The bicycle as a means of transportation is becoming more and more popular. It is a fast and environmentally friendly mode of transport that allows you to maintain a healthy physical form.
For the reason that cyclists often move not only on pedestrians, but become direct participants traffic, they need to know the 2020 statutory rules of the road for cyclists.
Having studied the basic traffic rules for cyclists, you can learn how to turn correctly at a difficult intersection, where it is better to move - along the sidewalk or along the side of the road, how to cross a pedestrian crossing, who should be the first to pass the intersection - a car or a bicycle.
The role of the cyclist on the track
To learn the rules of the road for cyclists, you need to start with familiarization with the general positioning.
A cyclist very often moves at a speed of less than 30 km / h, he is not protected by a body and special safety arcs, and it is also difficult for him to indicate the direction of his movement or to study the situation on the road on the sides and behind.
All this makes the process of moving on the road more difficult and dangerous.
To avoid problems on the road and accidents, the cyclist is currently endowed with the same rights as the driver of a car and a motorcycle. There are only a few minor limitations, which can be found in this article.
The authors of traffic rules in the process of developing and agreeing on rules use special terms. Most of the descriptions are significantly reduced, which allows not to clutter the reader's mind with official words.
A bicycle is a type of vehicle with two wheels.. It is driven by muscular energy, and can also be equipped with an electric motor.
A cyclist is a driver, that is, a person driving a vehicle.
As soon as a cyclist moves by means of a bicycle carrying next to him, it is equated to an ordinary pedestrian. In other words, its role in traffic is completely changing.
If a cyclist carries a vehicle next to him and becomes a pedestrian, the rights of this category of traffic are assigned to him.
It is worth noting that a cyclist who walks along the highway does not become a pedestrian, he is subject to the rights of a pedestrian, this is a driver.
As soon as a person changes to a bicycle, he becomes a full-fledged driver, entrusting him with all the duties and rights of such.
When describing the traffic rules that apply to cyclists, first of all, it is necessary to note the places where they can move. The permitted places of movement are quite specific.
Here are the most basic valid places:
- City bike paths.
- The right edge of the carriageway, no more than a meter from the edge or directly on the side of the road. These are equal places. When moving along the road on foot, the cyclist must walk in the direction of travel, and not against him, like pedestrians.
- In the process of moving along the sidewalk, that is, along pedestrian zone, you can move only if the first two options are missing.
Based on the above, we can conclude that cyclists who move along the sidewalks violate the rules.
Bicycle is vehicle and not a pedestrian on wheels. This rule does not apply to children under 14 years of age. They can move along sidewalks and paths at the same time as pedestrians.
Difficult situations at intersections
There are some rather difficult situations that cyclists who move around the track as full-fledged road users can face. Here are the most basic requirements for cyclists.
Review
Before making a maneuver, the cyclist, as a rule, does not have the opportunity to look in the mirror, since it is simply absent.
Despite such difficulties, the cyclist is obliged to make sure that his maneuver will be carried out according to the rules, that in the process of movement there will be no interference with the movement of other vehicles.
This can be done with the help of elementary turns of the head, and here you will need to practice so that the movements do not affect the control of the bike.
Overtaking
Cyclists, like other road users, have the right to overtake.
They have the right to carry out this process only on the left side, taking into account the possibility of starting the movement or accelerating all overtaken cars.
Bicycles can also be overtaken, the rules do not prohibit moving in two rows if this process is a violation of all other rules.
People riding this vehicle are equally subject to certain cyclist duties, priority signs and related regulations.
In other words, a right-turning car that is traveling parallel to a bicycle must give way to a bicycle that is traveling straight ahead.
As for the cyclist, he is obliged to give way to vehicles that ride on the right.
Pay attention to the left turn. On a one-lane road, a cyclist has the right to make a turn in that direction, similar to cars and motorcycles traveling along a full trajectory.
In all other situations, there are two rotation options:
- Crossing an intersection as a normal pedestrian.
- Sequential movement in a straight line, a stop with a turn and another drive in the direction of a straight line.
If the intersection is crossed as a pedestrian, the cyclist must guide the bike with his hands. In this case, a person is endowed with all the duties and rights of a pedestrian and relies on the appropriate traffic signals.
