1. Who is considered a cyclist?
According to clause 1.2 of the current traffic rules, a cyclist is a person driving a bicycle. A bicycle, in turn, is considered to be “a vehicle, other than a wheelchair, that has at least two wheels and is generally propelled by the muscular energy of the persons on the vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or handles, and can also have an electric motor with a rated maximum power in continuous load mode not exceeding 0.25 kW, automatically switching off at a speed of more than 25 km/h.”
Thus, a bicycle can, firstly, have more than two wheels, and secondly, an electric motor with a power of no more than 0.25 kW: if the power of the installed motor is higher, the vehicle (vehicle) will already be classified as a moped.
It is worth noting separately that according to the rules, pedestrians are considered to be persons “who use roller skates, scooters and other similar means for movement” - that is, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle with a wheel drive (or wheels). In addition, if a person does not ride a bicycle, but carries it next to him, then he is also considered a pedestrian, not a cyclist.
Another note regarding the classification of a bicycle as a vehicle: the bicycle itself is a vehicle, but is not a motor vehicle, since the latter is understood as a “vehicle driven by an engine.” This is important in terms of the rules and penalties that apply to cyclists.
2. Can cyclists ride on roads?
The answer to the key question that worries many is yes. The traffic rules have a separate section 24 containing “Additional requirements for the movement of cyclists and moped drivers.” Paragraph 24.2 of this section allows the movement of cyclists on the right edge of the roadway. This, however, is permitted if “there are no bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths, or a lane for cyclists, or there is no possibility of moving along them.”
Moreover, when driving on a road, a cyclist uses standard priority rules, and a car moving on a secondary road must yield to a cyclist moving on the main road. And paragraph 24.5 allows “the movement of a column of cyclists in two rows if the overall width of the bicycles does not exceed 0.75 m.” The only condition for this is that “the column of cyclists must be divided into groups of 10 cyclists in the case of single-lane traffic or into groups of 10 pairs in the case of double-lane traffic”, and “to facilitate overtaking, the distance between groups should be 80 - 100 m” .
Under normal conditions, according to clause 24.1, “the movement of cyclists over the age of 14 years must be carried out on bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths or a lane for cyclists.” And one more thing: cyclists under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding on the roadway or on the side of the road.
3. What are cyclists prohibited from doing?
The list of additional prohibitions for bicycle drivers is regulated by clause 24.8 of the current traffic rules, and besides it, the traffic rules contain other points that mention restrictions on the movement of cyclists. Here we will highlight the main prohibitions regarding their movement on roads.
To begin with, cyclists are concerned with clause 2.7, which stipulates a ban on driving a vehicle, as well as talking on a mobile phone without using “hands-free” devices. The only nuance here is that the fines provided for violating the rules by cyclists are significantly lower than those for motorists - this will be discussed below.
Clause 16.1 prohibits the movement of cyclists on highways, as well as on roads marked with sign 5.3 - “Road for cars”.
Well, the notorious clause 24.8 prohibits cyclists from “turning left or turning around on roads with tram traffic and on roads that have more than one lane for traffic in a given direction,” as well as “crossing the road at pedestrian crossings.” Thus, in order to turn left, a cyclist will either have to do it “in two steps”, crossing the road to which he needs to turn, and then, stopping, enter it at the next traffic light, or dismount and cross the current road at a pedestrian crossing.
In addition, it is worth remembering that cyclists also have their own prohibitory sign 3.9 “Movement on bicycles is prohibited”, which is supplemented by the standard “brick” (3.1) and “Movement is prohibited” (3.2).
4. What are the fines for cyclists?
Violations by cyclists of the rules and prohibitions indicated above, as well as other rules not related to traffic on roads and not listed here, are regulated by parts 2 and 3 of Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. According to Part 2, violation of traffic rules by a cyclist “entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of eight hundred rubles.” If the bicycle driver was drunk at the time of the violation, then a fine will be imposed on him “in the amount of one thousand to one thousand five hundred rubles.”
As you can see, the punishment for drunk driving here is much less severe, but it, however, became significantly tougher in 2013: before that, a violation could be gotten off with “a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of two hundred rubles,” and a drunken cyclist was punished with a fine “from three hundred to five hundred rubles."
Good afternoon, dear reader.
As soon as sufficiently warm weather sets in over central Russia, the number of two-wheeled vehicles increases significantly. Hundreds of bicycle and moped drivers appear on city streets and join the dense traffic flow.
According to my observations, at least 80 percent of the drivers of two-wheelers, for which a driver's license is not required, have absolutely no idea and take to the road completely unprepared.
Road rules for bicycles
Let's consider traffic rules for bicycles. A quick glance at the text may seem that traffic rules for cyclists are concentrated exclusively in section 24 of the rules "". However, in reality everything is completely different.
