Usually the traffic police pays little attention to those who ride a bike on the road. However, a cyclist is as much a participant in the movement as a motorcyclist or car driver. Accordingly, it is subject to all the requirements provided for by the traffic rules. So what are the rules of the road for cyclists?
What is a traffic bike in 2017?
First of all, it is necessary to determine what a bicycle is in terms of legislation and how to distinguish it from other types of vehicles (TC). SDA gives such a definition, highlighting several key points:
- The presence of at least two wheels.
- The driving force is the muscles of the people who ride the vehicle.
- The presence of an electric motor is permissible, but not more powerful than 0.25 kW and with auto shutdown at a speed of over 25 km / h.
Thus, the bicycle is delimited, 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 moped. Installing an internal combustion engine of any type and power turns the bike into either a moped or a motorcycle (tricycle, ATV, etc.). But at the same time, a tandem bicycle or a velomobile still belongs to the category of bicycles.
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It should be noted that in the event that a cyclist dismounts from the saddle and drives his own transport (for example, crossing the road on a zebra crossing), he will already be considered only as a pedestrian. The vehicle rules will not apply to it.
The role of the cyclist when riding on the road or on the sidewalk
When a person rides a bicycle, the following features are characteristic of him:
- 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 means of protection (helmet, elbow pads or knee pads, etc.), the cyclist easily loses his balance - and a fall easily ends in injury or even death. At the same time, due to the high speed, the cyclist is more vulnerable than the pedestrian: he cannot stop instantly, nor can he dodge the car.
- Low mechanization of the vehicle. The bicycle, as a rule, is not equipped with turn signals or stop signals - and the driver must signal his intentions with gestures.
- The bike is versatile. Traffic rules for cyclists allow movement both along special lanes on the road - and along the carriageway or, in extreme cases, along the sidewalk, like a pedestrian.
Based on this, the rules for cycling should be considered.
Traffic rules for cyclists: how should a law-abiding person ride?
Since the rules for cyclists on the road are based on the current traffic rules, it makes sense to consider separately the requirements that the bicycle driver must comply with in order to avoid violations.
Responsibilities regarding the technical condition of the bike
The traffic rules for cyclists regarding the technical serviceability of the vehicle are very simple. The cyclist is obliged to monitor the health of the following systems of his car:
- brakes;
- steering.
The rest of the bike driver should not worry - but he is obliged to look after the steering wheel and brakes and monitor their serviceability. Otherwise, he risks receiving a fine under the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
In addition, traffic rules require that on any vehicle in the dark or with insufficient visibility, the headlights and rear dimensions are on. Therefore, if these devices are not on the bike, they can only be used during the day. Formally, it is supposed to turn on the headlight during the day, as on cars, but in practice the traffic police does not follow 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 carriageway also provide for signaling. However, since there is usually no light signaling on a bicycle, the motorist himself must give such signals by gestures.
According to the traffic rules, the cyclist is obliged 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 - a hand (any) raised straight up.
The rules allow the use of a hand as a turn signal, not only set aside, but also bent at the elbow. 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 transport, it is strictly forbidden to drive it while intoxicated. If a drunk cyclist is stopped, he will have to answer according to the law.
In addition, traffic rules directly prohibit and transfer control to a drunk. Therefore, the owner of the bike who lent his transport to a drunk friend for a ride will also be responsible.
Cyclist driving license
Now for the most important thing: which side of the road should the cyclist be on?
The rules for cycling in the city are as follows: traffic 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 rider should be guided by the following rules:
- If there is no cycle or cycle path, the cyclist must ride on the carriageway 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, movement on the sidewalk is allowed.
The points exclude each other, therefore, having reached a place where there is a marking of a cycle path or a road sign "Bicycle", it is necessary to urgently change lanes, move off the sidewalk or off the sidewalk. Otherwise, it will be considered as a violation of the rules with all the ensuing consequences.
However, there are exceptions to every rule. In particular, if a bicycle or a load on it is wider than 1 m, it is not only allowed, but also directly prescribed to move on the road and observe the rules for cycling on the roadway. In addition, it is also allowed to ride in organized columns:
- In one row - as a general rule.
- In pairs - if each of the vehicles is already 75 cm.
In this case, in the column, you need to move 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 the 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 on which side the cyclist should ride is solved in the same way as when driving on the carriageway: you need to move along the right sidewalk.
Bans for cyclists
As with any road user, there are restrictions for bicycle riders. The following cyclist rules have been established, which prohibit:
- ride without hands. Even when giving signals, you need to hold the steering wheel with your other hand;
- carry oversized cargo that protrudes over the edge of the bike by more than 50 cm;
- to carry cargo that interferes with the control of the bike (for example, put on or loaded onto the handlebars);
- turn left on roads where there are more than two lanes in one direction, or there are tram tracks;
- to be towed or towed (only special bicycle trailers can be transported).
- drive on highways.