In certain cases, cyclists have to move near corners, tunnels, thickets and other obstacles that block the view.
Due to the serious insecurity and fragility of the cyclist compared to other road users, it is recommended to use a special sound signal.
It is he who will be evidence of an approaching vehicle due to the territory of complicated visibility.
In Russia, the installation of a special call is still advisory, while in other countries, the presence of a call is mandatory.
The cyclist, as well as other road users, are obliged to timely give signals regarding the planned maneuvers.
If the backpack or frame is not equipped with newfangled dimensions and turn signals, the cyclist is recommended to use hand signs, which are popular in this case.
Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Before turning right and rebuilding - right hand the left arm is extended to the side or bent at the elbow.
- When changing lanes or turning to the left, the left arm or the right arm is extended, bent at the elbow.
- If you want to stop, just any hand goes up.
There are also several signs that are accepted between cyclists riding in a convoy. If the left hand goes down - this indicates the presence of pits on the left, the same applies to the right hand.
In the process of signaling with your hands, you have to control the bike with one hand. For this reason, it is also worth pre-training, as it can be difficult for beginners to do this.
Cyclists also get into accidents from time to time. In such situations, they, like motorists, bear a certain responsibility.
Cyclists in emergency situations are required to observe the following rules:
- It is strictly forbidden to leave the scene of the incident.
- The bike must not be touched or moved.
- It is worth calling the traffic police.
Cyclists have the same responsibility as ordinary drivers. The exceptions are those cases when the cyclist moves as a pedestrian, that is, driving a vehicle nearby.
Bicycle lights
During the dark hours, special lights or headlights must be activated on each bicycle, as light signs for cyclists.
During daylight hours, it is advisable to install low beam headlights or daytime running lights on the vehicle.
This is a rule established by law, and traffic police officers have every right to impose a fine on a cyclist.
First of all, it is worth noting that cyclists under the age of 14 are prohibited from moving on the carriageway.
A separate section of the traffic rules for cyclists can be divided into the following restrictions and rules for moving along the highway:
The presence of a helmet on a cyclist is especially important. This piece of equipment is able to save the life of a bicycle driver. Don't skimp on your health.
The bike can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h in most cases.. On the roadway, cyclists can appear quite quickly and unexpectedly. Every cyclist should consider this factor.
The movement of cyclists on the roadway in dangerous situations must be reduced to the minimum speed limit. If a cyclist has violated the traffic rules, the traffic police inspector has the right to fine him in accordance with modern legislation.
These requirements and restrictions are quite logical. In more detail and carefully, you just need to study the features of turning left.
If a cyclist is moving through an intersection, he must not turn left. This can be done only in places where the intersection of a single-lane road is provided.
Even here everything is not so simple, there are questions regarding the situation. The turn in this case will not be made from the extreme position, therefore the process may be accompanied by some difficulties. Each of them is worth analyzing in more detail.
Video: Traffic rules for cyclists in 5 minutes
Conclusion
The driver of an ordinary city bike must be a competent road user.
He must follow and know the basic rules for moving on the track and feel the full responsibility for driving on the road. Knowing the traffic rules for cyclists makes it possible to move much faster and more efficiently on your vehicle.
The established rules concern not only certain restrictions, but also the possibilities of movement, among which one can note the correct or priority placement on the road.
To prevent difficult situations on the road, the cyclist is obliged to give signals as timely as possible, corresponding to his subsequent movements and maneuvers.
Every cyclist must respect heavier and faster road users. This is a guarantee of saving the life and health of the cyclist, as well as an ideal opportunity to enjoy riding without violating the law of traffic rules.
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Good afternoon
In the paragraph “Movement near obstacles” it is indicated incorrectly “In Russia, the installation of a special bell is still RECOMMENDATIONAL ...”
According to paragraph 6 "BASIC PROVISIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF VEHICLES FOR OPERATION
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ROAD SAFETY OFFICIALS”:
"The bike must have a working brake, handlebar and HORN..."
In the spring of this year, it was supposed to amend the traffic rules regarding cyclists. One of them is the permission to cross the carriageway at a regulated pedestrian crossing ... Are these changes currently in effect or not?