In the rules of the road, there are several types of road users, to which a specific clause of the rules may apply. Among others this motor vehicle, vehicle And driver. A bicycle without an engine is not a motor vehicle, but all points relating to drivers and vehicles also apply to cyclists.
Attention! Rules that apply to pedestrians do not apply to bicycle drivers. They apply only to persons driving a bicycle.
Thus Most traffic rules apply to cyclists, including a special 24 section. I will not analyze and explain absolutely everything for cyclists in this article. The interested reader can do this himself. I will focus only on those points of the rules that are most often violated by bicycle drivers.
Technical condition of the bike
2.3. The driver of the vehicle is obliged to:
2.3.1. Before leaving, check and ensure the good technical condition of the vehicle on the way in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the responsibilities of officials to ensure road safety (hereinafter referred to as the Basic Provisions).
Driving is prohibited if there is a malfunction service brake system, steering, a coupling device (as part of a road train), unlit (missing) headlights and rear marker lights in the dark or in conditions of poor visibility, a windshield wiper that does not operate on the driver’s side during rain or snowfall.
So, the rules of the road Bicycles are prohibited, which has Malfunctions of the service brake system or steering. And we’re not just talking about driving a bicycle with broken handlebars or broken brakes.
There are "passionate" cyclists who try to reduce the weight of their bike in every possible way. This includes removing brakes and other structural elements. Punishment for such a violation is provided for in the Code of Administrative Offenses and will be discussed at the end of the article.
Alcohol intoxication of a cyclist
Movement of cyclists over 14 years of age possible in descending order:
- Along bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths, or lanes for cyclists.
- On the right edge of the roadway.
- On the side of the road.
- On the sidewalk or pedestrian path.
Please note that each subsequent item in the above list assumes that the previous items are missing.
For example, you can drive along the side of the road (point 3) only if there is no bicycle path or lane, and there is no possibility of driving along the right edge of the roadway.
In addition, there are a few exceptions:
- You can ride on the roadway if the width of the bicycle or load exceeds 1 meter.
- You can drive along the roadway if traffic is carried out in columns.
- You can ride on a sidewalk or pedestrian path if you are accompanying a cyclist under 14 years of age or transporting a child under 7 years of age.
When driving on the roadway, you should keep in mind the following rules:
24.5. When cyclists move along the right edge of the roadway in the cases provided for by these Rules, cyclists must move only in one row.
A column of cyclists may move in two rows if the overall width of the bicycles does not exceed 0.75 m.
The column of cyclists must be divided into groups of 10 cyclists in the case of single-lane traffic, or into groups of 10 pairs in the case of double-lane traffic. To facilitate overtaking, the distance between groups should be 80 - 100 m.
Additional Information:
Movement of cyclists aged 7 to 14 years possible on sidewalks, pedestrian, bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as within pedestrian zones.
Please note that “school cyclists” are not allowed to ride in bicycle lanes, the roadway or the shoulder.
Movement of cyclists under 7 years of age possible only together with pedestrians (on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, pedestrian zones).
Thus, in 2020, cyclists can also travel on sidewalks and roadsides. In this case, the cyclist rules impose additional requirements:
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 be guided by the requirements provided for by these Rules for the movement of pedestrians.
I would like to note that when driving on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, roadsides and pedestrian zones, a cyclist must not interfere with the movement of other persons. If necessary, the cyclist must dismount and continue moving as a pedestrian.
Let's look at an interesting example. Let's say a car (in some cases this is allowed by the rules) and a cyclist are riding on the sidewalk. If a collision occurs, both road users will be to blame. If a cyclist walks along the sidewalk, then he will not be to blame for the accident (he will not pay for car repairs).
Therefore, paragraph 24.6 emphasizes that in the event Accident on the sidewalk one of its culprits will in any case be the cyclist.
Dedicated lanes for cyclists
In 2020, you will find dedicated lanes for cyclists on the roads, marked with special signs:
Only bicycles and mopeds are allowed on these lanes.
Dedicated lanes for public transport
In addition, in 2020, cyclists can also use dedicated lanes for public transport. Clause 18.2 of the Rules:
18.2. On roads with a lane for route vehicles, marked with signs 5.11.1, 5.13.1, 5.13.2 and 5.14, the movement and stopping of other vehicles on this lane is prohibited, with the exception of:
...
On lanes for fixed-route vehicles cyclists allowed if such a strip is located on the right.
Please note that a cyclist may only enter a public transport lane if that lane is marked by one of the signs listed above. In addition, there should be no additional conditions prohibiting entry into the specified lane.
For example, in some Russian cities traffic is organized as follows. In fact, the road has a dedicated lane for route vehicles and all traffic participants understand this. However, from the point of view of traffic rules, the lane is not indicated by the signs listed above. Simply, at the entrance to it, a 3.1 “brick” sign is installed.
