Which part of the road can you ride a bicycle on? Is it possible for a cyclist to ride on the road? How is a bike lane designated according to the rules?

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

What is a bicycle according to traffic rules in 2017?

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:

• 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.

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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:

• brakes;
• steering.

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 - 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 on 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:

1. In one row - as a general rule.
2. 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: they must 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 the bicycle (for example, placed or loaded on the handlebars);
• turn left on roads with more than two lanes in one direction or with 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 of age may only drive in areas designated 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 designed to be towed by a bicycle.

Transporting people on a frame or trunk is strictly prohibited.

Signage system on the road - rules “in pictures”

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.

Lighting devices

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:

1. Headlight. Replacing it with a headlamp on a bicycle helmet is highly not recommended.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Causing harm to the health of a pedestrian. For this, a fine of 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles is provided.

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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.

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

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

Some dry information from the traffic rules about the terms.

"Bike"- a vehicle, other than a wheelchair, that has at least two wheels and is driven, as a rule, by the muscular energy of the persons on the vehicle.
"Driver"- a person driving a vehicle.
"Cyclist" is the person driving the bicycle.
"A pedestrian"- a person who is outside the vehicle on the road or on a pedestrian or bicycle path and does not work on them. Persons driving a bicycle are considered pedestrians.
"Bike Lane"- a road element (or a separate road) structurally separated from the roadway and sidewalk, intended for the movement of cyclists and marked with sign 4.4.1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can ride a bike and where?

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

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

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

Question: Is it possible to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or footpath?
Yes, if you are between 7 and 14 years old, you can only ride a bicycle on pedestrian paths, bicycle paths, bicycle paths, sidewalks, and within pedestrian zones.

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

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

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

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

Driving on the roadway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A cyclist is the same driver of a vehicle as someone sitting behind the wheel of a car or motorcycle, so he must comply with the traffic rules in force in his country. This means no drinking while driving, no talking on a cell phone while driving, no turning around in solid lanes, no driving in the opposite direction on a one-way road. The main responsibilities of a cyclist are set out in a separate section of the Rules of the Road.

Main responsibilities

1. It is the responsibility of cyclists to maintain their vehicle in good technical condition. The bicycle must have a working brake and a working horn. Why we need serviceable brakes is not worth explaining. As for the bell, it is mainly required to warn pedestrians about the approach of a bicycle. When driving in traffic, it is unlikely that any other driver will hear your bell.

Driving on the road at night or during rain, fog or snow, that is, in conditions of insufficient visibility, is permitted only with lighting. On the front of the bicycle you need to put a headlight or an additional white reflector, at the back - a flashlight and always a red reflector, on the sides (closer to the front and rear markers) - flashlights or orange reflectors, red rear side lights are also allowed. It’s stupid and dangerous to put a red reflector in front, even if it’s lying around, car drivers rarely notice cyclists anyway, and there’s still such confusion.

2. The cyclist must ride as close to the right edge of the road as possible and only in the same lane as other bikers. The old Highway Code specified a specific distance from the side of the road that a cyclist had to maintain. It should be no more than 1 meter. In new editions this restriction is absent. Every reasonable person should, first of all, think about their own safety.

When overtaking another cyclist or horse-drawn cart, or when passing a stationary vehicle, you still need to briefly move away from the right edge of the road. And it’s better to drive around the obstacle as far as possible, especially a stopped car, because at any moment the driver can start to get out of it, pushing the door wide open, or a dishonest person will throw a cigarette butt out the window.
And don’t forget that overtaking or detour should only be done on the left if you don’t want to be pinned to the curb.

3. It is also the cyclist's responsibility to sound warning signals before each maneuver, even if there is no vehicle behind. Before any turn or lane change and before braking, the bicycle driver must give a warning signal with his hand, and, importantly, not a second before turning the steering wheel or pressing the brake levers. You need to warn the driver behind you in advance, otherwise your delayed reaction will be critical.

The traffic rules provide for the following hand signals:

• The signal for a right turn or lane change is the right hand extended in the direction of the turn or the left hand extended away from you and bent at the elbow at a right angle.
• The signal for a left turn or lane change is the left hand extended in the direction of the turn, or the right hand extended away from you and bent at the elbow at a right angle.
• The brake signal is the left or right hand raised up and straightened at the elbow.

Giving a hand signal does not give you any advantage in traffic, so always make sure that the driver behind you understands your intentions and does not overtake.