A cyclist, as a road user, must know all traffic signs, because his safety depends on it. But there are road signs that only apply to cyclists. In this article, we will show them and talk about them.
There are only two road signs specifically for cyclists:
Mandatory sign 4.4 "Bicycle path". This and only this sign indicates the bike path; a strip of asphalt running along the road that is not marked with this sign should be considered either a shoulder on which cyclists are allowed to move, or a sidewalk on which cyclists are not allowed to move.
Prohibition sign 3.9 "Movement on bicycles is prohibited." With this sign, everything is clear, entry on a bicycle under it is prohibited.
However, the cyclist is also required to observe other traffic signs relating to vehicles in general. In particular, he must pay attention to the information and indication signs 5.1 "Motorway", 5.3 "Road for cars" and the mandatory sign 4.5 "Pedestrian path", which prohibit the movement of bicycles.
Sign 5.1 "Motorway" Sign 5.3 "Road for cars" Sign 4.5 "Pedestrian path"
The entire cycling rules can be read on our website by clicking on the following link -. These rules can also be downloaded in PDF format - download the Rules of Bicycle Traffic.
Be honest, cyclists, how many road signs do you know? Hardly even half of all three hundred. We have prepared a selection of road signs for cyclists - more precisely, the most significant for drivers of pedal vehicles.
The slightest mistake on the road can cost a cyclist health, or even life - probably, it is not necessary to explain why. Therefore, cyclists need to know at least the basics of traffic rules, in particular, at least those road signs that directly concern them.
Priority signs
Sign 2.1 “Give way”. If you see this overturned triangle in front of you (and in the absence of a working traffic light), you should give way to traffic that is approaching an unregulated intersection on main road. The main road is either the one that runs perpendicular to yours, or the one that is drawn in thick line on the additional plate 7.8.
Sign 2.2 “Non-stop driving prohibited”. This sign is popularly called "Stop", and in simple terms, it means the same as the previous one - to give way to vehicles that move along the main road that intersects with yours. Regarding which road is more important, see above.
Sign 2.3 “Main road”. If there is such a sign in front of the intersection on your way, everyone else should let you through. True, we must take into account the same plate 7.8 (if available) and the fact that cyclists are not very respected by car drivers.
prohibition signs
Sign 3.8 “No cycling”. The sign prohibits the movement of bicycles in the area from the sign to the nearest intersection behind it, and in settlements without intersections - to the end of the settlement. Exits from the territories adjacent to the road (green zones, parking lots, recreation areas, etc.) and unpaved field roads that are not preceded by priority signs are not considered an intersection. If you live in the area covered by the sign, you may ignore it, although you must enter and leave the area at the nearest intersection.
Sign 3.1 “Movement prohibited”. Forbids movement to all vehicles, with conditions and reservations, as well as at the previous sign 3.8.
Sign 3.21 “Entry prohibited”. As a rule, it means that it is impossible to go from your side, and the transport will move towards you freely. The conditions for the coverage area are generally the same as for the two previous signs.
Sign 5.1 “Motorway” and sign 5.3 “Road for cars”
The direct movement of bicycles on these express roads is not prohibited, however, vehicles that technical specification or according to the state has a “maximum speed” below 40 km / h. It is unlikely that your “great” can be written in another category of t / s. However, do not worry too much - there are very few roads worthy of carrying one of the above statuses in our country.
Other signs important for cyclists
Sign 4.12 “Path for cyclists”. The most desirable - and also the most rare in our country - sign for cyclists. Indicates a dedicated lane where only bicycles are allowed. However - attention! - if there is no sidewalk in this place or footpath, the movement of pedestrians on the bike path is also allowed.
Sign 4.14 “Path for pedestrians and cyclists”. A path (or regular sidewalk) that allows both pedestrians and cyclists to travel. Not the best option for a "great" option, but still better than nothing.
Sign 1.34 "Departure of cyclists". Warns drivers that there will soon be a section of the road on which the appearance of bicycles is possible. For a cyclist, this sign can be a signal that ahead is the intersection of the highway with the bike path, along which you can continue moving in more comfortable conditions.
Plate 7.5.7 “Type of vehicle: bicycle”. The plate is placed directly under this or that sign and makes it clear that its effect applies only to cyclists.