Only public transport drivers can ignore the requirements of this sign. Other vehicles, including cyclists, cannot pass under the “brick”.
Additional Information:
Bicycle zones
On December 14, 2018, the concept of “Bicycle zone” appeared in the traffic rules. The following road signs are used to indicate the cycling zone:
Not only cyclists, but also motorized vehicles (cars) can move through the bicycle zone. In this case, the following rules must be observed:
- Cyclists have priority over cars.
- Cyclists can ride on the entire opposite side of the roadway, and not just on the right edge.
- Cyclists are not prohibited from turning left and making U-turns on wide roads.
- The speed is limited to 20 km/h.
- Pedestrians can cross the road anywhere, but they do not have the right of way.
More detailed information about cycling zones is provided in the following article:
Bicycle drivers must give way to pedestrians at crossings
14.1. The driver of a vehicle approaching an unregulated pedestrian crossing is obliged to give way to pedestrians crossing the road or entering the roadway (tram tracks) to cross.
A bicycle, like any other vehicle, must slow down or stop before crossing to allow pedestrians to pass.
Bicycle lights
In the dark, the headlights or lanterns must be turned on on the bicycle, and in the daytime, low beam headlights or daytime running lights:
19.1. In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be turned on on a moving vehicle:
on all motor vehicles and mopeds - high or low beam headlights, on bicycles - headlights or lanterns, on horse-drawn carts - lanterns (if equipped);
19.5. During daylight hours, all moving vehicles must have low-beam headlights or daytime running lights on to indicate them.
So far, I have not met a single cyclist who uses low beam headlights or daytime running lights when driving during the day. In this regard, traffic police officers can impose a fine on almost any bicycle driver.
Age to ride a bicycle
Riding a bicycle is allowed at any age. However, depending on age, the rules for riding a bicycle differ (discussed above).
Driving on the carriageway is only possible when from 14 years old.
Prohibitions for bicycle drivers
24.8. Cyclists and moped drivers are prohibited from:
- drive a bicycle or moped without holding the handlebars with at least one hand;
- transport cargo that protrudes beyond the dimensions by more than 0.5 m in length or width, or cargo that interferes with control;
- transport passengers if this is not provided for by the design of the vehicle;
- transport children under 7 years of age in the absence of specially equipped places for them;
- turn left or turn around on roads with tram traffic and on roads that have more than one lane for traffic in a given direction (except for cases where a left turn is allowed from the right lane, and with the exception of roads located in bicycle zones);
- drive on the road without a fastened motorcycle helmet (for moped drivers);
24.9. Towing of bicycles and mopeds, as well as towing with bicycles and mopeds, is prohibited, except for towing a trailer intended for use with a bicycle or moped.
From this list the following points should be noted:
1. Bicycle drivers are prohibited from turning left and turning around on roads that have more than one lane in a given direction. Those. In the city, cyclists are prohibited from turning left on almost all major streets.
Note. This requirement does not apply to bicycle zones, as well as to roads where left turns are permitted from the far right lane.
In practice, we can offer the following way out of this situation. The bicycle driver leaves his vehicle and becomes a pedestrian. Then he crosses the intersection in the required direction along the pedestrian crossing. After this, he gets back on the bike and continues moving along the roadway or side of the road.
So the fines for bicycle drivers currently cannot be compared with (30,000 rubles for driving while intoxicated). In addition, the advantage of cyclists on the road is that they are rarely fined for violating traffic rules. And this, in turn, leads to the fact that most “two-wheelers” behave unpredictably on the road, provoking the emergence of dangerous situations.
That's it for a look at the features finished. I remind you once again that every cyclist needs to read the full version at least once.
Well, in conclusion, I suggest you watch a short video that clearly demonstrates what a traffic violation can lead to for cyclists:
Good luck on the roads!
Regarding sign 3.9 "No cycling". The rules regarding this sign contain the following paragraph:
Signs 3.2 - 3.9, 3.32 and 3.33 prohibit the movement of the corresponding types of vehicles in both directions.
Those. If the sign is installed to the right of the roadway, then movement along the entire roadway is prohibited.
GOST R 52289-2004 gives the following information regarding sign 3.9:
5.4.29. Signs 3.2 - 3.9, 3.32 and 3.33 are installed at each entrance to a section of road or territory where the movement of the corresponding types of vehicles is prohibited. Before side exits onto the road, signs are used with one of the plates 8.3.1 - 8.3.3.
There is no additional information on this sign in the regulatory documents.
If you adhere to the general principles of installing prohibitory signs, then they prohibit movement to your left. That is, if there is a sidewalk to the right of the sign, then you can drive on it.
