Can a cyclist ride in a pedestrian crossing?
Cyclist at a pedestrian crossing
The situation on the road, when a cyclist passes through a pedestrian crossing without getting off his bike, no longer surprises anyone. Rarely do police stop such violators. Almost every bicycle owner has crossed a pedestrian crossing at least once in their life.
However, there are certain traffic rules that the owner of a bike must obey.
Cyclist - pedestrian or driver
To answer this question you need to refer to the traffic rules. Based on the formulated traffic rules, a bike is a non-mechanical vehicle, and the cyclist acts as its driver.
If the owner of the iron horse dismounts, he already falls under the category of a pedestrian. A logical conclusion follows from this. Since the crossing is called a pedestrian crossing, you must cross it while driving your “iron horse” on foot.
There is only one difference between a pedestrian and a dismounted cyclist. Outside cities, villages, towns, pedestrians are required to walk towards the flow of cars and other vehicles, while bicycle owners are required to walk along the flow of traffic.
Who gives way to whom
According to the traffic rules, a cyclist is a vehicle while driving, and therefore must obey traffic signs. Take into account the signals of other vehicles, follow the instructions of traffic lights and traffic controllers.
Bicycles, scooters, components
Merida Mission CX 400 (2019)
Orbea Grow 0 (2015)
Lexus MS-0760 Great Icon (2019)
Silverback Stride 26 SLD (2019)
At an unregulated type of pedestrian crossing, the bike driver is required to let pedestrians pass. In large cities where there are tram lines, the cyclist is also required to give way to pedestrians heading to the tram.
How to cross a pedestrian crossing as a cyclist
Some bike owners use pedestrian crossings to turn around. However, is this allowed by traffic rules?
Based on clause 8.11, bike owners are prohibited from performing such maneuvers. What should you do in this situation?
Traffic rules indicate that the cyclist will need to dismount and cross the zebra crossing, leading the “iron horse” by the steering wheel. After which the biker has the right to choose any direction for further movement.
Based on traffic rules, pedestrian crossings are a section of the road with limited functionality. For this reason, it is prohibited to stand on a pedestrian crossing or within 5 meters of it.
Separately, the rules for crossing railway crossings should be highlighted. When a cyclist or pedestrian violates the rules on the roadway, it is not as deadly compared to the railway.
The total mass of the composition is hundreds of times greater than the weight of the bicycle and its owner. Most collisions are fatal.
When crossing a railway crossing, the owner of the iron horse must pay attention and obey the traffic light signs. Make sure there are no sound signals from the approaching train. You are also required to stop before the lowered barrier.
A cyclist needs to be extremely careful at a railway crossing and not travel with vacuum headphones in his ears. Equipping your bike with reflectors and flashlights will reduce the likelihood of an accident.
A difficult situation develops when a cyclist appears in a pedestrian area. To avoid creating problems in the movement of other pedestrians, the owner of the bike must respect the priority of movement.
- Special paths for bicycle owners.
- Side of the road.
- Right edge of the roadway.
Moving along sidewalk areas is allowed if the cyclist is under 14 years old or the owner of the bike is accompanying a child of preschool age, or there is no opportunity to move along other priority areas.
Most cities in the Russian Federation do not have special roads for cyclists. Roadsides may be covered in snow or littered with debris. In such situations, it is recommended to move on the sidewalk.
It is also required to comply with Article 6 of the traffic rules, which states the following:
When cycling makes it difficult for pedestrians to travel, the owner of the bike must dismount and cover the “densely populated” section of the route on foot. Cyclists must use extreme caution when traveling on pedestrian roads.
Fining a cyclist for driving through a pedestrian crossing
Crossing the road of cyclists while driving, obstructing the movement of vehicles or other pedestrians is forgiven only for the first time and at the request of a police officer. In case of repeated violation, according to the traffic rules, a fine of 300 rubles or more is imposed.
Driving a bicycle while intoxicated is also punishable by an administrative fine of 500 rubles or more.
To ensure that the actions of the bike owner do not irritate vehicle drivers or interfere with pedestrians, you need to remember the basic rule:
The owner of a bicycle is allowed to cross a pedestrian crossing by dismounting and driving the bike by the handlebars, but crossing this section of the road on a bike is prohibited.
Can a cyclist ride on a pedestrian crossing?
Cyclists on the road are required to follow all traffic rules. If the traffic light is red, the cyclist must stand in the general traffic and wait for the green light. In accordance with paragraph 14.6 of the Traffic Rules, “the driver must give way to pedestrians walking towards or away from a fixed-route vehicle standing at a stop (from the door side).” Thus, the cyclist is obliged to stand in front of tram passengers or other pedestrians crossing the road. However, few people do this. Cyclists often not only run red lights if the road is relatively clear, but also push past pedestrians at zebra crossings, and also jump onto sidewalks and ride along them, only to return to the roadway a minute or two later.