Plate 7.21.4 “Type of danger”. The plate is installed with the sign 1.39 “Accidentally dangerous area” and informs about the possible type of accident - a collision with a bicycle. Why bicycles have received such honor is not entirely clear.
The bike is definitely dangerous view transport, but to a large extent, your safety on two wheels depends on how you adhere to the Rules of the Road.
The increased trend towards a healthy lifestyle is forcing car drivers to change to a two-wheeled vehicle - a bicycle. The increase in the number of this type of transport leads to the creation or allocation of part of the highway for bicycle lanes. However, so that four-wheeled counterparts do not crowd two-wheeled ones, there is a sign for a bicycle path in front of the tape for the movement of the latter. It also has the right to move mopeds and scooters.
A cycle path is represented as an independent road or a part of a motorway allocated for the traffic of bicycles, scooters and mopeds. It is forbidden to stay on a specially allocated lane for cars, horse-drawn vehicles and pedestrians. The latter can pass along it in the absence of a sidewalk, curb or pedestrian sections.
The bicycle street sign is presented in the form of a blue circle with a printed image of a white bicycle. This road attribute belongs to the category.
International agreements on road traffic define a cycle path as a separate road or part of it allocated for cyclists. Such zones are marked with an appropriate road sign and are structurally separated from the carriageway of the highway.
Such areas are separated from the carriageway by a dividing strip, a piece of land with a grass cover, side stones or slabs. Many European cities can boast of such lanes, which form a whole transport network. The Russian regions represent only separate areas for two-wheeled riders, not to mention the lack of a transport network.
The presence of a cycle path indicates that cyclists should only ride on it. Departure for carriageway is considered by the traffic rules as a violation of the traffic regulations.
The organization of the traffic of rovers-cyclists comes down to several ways.
Two-wheeled vehicles move:
- along the lane marked on the sidewalk;
- a separate road that adjoins a sidewalk or carriageway;
- a dedicated area, isolated by natural objects, side stones.
The last zone can be located on a road with one-way traffic on both sides of it. A two-way highway may place only one lane for rovers on the surface, on the side where the width of the road allows. Often such sites are arranged from the side of the predominant location of administrative institutions local importance, shops, utility facilities.
Tracks for two-wheeled vehicles are various kinds. There are - with a one-way direction, which border the highway on both sides. The Nordic countries have a similar whole network, which provides for some elevation of the cycle path above the level of the carriageway. American bikers use single-level trails, however, they are removed from motor vehicle surfaces by a parking or buffer lane.
Two-way traffic is usually found in a lane along a street or pavement. Large cities cannot allocate enough space to the riders mentioned, more often the tapes are located in the suburbs, towns.
The joint traffic of pedestrians and bicycle bikers is not excluded:
- If the highway has several secondary street connections on one side. The lanes are on the opposite side, which ensures the safety of cyclists from cars entering the highway.
- Along the streets, where on the one hand administrative bodies of local importance, shops, medical institutions are located. Cyclists do not have to cross the street many times in the right direction.
- The best arrangement of lanes would be a one-way highway, where you can border it on both sides and organize the movement of bikes along the street. However, they may be endangered by vehicles leaving the yards or adjacent streets, the drivers of which will not expect the appearance of two-wheelers.
- Separated from the highway, a two-way bike path is a great alternative to the above. Of course, it can be called a full-fledged road, even with a sidewalk adjoining it. But even if it doesn't exist, the lane is shared between pedestrians and rovers.
Typically, such lanes are located far from streets with heavy traffic, with sidewalks passing nearby, which does not prevent either pedestrians or drivers of two-wheeled vehicles from moving in both directions.
Special paths are either adjacent to the carriageway or arranged separately. The first case is the streets of cities with heavy traffic, the other - sections between areas of large settlements, tourist routes.
The advantages of such arrangements are:
- isolation from pedestrians, vehicles;
- ease of movement;
- the possibility of a leisurely trip, especially at an elderly age.
However, there is no positive without negative.
This is also seen here:
- the width of the coating is not more than 1 meter;
- it is difficult to overtake the vehicle in front;
- there are difficulties when traveling;
- low speed compared to driving on the highway.