Difficulty may arise if the sidewalk is adjacent to the roadway and the pillars are installed to the right of the sidewalk. In this case, the sign is located to the right of the entire road and an incomprehensible situation arises. If you are faced with a similar situation in practice, then it makes sense to write an appeal to the traffic police with a request to clarify the traffic order or change the traffic pattern on this section of the road.
Good luck on the roads!
Alexey-464
A cyclist is prohibited from turning left or turning around on roads with tram traffic and on roads that have more than one lane for traffic in a given direction.
Your comment says that you can't turn left almost anywhere. Why? This direction is a left turn or a U-turn. If the roadway has 3 lanes in each direction, and turning left (and turning, if not prohibited) is only allowed from the left lane, where does it say that you cannot turn from the third lane? There is only one lane in this direction. Either the rules are written crookedly, or those who read them do not understand what is written. Please read carefully. For those turning left, the direction straight or right is not a given. It is completely absent for him; he does not go there.
Clause 24.2 prohibits driving away from the right edge of the driveway if the movement is on the roadway.Where does it say that you can’t turn from the third lane?
No, such a direction in the traffic rules is called the “intended direction of movement” (see “driving through intersections”: “leave in the intended direction”). “Lane of a given direction” refers to all lanes for forward traffic, no matter forward-left, forward-straight or forward-right. The “lanes of a given direction” are not only the “lanes of the opposite direction” and the dividing strip, but at intersections there are also crossing ones.This direction is a left turn or a U-turn.
Dmitry-484
Barkhudarov, you are right - traffic rules for cyclists were written by people who not only do not ride bicycles, but apparently hate cyclists. First of all, everything is done for motorists, because the strongest and richest are first and foremost motorists. There are already rumors that licenses for cyclists will be introduced. Instead of reining in the most insolent motorists, who not only massively violate rights, but in some cases deliberately try to set up a cyclist - they cut off and do not turn on the right turn signal.
Dmitry-484
Or what is the cost of dismounting when crossing a green light at a controlled intersection, spending a lot of time stopping, crossing on foot and accelerating again. And all because the motorist who turns onto the green is too lazy to look away from a telephone conversation, too lazy to slow down and carefully look to see if there is anyone on the zebra crossing. And vice versa, when he sees a leisurely cyclist, he will not only not let him pass, but will hit the gas pedal!
Are there any clarifications about riding bicycles in underground passages and on overpass bridges? I often see people driving, especially on the new ramps for strollers with children and disabled people, and for those who have difficulty walking up stairs. Such ramps are shaped like a P, and often around turns neither the pedestrian sees the cyclist, nor the cyclist sees the woman with a stroller.
Hello! To be honest, I didn’t find anything about dismounting at a controlled intersection, which was written about a couple of posts ago. But I wanted to ask about something else.
1. Does the requirement of clause 24.2 to move on the right mean that it is mandatory to move to the right if the signs/markings from the right lane only allow right? Judging by the context of paragraphs 24.8 and 8.5, probably not. After all, 24.8 does not prohibit turning left on single-lane roads, but 8.5 requires you to take the extreme position, not the lane, but precisely the position. That is, it is allowed to leave from the right edge if necessary, and therefore change into a lane from which you can go straight, if from the right only to the right.
2. Clause 24.2 allows movement on the side of the road only if it is impossible to move along the right edge of the FC, although for mopeds and horse-drawn vehicles the old wording “driving on the side of the road is allowed if this does not interfere with pedestrians.” It would not be better to keep something similar in paragraph 24.2,
3. What does it mean that bicycles have priority over other vehicles in bicycle zones? Cyclists can now ignore clauses 8.3, 8.4, 8.8 and section 13 and not give way to other vehicles when exiting an adjacent lane, changing lanes, turning left and making a U-turn outside an intersection, exiting a secondary lane, etc., respectively? I hope no.
Anna, traffic rules do not allow cyclists to use pedestrian crossings (including overground and underground).
24.8. Cyclists and moped drivers are prohibited from:
cross the road at pedestrian crossings.
So the cyclist must dismount, become a pedestrian and only then cross.
Good luck on the roads!
OLV, Hello.
2. It is better to send such proposals directly to the Government of the Russian Federation, because It is the employees of this department who are responsible for drawing up the text of traffic regulations.
3. Interesting question. Paragraph 24.11 talks about the priority of cyclists over mechanical vehicles. This paragraph says nothing about priority at intersections. Therefore, it is unclear what exactly drivers and cyclists should be guided by at intersections (section 13 or clause 24.11).
Good luck on the roads!
Bicycle
It's always the fault of the one who "arrived" faster. Ride your bike wherever you want, just don’t bother anyone on purpose and don’t crash into anyone, otherwise you’ll kill yourself and scratch others. “And where other people’s rules begin, that’s where your personal freedom ends.”