Cyclist - driver of a vehicle
According to the rules, cyclists can cross the road and turn around only in those places where there is a broken marking line and there are no prohibiting signs, mainly at intersections. Naturally, not everyone will look for such a section of the road, and cyclists sometimes simply find a pedestrian crossing. They rush through it at full speed, so much so that people are forced to jump to the sides. If a child or an elderly person gets in the way at this moment, trouble is not far away.
In addition, the speed of a bicycle does not allow car drivers to notice such an object in time and react to it. A bicycle jumping out in front of them always turns into a serious obstacle. Motorists are sometimes forced to resort to emergency braking, which can cause an accident.
It is not surprising that, according to clause 8.11 of the traffic rules, a bicycle as a vehicle cannot move along a pedestrian crossing. In addition, the cyclist, as the driver of a vehicle, cannot turn “in tunnels; on bridges, overpasses, overpasses and under them; at railway crossings; and also in places with road visibility in at least one direction of less than 100 m.”
How to use transition?
If there is an urgent need to cross the road, the rules allow cyclists to use the pedestrian crossing, but only after dismounting. The bicycle must be kept close to you. If a person gets off his bike, he turns from a driver into a pedestrian, and his legal status changes. And now he has undeniable priority at the pedestrian crossing.
However, in accordance with Article 24 of the Traffic Regulations, cyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks, and this is one of the exceptions that distinguishes bicycles from motor vehicles. True, a cyclist cannot always move there, but only in the following cases: “there are no bicycle and bicycle pedestrian paths or there is no opportunity to move along them, and there is also no opportunity to move along the right edge of the roadway or shoulder; the cyclist accompanies a cyclist under 14 years of age or transports a child under 7 years of age in a booster seat, in a bicycle stroller or in a trailer designed for use with a bicycle.”
In addition, if a cyclist has not reached the age of 14, he cannot ride on the roadway, but can only ride on the sidewalk. However, in this case it is important not to forget about the safety of pedestrians. In accordance with paragraph 24.6, “if the movement of a cyclist on a sidewalk, pedestrian path, shoulder or within pedestrian zones endangers or interferes with the movement of other persons, the cyclist must dismount and follow the requirements provided for by these Rules for the movement of pedestrians.”
If the cyclist was careless and caused harm to a pedestrian, then he is liable before the law as the driver of a vehicle. The problem is that cyclists do not have compulsory motor insurance, and the damage resulting from an accident can be serious. For example, when driving on the sidewalk, a cyclist will hit a person, after which hospitalization will be required.
OSAGO could cover the costs of treatment and recovery, but there is no insurance, and the dispute between the participants in this accident is completely under the jurisdiction of the courts. Victims can bring serious claims against the person responsible for the accident.
There is also a fine for cyclists, although only one. According to Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, for any violation of the Traffic Rules by a person driving a bicycle, an administrative penalty is imposed in the form of a fine in the amount of 800 rubles.
Is it possible to ride a bicycle on a pedestrian crossing?
When riding on the road, a cyclist faces various difficulties and questions. As a rule, many try to resolve controversial issues on a whim or “by eye,” but such a decision is fundamentally wrong.
Since a cyclist is a full-fledged participant in traffic, he is obliged to know all the rules of the road and follow them.
Traffic rules for cyclists
Some changes were made to the traffic rules, which also affected lovers of two-wheeled horses. All cyclists were divided into several categories:
• Under seven years of age;
• Between the ages of seven and 14 years;
• Those who have reached the age of 14 years.
The first two categories are not allowed to travel on the roadway, since they have the right to travel only in the following areas:
• On specially equipped bike paths;
• On pedestrian paths.
Children under the age of seven are not allowed to ride bicycles on bicycle paths - they have the right to ride only on sidewalks and under the supervision of adults.
Rules for riding a bicycle on the roadway
Cyclists can ride on the roadway only if there are no specially equipped paths.
Despite this, traffic rules allow people of any age to ride bicycles on the sidewalk, provided that they do not interfere with the free movement of other pedestrians. If movement is difficult for any reason, the cyclist must:
• Get off your bike and follow the rules for pedestrians;
• Enter the roadway and drive along it.
If a pedestrian is hit on a pedestrian sidewalk, then all the blame will fall on the cyclist, since he violated the rules of the road.