Of course, the last minus is easily overcome, one has only to go out onto the road. But if there are road signs with a bicycle path, it is forbidden to enter the roadway. The long length of the strip even smoothes out the speed barrier, but after driving a couple of hundred meters along it, you have to ride the bike to the next specialized section.
A well-designed bike path is distinguished by a high-quality surface, located slightly above the tier of the carriageway. In front of the described zone there are road signs for cyclists, special markings that separate oncoming traffic. Denoted by a stencil of a white bicycle with opposite stripes on a blue circle.
Paths with a combined pedestrian and cycling are common in the Scandinavian countries. Of course, it’s impossible to call them cycling ones, these are not sections isolated from walking people.
Rules and GOSTs Russian Federation are adapting to the innovation, which should be reflected in the near future by the appearance of such an infrastructure - combined tapes with dividing traffic for participants in the traffic process. Fairly wide pavement passages with little rover traffic are suitable for this.
These attributes should make life easier for cyclists, they do not have to fall under the wheels of speeding cars. Perhaps this is a step forward, but even these sections suggest the advantage of a person on his feet, and not in the saddle of a velobike. The desire of the latter will break out into the operational space of the highway.
Bicycle trails are good on tourist routes that run in:
- sea or river embankments;
- car-free streets;
- wide sidewalks;
- city parks;
- narrow streets, bridges, crossings.
Such places allow drivers of two-wheeled vehicles to avoid high-speed transport, take an evening walk, and breathe fresh air.
Of course, not everyone will be satisfied with such conditions, there are some disadvantages here:
- scurrying pedestrians;
- lack of proper speed when traveling;
- often narrow bands;
- Difficulty when passing with an oncoming bike.
Yes, and walking people often associate such roads with a pedestrian sidewalk, not taking into account that a bicycle is the same transport, albeit a slow one. The blue circle with the designation is more likely to be taken as a decoration of the road than its warning attribute. It is pleasant to walk along such an area, and not turn your head so as not to get hit by a wheel.
Blue circle with bike logo set:
- On the right side of the cycling area or belt, which is separated from the roadway by side stones or grassy lawn.
- With the “Lane” sign, they are installed above the cycle track, showing the lane covered by the sign or traffic light.
The initial form is set before the beginning of the cycling track, the second one - after each junction of the secondary road with the cycling section.
The stencil form obliges drivers of cars, other motor vehicles and pedestrians not to enter the special lane. The zone of action of the sign ends at the nearest intersection, the intersection of a secondary street. The absence of a re-established form indicates the end of a separate section for two-wheeled vehicles.
The action of the street sign is also limited by another form - a similar blue circle with a red diagonal stripe. He warns of the prohibition of further movement on a bicycle while in the saddle. The biker should leave the saddle and roll the two-wheeled vehicle behind the wheel.
The presence of a clear cycle path, but without the installation of a prescriptive sign, gives the right to be on it at the same time to cyclists and drivers of motor vehicles.
Megacities set aside specially equipped zones and road sections for two-wheelers. The latter are indicated by special stencils in the form of a black silhouette of a bicycle on a white base or a separate eye of a traffic light. Its luminous windows with a similar image indicate the permissive movement of the rover.
On the roadway, cyclists are equated to full-fledged participants in the process, which imposes certain obligations on them.
This is manifested in their signaling of the upcoming maneuver:
- Turning to the side is preceded by bending the corresponding arm at the elbow.
- The stop is preceded by any hand raised vertically.
Of course, traffic rules also provide for the advantage of the rover over cars when it is on its own track.
However, he should pay special attention to areas near the junction of secondary streets:
- The presence of a sign in the form of a blue circle provides the right to move forward, in the absence of danger of the car in front turning right.
- The presence of a white triangular shape with a red border - "Intersection with a bicycle path" indicates the passage of a car, but not a bicycle.
The absence of any special signage does not affect bicycle traffic.
They are entitled to:
- roadside, moving in a column or transporting bulky cargo on the trunk at the back;
- a pedestrian area if there is a child under 7 years old.
Independent movement of adolescents under 14 years of age is allowed only in specially designated areas. The speed of movement of two-wheeled vehicles in the adjacent territories, as well as cars, should not exceed 20 km / h, within the city limits - 60.