Obvious, but incredible.
Nikolay-217
In St. Petersburg, for example, along the roadway there is one lane of a bicycle path on one side of the roadway. This means that in one direction the cyclist must ride along the bike path, and in the opposite direction - along the edge of the roadway. Or do both directions need to be on a bike path? The bike path is quite narrow, it is not very comfortable for oncoming cyclists to pass each other there, although it is not very difficult.
A cyclist 14+ rides on a bike path. On the roadway - if there is a bicycle path - it is not allowed - clause 24.2 of the traffic rules.
Good afternoon Please tell me.
If a cyclist (on a bicycle, respectively) crashes into a car while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing, then according to the rules he is to blame. How, in this case, can you recover from him the damage caused to the car?
I'm not sure the fault lies entirely with the cyclist. To recover damages - under Article 1064 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.
Previously, there was a rule that cyclists should move towards the flow, that is, in the oncoming lane, so to speak. This wonderful rule has been canceled???
Anton-150, clause 24.2 of traffic rules admits Cyclists can only move along the right edge of the FC.
Tatyana-200
The husband was driving in the right lane in his car. While turning right to enter a parking lot, a cyclist crashed into his right side. The turn signal was on. Who is to blame in this situation?
Tatyana, my husband did not comply with the requirements of clause 8.5 of the traffic rules. It’s not enough to take the right lane and turn on the turn signal. Need to borrow extreme right position. Then the cyclist will not be to the right of the husband - he will be behind him. Read paragraph 8.5 of the traffic rules, about the turn signal - paragraph 8.2 of the traffic rules.
Paragraph 1.1 of the traffic rules:
1.1. These Traffic Rules (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) establish a uniform traffic procedure throughout the Russian Federation. Other regulations relating to road traffic must be based on the requirements of the Rules and not contradict them.
Good luck on the roads!
Hello. This question: In your article you indicate that a bicycle is a vehicle, and therefore, it is subject to traffic rules provided for all vehicles. Next, you write that a bicycle can move in 4 zones (bicycle path, right edge of the roadway, along the side of the road, on the sidewalk). Here we get a contradiction: it seems like vehicles can ride on any lane of the roadway, but a cyclist cannot. The question, in fact, is this: is there some kind of article that specifically prohibits the movement of a bicycle on other lanes of the road except the right one? I found myself in a not very pleasant situation. I was riding a bicycle on a road with 2 lanes. At the intersection, you could only turn right from the right lane, and only go straight from the left lane. I needed to go straight, so I changed lanes from the right lane to the left (which turned out to be in the left lane almost to the middle of the road, so that the cars from the left lane were on my right hand). Just before the intersection, one of the overtaking cars touched my right pedal with its left rear disc and fender, scratching them. Who is to blame for this situation? And if it’s my fault (the cyclist), how can I mitigate the consequences of this accident as much as possible? Will insurance be able to cover these scratches for the driver? Thank you in advance!
Kirill, Hello.
1. Issues of the location of cyclists on the roadway are discussed in detail in. In short, the rules do not directly say that a cyclist must ride only in the right lane of the road. However, the rules suggest driving “on the right edge of the roadway.”
2. As for the accident, in any case you were not at the right edge of the roadway, but rather far from it. That is, there is a high probability that your actions will be seen as a violation of clause 24.2 of the traffic rules.
It is not clear from your description whether any violations were committed by the driver of the car.
3. If you mean MTPL for a car, then it does not cover damage to the car itself. Under compulsory motor liability insurance, the cost of repairing a bicycle can be reimbursed if the driver of the car is found to be at fault. If you are found to be the culprit and your liability is not insured (most likely this is the case), then you will have to pay the cost of repairs.
Good luck on the roads!
wandering spirit
Alexander:
2. Why do you think that traffic rules only apply on roads?
1.1. These Rules of the Road (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) establish a uniform procedure for road traffic throughout the Russian Federation. Other regulations relating to road traffic must be based on the requirements of the Rules and not contradict them.
“Road traffic” is a set of social relations that arise in the process of moving people and goods with or without vehicles within the boundaries of roads.
“Road” is a strip of land or a surface of an artificial structure equipped or adapted and used for the movement of vehicles. The road includes one or more carriageways, as well as tram tracks, sidewalks, shoulders and dividing strips, if any.
If you want to comply with the requirements of paragraph 19.5, then install any bicycle light or flashlight on your bicycle. And turn on this device while driving.
Good luck on the roads!
Valeria-22
I was riding my bike along the sidewalk. A car was driving out of the adjacent area and hit me. They accused me of ending it and issued me a fine, guided by articles clause 1.5, clause 24.2, clause 24.6. Question: why then does article 8.3 exist? I always move only on sidewalks, because I think it’s safe. Do the rules oblige me to drive only on the road or the side of the road?