In addition to general prohibitions that apply to all bicycle riders, there are also specific prohibitions concerning individual situations. Let's consider them in more detail.
New rules for actions at a pedestrian crossing
The question of how a zebra rider should behave is decided by the traffic rules unambiguously: he is prohibited from crossing the road using a pedestrian crossing. If necessary, the bike rider must dismount and walk along the zebra crossing like a normal pedestrian while driving his car. This is a new norm: it was not forbidden to drive along the crossings before.
But how should a cyclist ride on a road if it is crossed by a crossing? Here the same rules are set for him as for the drivers of all other vehicles: he can drive through the crossing without dismounting - but only across the "zebra".
Restrictions for children
Bicycles can be driven not only by adults, but also by children. Therefore, traffic rules for them establish special rules:
- children under the age of 7 can only ride in pedestrian areas;
- children under 14 years old - in the same place, plus also on bike paths. They are prohibited from entering the carriageway.
After 14 years, restrictions are lifted, and you can ride wherever traffic rules are allowed.
Curiously, with the literal interpretation of the Rules in force until 2014, only those over 14 years old could drive bicycles. Traffic rules were not specified how to deal with numerous children on "bikes", but formally they (or rather, their parents) could be fined for violation at any time.
Relationship with pedestrians
Cyclists are required to allow pedestrians to pass on roads or sidewalks. In all cases when the bike interferes with them, the driver must dismount and drive his vehicle with his hands.
At the crossing, if there is no traffic light, the cyclist must let the pedestrian pass. If there is a traffic light, then it must make sure that pedestrians have finished crossing the road, and only then can they continue to move.
Memo for the carriage of passengers
How many people can ride one bike? Although a bicycle is a vehicle, usually only the driver himself can ride it. The exceptions are situations when:
- there are regular seats for passengers provided by the manufacturer;
- there is a trailer or a sidecar, again structurally intended for towing by a bicycle.
It is strictly forbidden to transport people on the frame or on the trunk.
Road signage system - rules "in pictures"
In cases where a separate lane is allocated for bicycles, special markings are used. In particular, the cycle path should be fenced off from the motor vehicle lane with a solid line: this means that neither drivers of cars or motorcycles can enter there, nor cyclists have the right to enter the roadway. In addition, the cycle path is marked either with a special road sign or a bicycle symbol applied to the asphalt.
Moreover, if there is a sign "Motorway" 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 able to reach speeds of more than 40 km / h, but bicycles are mentioned directly in the Rules. Highway cyclists can only ride on the side of the road.
Lighting devices
Separately, you need to consider what kind of lighting devices can be installed on a bicycle. Unlike cars, the installation of normally not provided headlights, dimensions or other devices does not need to be coordinated - the owner decides what he needs, he buys and himself installs the necessary lighting devices, if necessary.
Nevertheless, in order not to violate traffic rules, it is best to install on the bike:
- Headlight. Replacing it with a headlamp on a bicycle helmet is highly discouraged.
- Red marker on the trunk or rear fender.
Also, the SDA recommends using reflectors or other reflective or retroreflective devices on the bike or on the clothes of its owner when driving in the dark. This requirement is optional, but it does save the cyclist's life.
Lighting devices can be powered either from a battery or from a "dynamo" - a small-sized electric generator. It is recommended to use battery models: when stopped, the generators stop working, and the headlights stop shining.
Changes in cyclist fines
As long as there are rules, there must be responsibility for breaking them. Now the cyclist can be fined:
- for traffic violations - 800 rubles;
- for drunk driving - up to 1,500 rubles;
- for talking on a mobile phone (without a handsfree headset) while driving - up to 1,500 rubles.
In addition, for riders, there are also rules prohibiting damage to road signs or contamination of the roadway. However, it is not worth dwelling on them, since these violations are not common.
The most common traffic violations when cycling
Now let's see what violations are most often committed by bicycle owners. According to statistics, the following offenses are most common:
- Riding on pedestrian crossings. This suicidal practice is unfortunately common among Russian cyclists. It must be remembered: neither a bicycle nor a car can brake sharply - and because of the speed, the cyclist is even more vulnerable than the pedestrian.
- Riding without brakes. Braking systems make the bike heavier and interfere with rapid acceleration, so many either dismantle them or do not install them (if the bike is not equipped with brakes as standard). However, this is also a variant of suicide.
- Interference with pedestrians. Riding on sidewalks in certain cases is allowed, but if at the same time a cyclist interferes with passers-by, he should not signal a bell, but dismount and drive his vehicle.
- Causing harm to the health of a pedestrian. For this, a fine of 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles is provided.
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It must be remembered: a cyclist is the same participant in the movement as the driver of a car or motorcycle. Therefore, he must comply with traffic rules in full.
Cyclists are full road users in the sense that they have their own rights (and responsibilities) that allow them to use roads and sidewalks in certain circumstances. Nevertheless, traffic rules are often a rather ambiguous legal act, sometimes contradictory. Therefore, let's look at a practical (law enforcement) point of view about traffic rules and fines for cyclists in a question and answer format!