4. If there is a road next to it, bicycle riders should only ride on it. The presence of such a benefit of civilization is indicated by a round road sign with a former bicycle on a blue background. And if the bicycle path is partially destroyed, covered with construction debris or occupied by parked cars, then the cyclist can bypass these traffic jams along the roadway; this is within his rights.

5. When driving in convoys, bicycle riders are required to travel only in one row on the road in groups of 10 people. The distance between groups is 80-100 meters to facilitate overtaking by cars.

When riding in groups, conventional gestures are adopted, which are sent not to motorists, but to fellow cyclists following you:

• Pit or obstacle on the right - right hand pointing down.
• Pit or obstacle on the left - left hand pointing down.

The leader in the group gives these signals first, and those following him must immediately repeat them. There is no need to wait until you approach a hole or brick on the road. You should immediately convey a danger signal to the cyclists riding behind you.

Bicycle drivers are prohibited

1. Drive without holding the steering wheel with at least one hand. Adults usually use bicycles as a means of transport, while children ride them for fun. It is irresponsible cyclists who, when riding on the roadway, can let go of the steering wheel and ride on, crossing their arms over their chest. If the would-be reckless driver falls, he will sprawl out on the asphalt along with his bicycle, and it is possible that he will be hit by passing cars.

2. Ride on sidewalks, footpaths and roadsides. The license still allows driving on the side of the road, you just need to not interfere with pedestrians walking along it or getting on the bus. Well, pedestrian paths or sidewalks are intended only for pedestrians, and every person should feel safe when moving on them.

3. Drive on highways. This ban is based on the health and safety of cyclists.

4. Turn left or make a U-turn on a road that has tram tracks or more than one lane in a particular direction. If you need to turn or turn around, you need to get to the pedestrian crossing, get off your bike and roll it to the opposite side of the road.

5. Tow a bicycle with another vehicle. It is allowed to transport a trailer with a rigid coupling by bicycle.

An attempt to drive while grabbing the side of a truck often ends in tragic consequences. In this case, the truck driver does not see the cyclist attached and does not think about his safety. Any car can move at speeds over 60 km per hour. When avoiding a pothole on the road or performing emergency braking, a hitchhiker may find himself under the wheels.

6. Carry cargo that protrudes beyond the dimensions in width or length by more than 0.5 meters and interferes with control. Fishing rods, pipes and some kind of sticks on a bicycle disturb the stable position, especially when making turns. If a vehicle catches a protruding object, it can overturn a bicycle with a hook.

7. Ride adult passengers. And you can transport children aged 2 to 7 years, but only on an additionally installed seat with footrests. When transporting a heavy person on the frame or roof rack, the previously mentioned stable position is seriously compromised.

Liability of a cyclist for violating traffic rules

Some clauses of the articles on administrative violations imply punishment for bicycle drivers. For example, there is a fine of 1 to 2 times the minimum wage for violating traffic rules by pedestrians and other road users. This implies Article 122 - the most basic and easily completed by a traffic police officer.

There are also fines for violating the rules for crossing pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, for failure to comply with the requirements of road signs and markings, for driving through a traffic signal or traffic light. So you shouldn’t believe in complete impunity when riding a bicycle.

ADVICE "KP"

“When moving on the sidewalk, stay close to the roadway”

Chairman of the Board of the Minsk Bicycle Society Evgeniy Khoruzhy shared his advice with Komsomolskaya Pravda readers.

1. If we are driving along the road and need to make a maneuver or go around an obstacle (for example, a parked car), we do this. First, we show with our hand that we are turning, hold our hand for a few seconds, look back and only then turn, making sure that the path is clear. When driving around parked cars, be careful - their doors may suddenly open.

2. The bell will help warn pedestrians of your arrival. If you do this in advance, it will be much easier to drive on the sidewalk - try it!

3. When crossing exits from yards, do not forget that visibility in these places is often limited, and some car drivers may be inattentive. Therefore, control the situation and slow down if you think that the driver may not notice you or simply not let you through.

4. When moving along the sidewalk, stay on the side closest to the roadway. This will make it safer for both you and pedestrians. This is a general rule for installing bike lanes because pedestrians often enter buildings along the street and cross the road in much fewer places.

5. If you are driving around an obstacle that blocks visibility, slow down and stay as far away from it as possible so as not to hit a pedestrian or cyclist coming around the corner. Also, don’t go around pedestrians too closely, so you won’t scare them and won’t collide if someone suddenly steps to the side.

AND AT THIS TIME
Drunk bicycling could result in a $75 fine.

A cyclist is a full-fledged participant in road traffic. Therefore, responsibility for violations is the same as for car drivers.