I always move only on sidewalks, because I think it’s safe. Do the rules oblige me to drive only on the road or the side of the road?
Indeed, a cyclist over 14 years of age is allowed to ride on the sidewalk - as an exception: clause 24.2 of the traffic rules: when there are no bicycle and bicycle pedestrian paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no opportunity to move along them, as well as along the right edge of the roadway or shoulder;
However, the movement of a cyclist on the sidewalk does not exempt the driver from complying with clause 8.3 of the traffic rules. You have 10 days to appeal the decision on the APN. However, there is no point in appealing - you really violated traffic rules while moving on the sidewalk. But you didn’t write anything about determining guilt in an accident. You in an accident Are they blaming something?
Hello. I am a "great leader". Not an athlete. I was driving along the sidewalk. A car suddenly jumped out from around the corner of the house from the parking lot. I managed to brake and turn left. The blow fell on the right side. (I’m recovering...) When I was driving into this exit from the yard, I looked to the left... Obviously, the driver of the car looked to the left late. But he also slowed down, although he was going to drive to the exit to the road. The Tyumen State Traffic Safety Inspectorate said that I had violated traffic rules. And I thought that when leaving a parking lot or a yard before entering the roadway, the driver of a car does not have priority over a cyclist. It's good that it was me in my place and not a child on a scooter
Cycling enthusiasts not only enjoy riding an iron horse themselves, but also rush to introduce their children to this activity. The sooner a child masters riding skills, the sooner he can go on family bike rides. True, the issue of child safety on the road comes to the fore.
When to start?
The question of at what age can you ride a bicycle requires a number of clarifications:
- What kind of bike do you mean: children's or adult?
- What zone are you going to move through?
If we are talking about at what age a child can be put behind the wheel of a bicycle for the first time, then it is reasonable to follow the advice of pediatricians and child psychologists, who recommend doing this when the baby learns to walk and is strong enough to sit and hold the handlebars independently.
At 1-1.5 years old, you can try to put the baby on a three-wheeled bicycle and show the baby how to pedal, brake, and turn. It’s even better to start getting acquainted with the technique with, which will help in training muscles, develop a quick reaction, and teach simple control skills.
By the age of 2.5-3 years, you can transfer your child to a tricycle. At first, the baby will need to be supported by the back and guided.
Then everything will go according to an individual scenario and will depend on the physical development of the child, the frequency of cycling and parental patience. By the age of 5-6 years, and sometimes even earlier, you can accustom your child to a two-wheeled bicycle. It is only important to remember that the size of the vehicle must correspond to the height of the baby. If a child is 1 meter tall, the diameter of the wheel should be 12 inches. Each additional 15 cm of growth gives 4 additional inches in diameter.
On the roadway!
But the question of how old you can be to ride a bicycle on the road is no longer regulated by parents, but by traffic rules. Here age restrictions apply strictly.
For children under 7 years of age it is permissible to travel on:
- sidewalk;
- bicycle paths;
- pedestrian areas.
Cyclists from 7 to 14 years old must ride on:
- bicycle and pedestrian paths;
- sidewalks;
- pedestrian zones.
After 14 years of age, teenagers can travel to:
- bike paths;
- bicycle lanes;
- bicycle and pedestrian paths;
- roadside;
- sidewalk.
It is important to remember that bicycle paths remain a priority. After 7 years of age, driving on the sidewalk is only possible if other permitted zones are absent or heavily congested. But transporting preschoolers in a special bicycle seat or accompanying a small driver with an adult sitting on a separate bicycle is allowed on the sidewalk.
And, of course, their parents, as always, are role models for children. Follow the traffic rules carefully and your child will follow you.
In spring and summer it’s so nice to ride a bike through the streets and courtyards!
As soon as the snow melts, the first cyclists appear on the roads. You probably want to race with them too! It's so easy - get on a bike, grab the handlebars and pedal...
But it's not that simple. There are requirements of the Rules of the Road that are dedicated to cycling. They must be known and must be followed.
First of all, you need to remember: Children under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding bicycles on roads and streets.! Almost everyone knows this, but, unfortunately, not everyone follows this rule. Children and teenagers often forget that they cannot ride a bicycle inside courtyards - where cars are allowed. Those under 14 years of age can ride a bicycle on special bicycle paths and areas closed to vehicles.
There are a few more rules that every cyclist should know:
1. It is necessary to know the structure of the bicycle well and keep it in good condition. Particular attention must be paid to the fastening of the steering wheel and the reliability of the brakes.
And you certainly shouldn’t demonstrate to others your “dexterity” and ride a bicycle holding the handlebars with one hand or “no hands at all.”