Riding a bicycle on the roadway must comply with the following rules:
• The situation on the road must be assessed: increased traffic is a reason to stop cycling and continue further movement on the sidewalk;
• The cyclist must comply with all traffic rules and follow all requirements of signs, markings, traffic lights, etc.;
• When driving on the roadway, the cyclist must stay on the right side of the road and move as close to the curb as possible;
• It is not advisable to move more than one meter from the curb.
Cyclists forming a column are required to ride along the road one abreast and one behind the other. Lining up in a column of two people in a row is only possible if the maximum width of a row of two cyclists does not exceed 75 centimeters.
The movement of cyclists in organized columns is also regulated by traffic rules: one group should not contain more than 10 people, all groups should be located at a distance of at least 80-100 meters from each other.
A cyclist can receive a fine of 800 rubles if they fail to comply with one of the traffic rules - if crossing the roadway is carried out at a pedestrian crossing together with pedestrians on bicycles.
In this case, the vehicle is transported manually, that is, the person must dismount from the vehicle.
In conditions of poor visibility and during precipitation, cyclists are also not recommended to ride on the roadway. Driving two-wheeled vehicles in icy conditions is considered potentially dangerous. The bicycle must be equipped with a front light and reflective elements.
How to pass intersections
Uncontrolled intersections are a problem even for car drivers. Cyclists undertake to comply with general traffic rules and obey all signs and markings.
All motorized vehicles have an advantage over bicycles. A cyclist cannot cross the roadway in front of a moving car closer than a hundred meters.
The one who drives the bicycle undertakes to check whether cars are allowing him to pass, and only after that proceed to further movement.
In addition, while driving, cyclists must give signals to other road users:
• Direction of rotation using an outstretched left or right hand;
• Direction of rotation in the opposite direction – with a bent arm;
• Stop – with your hand raised up.
Is it possible to ride a bicycle on a pedestrian crossing?
You can't do this. The pedestrian crossing is used only for the movement of pedestrians and is not intended for the passage of vehicles through it. Since a bicycle belongs to the category of vehicles, it is accordingly prohibited to ride on it along a pedestrian crossing.
Driving a bicycle imposes certain obligations on a person that he must fulfill in order not to encounter unpleasant consequences and not cause an accident.
Can a cyclist ride in a pedestrian crossing?
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.
Changes in traffic regulations regarding cyclists in 2019
Most recently, the Rules were changed regarding the “Spikes” sign and other conditions for people with disabilities. But there are already changes in traffic rules that expand the rights of pedestrians and cyclists. For example, a new concept “Bicycle zone” has been introduced. In it, cyclists have a great advantage, and car drivers must yield to them. In addition, several other points have been changed. In a comparative form, we learn about new changes in the rules for cyclists.
New for cyclists
More precisely, the changes affected not only this category of participants, but also other drivers. But the benefits of cyclists have changed to a greater extent. Resolution 1478 of 2018 is posted on the official website of the Government of the Russian Federation.
The most significant innovations:
- A new concept “Bicycle Zone” has appeared. It is indicated by a special road sign that did not exist before. Due to the changes, you can now drive no faster than 20 km per hour in the cycling zone. Drivers of motorcycles and cars must give way to cyclists in this zone. Even pedestrians crossing the road have no advantage over them.
- The rules give cyclists even more rights to park and stop near bike paths, as well as some benefits.
Entry into force
At the time of publication of the review, changes to the Rules in the considered part have not yet entered into legal force. The new decree was published only on the government website. In order for it to take effect, it requires publication on the Pravo.gov.ru portal, but this has not happened yet. If you go to this site and try to find resolution 1478 through the search form, nothing will be found.
Below we will analyze all the changes made to the Rules by Resolution No. 1478 , in order. As mentioned above, they affected cyclists and car drivers.
Bicycle zone
The name is included in the traffic rules in paragraph 1.2. It establishes what a bicycle zone means. This is a place for bicycle riders to ride. The beginning and end of this zone are indicated by special signs shown below.
Bicycle zone signs
The new signs look like this:
Pedestrians can cross anywhere
According to the new Rules, the bicycle traffic zone was made a kind of exception for pedestrians. Now they can cross it anywhere. This addition was included in paragraph 4.3 of the Traffic Regulations, where all restrictions on crossings are indicated.
Speed limit
On bicycle paths, the speed of movement is now the same as it was provided for in courtyards. It cannot be higher than 20 km per hour , as amended in the traffic rules in paragraph 10.2. Previously, it stated that in populated areas, traffic was allowed at a speed of no higher than 60 km per hour, and in courtyards and residential areas - no higher than 20 km per hour. Now bicycle zones have been added to the latter territories.
New item introduced
A new clause has been introduced into the rules, numbered 24.11, which relates to requirements for bicycle drivers. According to it, the following conditions are established specifically for the bicycle zone:
- Following changes to the Rules, cyclists now have priority over other vehicles, such as cars.