For violating traffic rules, a cyclist can be punished with a fine of up to 450 thousand rubles.
If the violating cyclist is drunk or high, or he refuses to be examined, the fine will range from 450 to 750 thousand rubles. But they cannot take the car away from a drunk cyclist, even if they catch him in this state several times: cyclists are not subject to the confiscation law.

If a cyclist’s violation (even if “sober”) resulted in the creation of an emergency situation, the fine is from 450 thousand to 1.2 million.

Well, if as a result of an accident property is damaged or the victim receives minor bodily injury, the fine can reach 3 million rubles. A cyclist who leaves the scene of an accident faces the same punishment.

WHAT ABOUT THEM?

In Europe you are punished for walking in a bike path

In all European countries, a bicycle has every right to be on the roadway,” Yevgeny Khoruzhy, chairman of the board of the Minsk Cycling Society, told Komsomolskaya Pravda. - Moreover, in many countries, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited, and you can be fined a considerable amount for this. Belarus is the only country known to me where cyclists are actually equated with pedestrians, which leads to a large number of conflicts and controversial situations.

Some countries allow driving on sidewalks, while others allow left turns on a multi-lane road (this is a rather dangerous maneuver that requires appropriate infrastructure and driving culture for road users). Cyclists are often allowed to overtake stationary or slow-moving vehicles on the right side, using caution.

Pedestrians can enter the bike path only as a last resort - if it is not possible to walk on the sidewalk, if it is impossible to move on the sidewalk, being careful and not interfering with cyclists. In our country, unfortunately, pedestrians are not punished for being on the bike path.

More and more residents of big cities are beginning to realize that cycling is convenient, environmentally friendly, fun and fashionable. But in the city, a cyclist can cause a lot of problems if he does not follow the basic rules. A cyclist is a participant in the movement and a driver of a vehicle! This should not be forgotten.

CityFan presents some simple but mandatory rules of the road for cyclists.

• If a person rides a bicycle, then he is considered the driver of a vehicle, and if he drives it, then he is considered a pedestrian. He is obliged to follow traffic rules in both cases.
• The bicycle must have working brakes, handlebars and a sound signal, be equipped with a white reflector and a flashlight or headlight (for driving in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility) on the front, a red reflector or flashlight on the back, and a reflector on each side. orange or red. (SDA 2.3.1)
• It is prohibited to drive without holding the steering wheel with at least one hand, to transport passengers under the age of 7 years, as well as cargo more than half a meter in length or width (Traffic Rules 24.3)
• Like other drivers, it is prohibited to drive a vehicle while intoxicated, under the influence of medications that impair reaction and attention, or while in a sick or tired state. (SDA 2.7)
• It is prohibited to use a telephone while driving that is not equipped with a technical device that allows hands-free conversations. (SDA 2.7)
• Bicycles must travel in the rightmost lane in a single row in the opposite direction of motor vehicles ( changed). The recommendation is due to the fact that in this case both drivers see each other and can coordinate their actions to avoid a collision.

UPD: The point is ambiguous. According to the traffic rules (Traffic Rules 4.1), persons moving in wheelchairs without a motor, driving a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle, must follow the direction of travel of the vehicles.

• When driving through intersections, the usual priority rules apply. A car moving on a secondary road must yield to a bicycle moving on the main lane. (Traffic rules 13.9-13.10)
• Cyclists are not allowed to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing, nor are they allowed to turn around on it. In this case, you need to get off the bike and cross the road as a pedestrian. If you have doubts about the correctness of your actions on the road, police officers recommend getting off the sidewalk and following the rules of pedestrians. (SDA 14.1, 8.11)
• When driving around cars with people sitting in them, you must take into account that they may suddenly open the doors to get out, and this can lead to an accident.
• When turning, you need to raise your arm, bent at the elbow, or extended. If you turn to the left, raise your right arm, bent at the elbow, or the extended left one; if you turn to the right, raise the bent left arm, or the extended right one. Stop - raised hand (any). (Traffic rules 8.1-8.2) (see picture)

For violations of traffic rules, liability is provided in accordance with the administrative code (fines from 200 to 500 rubles, depending on the violation). The parents will be responsible for the juvenile offender.

There are also questions about the non-recognition of cyclists as motorists. Here all road users can only wish mutual respect, attention and patience on the road. Have a successful, safe and eventful cycling season!

For the information we thank Elena Lobanchikova, an employee of the Ust-Ilimsky Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and the Traffic Police of the Russian Federation.