It is also very important to learn how to ride a bike slowly. Don't be surprised, it's slow. After all, it’s not always possible to drive fast in the city. And outside the city, on rough terrain or in the forest, you have to drive slowly. And maintaining balance on a bicycle becomes more difficult the slower you go.
There are also special rules for transporting passengers by bicycle:
1. If the driver of a bicycle is under 14 years of age, he cannot transport passengers who are under 7 years of age.
2. Only if you are over 14 years old can you transport a child under 7 years of age on a booster seat with secure footrests as a passenger.
3. A cyclist who transports a passenger must have a document confirming his knowledge of the Rules of the Road.
4. The bicycle must have a special passenger seat and footrests for passengers.
You can only ride a bicycle on city streets if you are 14 years old and without passengers.
This is justifiable severity. After all, the bike is not very designed to carry the additional weight of a passenger. It becomes less stable, more difficult to control, and this affects traffic safety.
In this part, we briefly note the general Rules for cyclists.
Traffic lights
6.5. If a traffic light signal is made in the form of a silhouette of a pedestrian (bicycle), then its effect applies only to pedestrians (cyclists). In this case, the green signal allows, and the red signal prohibits, the movement of pedestrians (cyclists).
To regulate the movement of cyclists, a traffic light with round signals of reduced size can also be used, supplemented by a rectangular white plate measuring 200 x 200 mm with a picture of a black bicycle.
Maneuvering signals
8.1. Before starting to move, change lanes, turn (U-turn) and stop, the driver is required to give signals with turn signals in the appropriate direction, and if they are missing or faulty - by hand. When performing a maneuver, there should be no danger to traffic or interference with other road users.
The signal for a left turn (turn) corresponds to the left arm extended to the side or the right arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upward. The right turn signal corresponds to the right arm extended to the side or the left arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upward. The brake signal is given by raising your left or right hand.
8.2. The turn signal or hand signal must be given well in advance of the maneuver and cease immediately after completion (the hand signal may be terminated immediately before the maneuver). In this case, the signal should not mislead other road users.
Lighting devices
19.1. In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the road lighting, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be turned on on a moving vehicle:
- on all motor vehicles and mopeds - high or low beam headlights, on bicycles - headlights or lanterns, on horse-drawn carts - lanterns (if available);
- on trailers and towed motor vehicles - side lights.
What is the maximum speed of a cyclist?
The maximum speed of a cyclist is limited to the same extent as for other vehicles. In the city it is prohibited to exceed the established limit of 60 km/h; in courtyards and residential areas the permitted speed is no more than 20 km/h. Cyclists are required to comply with speed limit road signs.
In addition, a cyclist can reach a speed above 25 km/h only using his own strength, since in accordance with the definition of “Bicycle”, the speed developed by a bicycle electric motor cannot exceed 25 km/h.
Position of cyclists on the road
Requirements for the movement of cyclists are set out in a special chapter of the Rules of the Road - “24. Additional requirements for the movement of cyclists and moped drivers.” This part requires special attention.
For cyclists over 14 years of age
24.1. Cyclists over 14 years of age must use bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths, or bicycle lanes.
Important. This paragraph establishes the obligation for cyclists over 14 years of age to move on a specially designated section of the road, if available. Driving on other elements of the road is prohibited. All subsequent paragraphs establishing a different arrangement of cyclists on the road are sequence of exceptions from the first point.
Driving on the right edge of the roadway
The first exception is that cyclists are allowed on the right edge of the roadway- in the following cases:
- there are no bicycle and bicycle pedestrian paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no opportunity to move along them;
- the overall width of the bicycle, its trailer or the cargo being transported exceeds 1 m;
- cyclists move in columns;
And so, if there is no special designated section of the road for the movement of bicycles, the cyclist must first move along the right edge of the roadway.
Driving on the side of the road
The second exception is driving on the side of the road:
- if there are no bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths, or a lane for cyclists, or there is no opportunity to move along them or along the right edge of the roadway;
Driving on a sidewalk or pedestrian path
The third exception is on the sidewalk or pedestrian path:
- there are no bicycle and bicycle pedestrian paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no opportunity to move along them, and also along the right edge of the roadway or shoulder;
- a cyclist accompanies a cyclist under 7 years of age or transports a child under 7 years of age on an additional seat, in a bicycle stroller or in a trailer designed for use with a bicycle.
As you can see, driving on a sidewalk or pedestrian path is an extreme case for cyclists. Be careful and follow this sequence when identifying a road element for cycling.
For cyclists aged 7 to 14 years
24.3. The movement of cyclists aged 7 to 14 years should be carried out only on sidewalks, pedestrian, bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as within pedestrian zones.
Cyclists under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding on the roadway or shoulder.