Penalties for breaking the rules
Leaving the bicycle sections of cars is punished in the same way as the movement of cyclists on the carriageway in the presence of separate zones. Parking, parking or disembarkation of passengers in the mentioned territory is considered to be an entrance.
Ignoring the rules threatens with such penalties:
- 2,000 rubles for finding a car in a bicycle zone;
- 2 500 - use of the tape as a parking space.
Pedestrians are also not allowed to walk around the isolated area if there is a sidewalk. He will be punished, starting from 500 rubles. If a person has created significant interference with the movement of a scooter or moped, the fine is doubled.
The driver of the car, for interfering with the cyclist, will have to face a penalty equal to 1,500 rubles.
Violators cyclists do not pass such punishment:
- ignoring traffic rules - 800 rubles;
- movement in acute alcohol intoxication - 1,000 - 1,500.
I would like to warn that fines of the indicated sizes are levied in cities of regional subordination, megacities of federal significance are distinguished by higher amounts.
The snow has melted on the streets, which means that soon we will see the first fans after the winter healthy lifestyle life - cyclists. The statistics of traffic accidents in Russian cities says that it is cyclists who become victims of motorists. And quite often the cyclists themselves violate traffic rules and provoke accidents. Today we will look at the rules for driving the most environmentally friendly mode of transport and the sign, on a bicycle. Even children who have saddled a two-wheeled horse for the first time should know it.
traffic rules and cyclists
Most lovers of two-wheeled transport do not consider themselves participants at all, and therefore do not comply with the well-known traffic rules. And this is a fundamentally wrong approach to your own safety and the lives of other people. According to the wording, a bicycle is understood as a vehicle that has at least two wheels and is driven by the muscular strength of the person driving this vehicle. Thus, it becomes clear that the cyclist is the same participant in the movement and must comply with all established rules.
Keep in mind that some of the traffic rules are only suitable for motorists: these paragraphs usually refer to a mechanical vehicle (which a bicycle is not). But when the word "vehicle" or "driver" is mentioned, then be sure that these points of the rules are most relevant to you.
Bicyclists should pay special attention to road signs. They can warn them of danger in time and save lives. The most important is the traffic sign "Traffic on bicycles is prohibited". It categorically prohibits the movement of two-wheeled vehicles in the direction of its installation.
A sign prohibiting cycling is as follows - a large white circle edged with a wide red stripe, in the center of which a bicycle is depicted in black paint. Keep in mind that if you cannot enter, for example, an intersection because of a prohibition sign, then on the other hand you will have such an opportunity. A sign prohibiting cycling does not affect the road that is not limited by the sign's area of effect.
Road signs for cyclists: cycle path
We have already considered the most important sign for cyclists. It is prohibitive. But there is another sign: it indicates a cycle path, along which drivers of two-wheeled vehicles can move freely.
Usually, this sign is placed at the beginning of a specially designated asphalt lane; quite often, markings are applied to it in the form of a bicycle image. But keep in mind that markup without a special sign is not a designation bike path. Such a lane refers to the main roadbed, on which motorists can also move.
The sign itself looks like a blue circle with a white bicycle in the background. According to the SDA, drivers of two-wheeled vehicles must first of all move along bicycle paths, and only if there are none, along roadsides or roadways.
warning sign
In places where motorists can cross with cyclists, a different sign is put up. Of course, it is more intended for drivers of four-wheeled vehicles. But cyclists should also know this sign well.
It looks like a triangle edged with a red stripe. In the center of the badge there is a drawing of a black bicycle. Most often, this sign is placed in places where the bike path goes to the roadway.
Are bicycle markings required?
The traffic rules do not oblige cyclists to equip their vehicle with any signs. The main thing is to make sure that the bike is in good condition. Therefore, before leaving the city, check the signals, brakes and steering system.
If you often move on the roadway in the evening, for safety reasons, install reflective signs in front and behind the bike. So you will be sure that motorists and pedestrians will notice you.
Cycling through the spring city is a great way to cheer yourself up and get your body in great physical shape. Therefore, get out your two-wheeled horses, refresh your memory of traffic rules and boldly go towards the sun and adventure.
