side, then the cyclist has the right of way on his territory.

Driving through intersections and crossing roads

In general, there are four ways to drive through a road intersection: continue straight, turn right or left, or turn around. A right turn for a cyclist is allowed at all regular intersections, as it is made from the extreme right position - the legal place of the cyclist.

A cyclist can also freely ride straight from his lane, and he will have an advantage over those turning right. If the right lane is only for a turn, then to drive straight you need to change lanes into the adjacent lane, having first given way to everyone who does not intend to change lanes.

A bicycle driver is only allowed to turn left and change direction from roads where there is one lane in each direction and there are no tram tracks. By the way, about trams: at intersections they have an advantage over a bicycle; if the red light is not on for it, it does not leave the secondary road or the depot.

Warning instructions for turning: “right” - an outstretched arm to the right, “left” and “turn” - an outstretched arm to the left. The direction of turn must be shown in advance, before the maneuver.

Crossroads are divided into several types:

Unregulated, equivalent roads.
Without traffic lights, with a certain priority.
Adjustable.

The first type of intersections is passed according to the “interference on the right” rule. We look to the right and miss everything that moves from there. When turning left at such intersections, you must give way to the entire oncoming traffic unless it has its own obstacle on the right (to the left of the bicycle).

Intersections with priority are intersections of roads where, according to the rules, some pass “without looking”, others give way. The former move along the main road, the latter are on the secondary road. On the main road, a bicycle has the right of way, just like a car. However, you need to be careful, slow down a little and pass only if they really allow you to do so.

The most unpleasant maneuver on the main road is turning left. Here you will need to first let through all the passing people, and then the oncoming ones. Sometimes the main road may change direction: there is an information board under the sign. If such a road turns left, then there is no need to let anyone through. On a secondary road, a bicycle is inferior to everyone driving on the main road if they intend to drive straight or to the left, and only to future passing vehicles when turning right.

Signalized intersections are usually intersections of major streets where left turns will not be permitted. There are two ways to rotate:

Get off your bike and cross the zebra crossings.
Drive "at the corner": straight on the green, turn 90 degrees and drive straight on the green again. This can be done where there are no pedestrian crossings, and if there are no cars parked at the edge of the road. In general, the first option is safer.

You are allowed to drive straight and to the right when the signal is green, including a flashing one. You can complete the intersection on yellow or even red. If the traffic light is flashing yellow or turned off, then we look at the priority signs or get off and cross the road on foot.

There are also T-shaped signalized intersections. They are interesting because you can turn left from a road without a direct passage, even if there are more than one lane. To do this, you need to move to the left lane in advance and calmly turn on green: the bicycle will be to the right of everyone and will not create interference. Don't forget to give turn signals when changing lanes and before turning.

Attention! When turning right or left, you can cross a pedestrian crossing only if there are no people on it. That is, we act like in a car: at turns we let all pedestrians pass, and we also let them complete the transition.

You need to cross the road with a bicycle with your own feet, using a pedestrian crossing. Unfortunately, many people neglect this and ride directly on the saddle. This cannot be done for the following reasons:

You can hit a pedestrian at a zebra crossing.
There is a danger of crashing into a curb and falling off your bike.
A car driver turning a corner may not notice a cyclist and hit him.

The same applies to controlled crossings (without an intersection): the rules clearly state that a cyclist is required to cross the roadway as a pedestrian. A self-respecting bicycle driver always remembers where he can and cannot ride.

Where it is advisable to travel, not worth it, prohibited

When choosing a route, it is recommended to choose roads with low traffic: this way the ride will be more comfortable, faster, and there will be less risk of getting into an accident or being poisoned by exhaust fumes.

You can, but you should not drive on streets that are too wide and have heavy traffic. Of course, an experienced road cyclist will ride everywhere, but if there are more reasonable options, it is better to choose them. Also, do not overuse driving on highways and roads with a large number of heavy vehicles. We must remember that a truck and a bicycle are incomparable things.

It is prohibited to ride a bicycle on highways without traffic lights. The speed of cars on such roads is usually close to 90 km/h even in the right lane, and a modest 25-30 km/h is completely out of place here. It is also prohibited to ride on two wheels in tunnels.

If the rules are strictly and timely followed, cycling on the roads will be relatively safe and comfortable. To these should be added the unspoken principle of the “three Ds”, as well as being respectful and patient with other participants. There can never be too much politeness, but it will definitely return.

Rules of the road (traffic rules) for cyclists, or how to ride a bicycle on the roads according to the rules

More and more cyclists are appearing on our roads and off-roads, fortunately the weather in the summer is favorable for this.
The bicycle is becoming a popular means of transport, both for movement and for maintaining optimal physical shape. Riding a bicycle does not require a driver's license, as does driving most other vehicles.
Therefore, often, most cyclists, despite the fact that they are drivers of two-wheeled vehicles, have a very poor understanding of traffic rules and ride on the roads unprepared. But cycling for adults, with the exception of some types of cycling, involves driving on roads and streets.

Let's look at the traffic rules for cyclists in force in 2018 .

Some dry information from the traffic rules about the terms.

“Bicycle” is a vehicle, other than a wheelchair, that has at least two wheels and is generally propelled by the muscular energy of the occupants of the vehicle.
“Driver” is a person driving a vehicle.
A “cyclist” is a person who operates a bicycle.
“Pedestrian” is a person who is outside a vehicle on the road or on a pedestrian or bicycle path and is not working on them.
Persons driving a bicycle are considered pedestrians. “Bicycle path” is a road element (or a separate road) structurally separated from the roadway and sidewalk, intended for the movement of cyclists and marked with sign 4.4.1.