For cyclists under 7 years of age
24.4. Cyclists under 7 years of age should only ride on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths (on the pedestrian side), as well as within pedestrian zones.
Cyclists under 7 years of age must ride on a section of road designated for pedestrian traffic.
Rules for the movement of cyclists on the roadway
24.5. When cyclists move along the right edge of the roadway in the cases provided for by these Rules, cyclists must only move in one row.
A column of cyclists may move in two rows if if the overall width of the bicycles does not exceed 0.75 m.
The column of cyclists must be divided into groups of 10 cyclists in the case of single-row traffic or in groups of 10 pairs in the case of double-lane traffic. To make overtaking easier the distance between groups should be 80 - 100 m.
Rules for the movement of cyclists on the sidewalk and pedestrian areas
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.
On the sidewalk, pedestrians and others have full priority over cyclists. This also applies to crossing roads and crossing exits from adjacent areas when a cyclist is moving on the sidewalk.
Cyclists are prohibited
- drive a bicycle or moped without holding the handlebars with at least one hand;
- transport cargo that protrudes beyond the dimensions by more than 0.5 m in length or width, or cargo that interferes with control;
- transport passengers if this is not provided for by the design of the vehicle;
- transport children under 7 years of age in the absence of specially equipped places for them;
- turn left or turn around on roads with tram traffic and on roads with more than one lane for traffic in a given direction;
- move on the road without a fastened motorcycle helmet (for moped drivers).
- cross the road at pedestrian crossings.
Let us highlight the prohibition of turning left on roads that have more than one lane in a given direction and the position of the cyclist in front of the turn.
Before performing the maneuver, the cyclist who is the driver must take a position.
8.5. Before turning right, left or making a U-turn, the driver must take the appropriate extreme position in advance on the roadway intended for traffic in that direction...
Another important point: cyclists are prohibited from crossing the road at pedestrian crossings. In case of violation of this requirement the cyclist has no right of way.
Towing of bicycles and bicycles is prohibited.
24.9. Towing of bicycles and mopeds, as well as towing with bicycles and mopeds, is prohibited, except for towing a trailer intended for use with a bicycle or moped.
Driving on the highway is prohibited.
16.1. On highways it is prohibited:
- traffic of pedestrians, pets, bicycles, mopeds, tractors and self-propelled vehicles, other vehicles, the speed of which, according to technical characteristics or condition, is less than 40 km/h;
Cyclist privileges
April 15, 2015 in the Rules of the Road, allowing the movement of bicycles on a dedicated lane for route vehicles.
18.2. On roads with a lane for fixed-route vehicles, marked with signs 5.11, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, 5.14, the movement and stopping of other vehicles (except for school buses and vehicles used as passenger taxis, as well as cyclists - if the lane for route vehicles is located on the right) on this strip.
This right can only be exercised if there are no bicycle and pedestrian paths or a lane for cyclists.
Will my driver's license be revoked if I'm caught riding my bike drunk?
Many cyclists mistakenly believe that riding a bicycle does not carry any responsibility. Despite the fact that regulatory authorities pay minimal attention to cyclists, the law still provides for liability for driving while intoxicated. At the beginning of the article, we noted that a bicycle is a vehicle, and a cyclist is a driver.
The rules specifically prohibit driving any vehicle while intoxicated.
2.7. The driver is prohibited from:
- drive a vehicle while intoxicated (alcohol, drugs or other), under the influence of medications that impair reaction and attention, in a sick or tired state that jeopardizes traffic safety;
Can my driving license be revoked if I'm caught riding a bicycle while drunk? Let us turn to the article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation according to which drunk drivers are punished:
1. Driving a vehicle by a driver who is intoxicated, if such actions do not constitute a criminal offense, -
shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of thirty thousand rubles with deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of one and a half to two years.
At first glance, it seems that the article is entirely suitable for cyclists and employees may try to attract attention based on it. However, riding a bicycle does not require a special driving license and obtaining, as well as deprivation of, such a right has nothing to do with driving a bicycle. For cyclists, the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation provides a special article defining liability.
Please note that if you drive a scooter or moped while intoxicated, the application of this article is completely legal. The only exception for this article is cyclists.
Fines for cyclists
Article 12.29. Violation of the Traffic Rules by a pedestrian or other person participating in traffic
2. Violation of the Traffic Rules by a person driving a bicycle, or a driver or another person directly involved in the process of road traffic (except for the persons specified in part 1 of this article, as well as the driver of the vehicle), -
eight hundred rubles.3. Violation of traffic rules by persons specified in part 2 of this article, committed while intoxicated, -
entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount from one thousand to one thousand five hundred rubles.
Violations of the traffic rules discussed in this article for a cyclist will cost 800 rubles, and in case of committing a violation while intoxicated, from 1000 to 1500 rubles.