- Driving is permitted across the entire width of the zone.
- Pedestrians are allowed to cross the bicycle zone in all places, subject to compliance with traffic rules from 4.4 to 4.7. They must take into account the presence of a green traffic light, not interfere with the movement of bicycles, and not linger on the road for a long time. When approaching a car with a flashing light and siren, pedestrians must give way to it.
New bicycle zone markings
The latest innovation is the new road markings numbered 1.24.6. It marks the beginning of the bicycle zone. In appearance, the markings resemble sign 5.33.1.
Other innovations for bicycle riders
New changes have also been introduced in small details of traffic rules. This applies to compliance with other laws, as well as with the paragraphs of these Rules.
Stop prohibition
The changes include clarifications in which places it is prohibited to stop a car. This list now includes bicycle paths.
According to the new rules, stopping is prohibited in places where the car will block traffic lights, signs from other drivers, or interfere with other cars, including on bicycle paths. In addition, you cannot stop closer than 5 meters from the intersection of a bicycle path with a road for cars, or if it interferes with pedestrians.
Bicycle traffic in yards
Even under the old Rules, not everyone knew about the prohibition of driving through courtyards without stopping. It was necessary to stop. Once the changes take effect, there will be no similar prohibition for cyclists. This is stated in the new version of clause 17.2. Such violations were practically not detected by traffic police officers, so this innovation can be called useless.
Cyclists turning left on the road
The changes concern traffic on a multi-lane road. Newly, bicycle drivers are allowed to turn left from the right side of the road and turn around. But this permit is valid only if the road is located far from the bicycle zone.
Where can you ride a bike?
The traffic rules for cyclists concern several points from section 24. Let’s take a closer look at what the Rules allow.
Bicycle drivers over 14 years of age can ride in the following places:
- Along the bike lane, along the bike and pedestrian path.
- Along the roadway on the right.
- They can drive along the side of the road.
- Along a pedestrian path or sidewalk.
Each subsequent paragraph assumes that there are no previous conditions. You can ride on the sidewalk if there is no shoulder, or it is impossible to ride on the right edge, or there is no lane for cyclists.
In addition, there are some exceptions to these conditions:
- It is allowed to ride a bicycle on the roadway if its width, or the load attached to it, is more than 1 meter wide.
- If cyclists are traveling in a column, then they are allowed to ride on the roadway.
- You are allowed to ride on a pedestrian path if you are accompanying a child under 14 years of age who is driving a bicycle, or if you are carrying a child under 7 years of age.
If cyclists ride in two rows, then the width of the bicycle should not be more than 75 cm. The column is divided into groups of 10 people in one row, or 10 pairs in two rows. To ensure that other vehicles can overtake, there must be a distance of at least 80 meters between groups.
Location Features
Young cyclists aged 7-14 years can ride in pedestrian areas, on bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as sidewalks.
Cyclists who are school students should not ride on the side of the road.
Children under 7 years old can only ride with pedestrians, that is, in those places where pedestrians are allowed to walk (sidewalks, pedestrian zones, etc.). Therefore, today cyclists can ride on roadsides and sidewalks. In such cases, special requirements are imposed under clause 24.6 of the traffic rules. He says that if a cyclist on a sidewalk or in a pedestrian area is disturbing other people, then he should walk and follow the rules for pedestrians.
The following example clearly shows the advantages and rights of each traffic participant. For example, a cyclist and a car are moving along the sidewalk (sometimes the rules allow this). If they collide with each other, both will be found guilty. And if a cyclist gets off his bike and walks, then he will not be at fault. As a result, he will not have to pay for car repairs.
Thus, paragraph 24.6 of the Rules indicates that in case of an accident on the sidewalk, the cyclist is among the culprits in any case. Some roads have special lanes for cyclists. They are indicated by special signs. You can only ride on them on mopeds and bicycles. Other vehicles should not enter them.
Public transport lanes
Cyclists can ride in these places in accordance with paragraph 18.2 of the traffic rules. They are also indicated by special signs. If there are no such signs, but there is a lane, then the cyclist is prohibited from entering it.
What do cyclists violate most?
Popular violations of cyclists are riding in the oncoming lane or in a pedestrian crossing. In such cases, they forget that they are drivers and not pedestrians. Both cases pose a great danger on the road. This is especially true for the second case.
In such situations, children often die, but car owners will not be to blame. They are required to yield only to pedestrians, not to drivers. This vehicle can reach speeds of 40 km per hour or more. That's why they sometimes appear unexpectedly on the road. Motorists need to be more careful in the summer and monitor cyclists when they move on the road.