“Lane for cyclists” is a lane of the roadway intended for the movement of bicycles and mopeds, separated from the rest of the roadway by horizontal markings and marked with sign 5.14.2.

Answers to basic questions based on the definitions presented in the traffic rules.

Question: Is a bicycle a vehicle?
Yes, a bicycle is a means of transport.

Question: Is a cyclist a driver?
Yes, a cyclist is a driver, therefore all the requirements of the rules necessary for the fulfillment of drivers of vehicles apply to the same extent to cyclists.

Question: When can a person with a bicycle be a pedestrian?
If you get off your bike and roll the bike next to you, then in accordance with the traffic rules, you are already a pedestrian.

General rules for cyclists, as for any drivers of vehicles.

A bicycle, as a vehicle, must be in good working order.
In conditions of poor visibility, in the dark, in tunnels, headlights or lanterns should be on . Thus, in these conditions, light reflectors alone are not enough to ride a bicycle; there must be light devices.

A cyclist, while driving on the roadway, is obliged to indicate with certain signs to other road users if he is about to make any maneuver.

Before starting to move, turn, change lanes and stop, you must give signals with turn signals, if available, and if not, then with your hand. When performing various maneuvers, the cyclist must not interfere with other road users.

This is not noted in the traffic regulations, but for the safety of both the cyclist and other road users, it is apparently necessary that a person on a bicycle be clearly visible. Therefore, it is necessary that he wear bright, noticeable clothing, and in the dark there should be reflective elements on his clothing.

In accordance with traffic regulations, the permitted speed for a cyclist is the same as for other vehicles. In the city it is not allowed to exceed the speed of 60 km/h, in courtyards and residential areas - 20 km/h. At the same time, a cyclist can reach a speed above 25 km/h only through his own efforts.

Traffic regulations for cyclists are set out in a separate chapter No. 24.

Who can ride a bike and where?

If you are over 14 years old, you must ride on a cycle path, cycle path or cycle lane . That is, driving on other elements of the road is prohibited by the rules, in particular on the sidewalk. But there are exceptions to this rule.

Question: Is it possible to ride a bicycle on the roadway?
If you are a cyclist under the age of 14, then the rules prohibit you from riding on the roadway.

If you are over 14 years old , then, as an exception, you can ride along the edge of the roadway when:
• There is no lane for cyclists, bicycle or bicycle pedestrian paths, or movement along them is impossible.
• When the width of the bicycle or its trailer is more than 1 meter.
• When cyclists move in a column.

Question: Can I ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or pedestrian path?
Yes, if you are between 7 and 14 years old, you can only ride a bicycle on pedestrian paths, bicycle paths, bicycle paths, sidewalks, and within pedestrian zones.

Yes, if the cyclist is under 7 years old. Cyclists of this age can only ride on pedestrian and cycle paths (on the pedestrian side), sidewalks, and within pedestrian zones.

Question: Where can children from 7 to 14 years old ride a bicycle?
Children aged 7 to 14 years old can only ride a bicycle on bicycle paths, pedestrian paths, pedestrian paths, sidewalks, and within pedestrian zones.

Question: Where can children under 7 years old ride a bicycle?
Children under 7 years old should ride bicycles only on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths (on the pedestrian side), as well as within pedestrian zones. That is, they should only move on a section of the road intended for pedestrian traffic.

Thus, cyclists under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding on the side of the road or on the roadway.
If a cyclist, moving along a pedestrian path, sidewalk, roadside or within pedestrian zones, interferes with the movement of other persons, then he must get off the bicycle and become a pedestrian, that is, roll the bicycle next to him.

Driving on the roadway

Those cyclists who are allowed to ride on the roadway, in accordance with the traffic rules, must move along its edge in the direction of the traffic flow .

But moving along the edge does not mean that you need to move right next to the side of the road. You need to leave a small space on the asphalt between you and the side of the road for maneuver. Danger can come from drivers cutting off, turning right and doors opening on cars parked on the side of the road.

Question: Which side of the road should a cyclist ride on or what is the correct way to ride a bicycle on the road?
The cyclist must move along the right edge of the roadway in the direction of traffic (clause 24.2 of the traffic rules).

Apparently, the frequency of this issue is due to the fact that pedestrians, in the absence of other traffic regulations, are allowed to move even along the edge of the roadway (of course, driving along the edge of the roadway for pedestrians poses a significant danger, therefore it is not recommended), but pedestrians must move towards the traffic .

If a cyclist gets off his bike and rolls it next to him, then, in accordance with the traffic rules, he becomes a pedestrian and, accordingly, must move along the edge of the roadway towards the movement of vehicles.

There are prohibitions in the traffic rules that apply only to drivers of two-wheeled vehicles.

Question: Is it possible for a cyclist to ride a bicycle without holding the handlebars with his hands?
It is prohibited to operate a bicycle without holding the handlebars with at least one hand.

Question: Is it possible for a cyclist to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing?
No. A cyclist cannot cross the road at a pedestrian crossing.

A cyclist is prohibited from:
driving on highways;
transport children under 7 years of age if there are no specially equipped places for their transportation;
turn left or turn around on roads with tram traffic and on roads with more than one lane for traffic in a given direction ;
cross the road at pedestrian crossings . In this case, the cyclist has no advantage over vehicles. That is, you cannot cross the road on a bicycle, you must dismount, i.e. get off the bike and roll it next to you. In this case, you become a pedestrian and, at a pedestrian crossing when crossing the road, use all the advantages over car drivers that pedestrians have when driving along a pedestrian crossing.