Is a bicycle a vehicle?
Yes. By the very definition of a bicycle, it is a vehicle. But it should not be confused with mechanical vehicles. The latter is driven by an engine.
But it's not that simple. And the bike can also move due to the motor. But in order for it not to go under the definition of mechanical vehicles, but to remain in the proud title of "Bicycle", the engine on it, according to traffic rules in 2019, must meet 3 criteria:
- it should only be an electric motor,
- its power should be no more than 0.25 kW (~ 0.34 HP),
- He must automatically disconnect at a speed of 25 km / h or more.
The cyclist is also the driver. This status is given to him by the definition of a driver - any person driving a vehicle.
Where can you go?
This is a rather complex and conventional subtlety. The fact is that for cyclists, according to the Rules, as many as 7 different formal traffic zones are allowed, depending on the age and organization of traffic on a given site.
Therefore, first we suggest that you find out where you can go specifically in your case, interactively answering a few simple questions.
Where can I go? Quick test
What is your age?
Under 7 years old? 7-14 years old? Over 14 years old?
Are you transporting a child under 7 years old or accompanying a child under 14 years old ??
Not really
Is there a cycle path, cycle path or lane for cyclists on this section of the road and is it possible to move along them?
Not really
Is there a carriageway on this section of the road on which it is possible to ride on the right edge, you are driving outside the cycle convoy, and the width of your bike is no more than 1 meter?
Yes, all conditions are metAt least 1 condition is not met
Is there a shoulder in this section of the road and is it possible to move along it?
Not really
You can ride the bike paths, the sidewalk, the pedestrian zone of your choice.
Pass again
You can ride bike paths, bike paths, sidewalks, footpaths, pedestrian zones of your choice.
Pass again
You can only drive on sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
Pass again
You must use a cycle path, cycle path, or cyclist lane.
Pass again
You must drive on the right side of the carriageway. At the same time, you must not turn left and turn around if there is more than one lane in your direction or there are tram tracks.
Pass again
You must move on the side of the road without interfering with pedestrians and when creating such interference or danger to the movement of pedestrians while dismounting.
Pass again
You can drive on sidewalks or pedestrian areas without interfering with pedestrians and while dismounting or disrupting pedestrian traffic.
Pass again
Let's now take a look at where you can ride a bike depending on your age.
Over 14 years old
- On bike paths and bike paths or a cyclist lane of your choice in any case, if any,
- on the right side of the carriageway:
- if there are no above zones or, for one reason or another (objective) reasons, it is impossible to drive for them,
- if the width of your bike is more than 1 m (including with a load),
- if you are traveling in a bicycle convoy,
- on the side of the road, if there are no special paths or a lane for cyclists, and it is impossible or impossible to drive along the right edge of the carriageway (note, the side of the road is not a carriageway); at the same time, you should not interfere with pedestrians (they have an advantage on the side of the road),
- on the sidewalk or pedestrian zone, if all of the above is absent or it is not possible to drive on them - that is, in fact, this item allows you to drive through pedestrian parks, alleys, etc .; or if you are transporting a child under 7 years old or riding with a cyclist under 14 years old (clause 24.2 of the Rules).
The lane for cyclists is separated from the rest of the road by a solid line and marked with the following markings:
And / or with such a sign:
7-14 years old
- On bike paths
- on bike paths,
- on the sidewalk,
- on the footpath,
- on the pedestrian zone.
Any of the following for your choice.
Under 7 years old
- On bike paths
- on the sidewalk,
- on the pedestrian zone.
Any of the above.
Where do I need to dismount?
There are a number of areas where you must dismount, but there are few of them:
- while crossing a pedestrian crossing, if you count on the fact that drivers will be obliged to give you the road (they are obliged to give way only to pedestrians (clause 24.8 of the SDA), and in the event of an accident, the fault will fall on you),
- in pedestrian zones (in parks), on pedestrian paths, sidewalks or the sidewalk, if only you interfere with pedestrians or they are endangered (clause 24.6 of the SDA).
How far should car drivers stay from me?
Safe. Alas, the clear boundaries of the 2019 traffic rules are not regulated either with respect to the lateral interval or with respect to the distance.
Earlier, there was an attempt to develop a new law introducing a clause into the Rules that would oblige drivers to keep the lateral distance from the cyclist equal to 1 meter, but it was not adopted.
Today, the safety of the distance and the interval is precedent - that is, until an accident occurs, the distances are considered safe.
Can you ride on the bus lane?
You can. The very description of road sign 5.11 allows cyclists to move along it:
But you yourself are not obliged to transfer practically anything for verification. Alas, this is so (and this is a big minus). License and other typical automobile documents must be submitted for verification only to drivers of mechanical vehicles (clause 2.1.1 of the SDA). But the inspector can check the civil passport of a cyclist as a citizen, and only if the first commits a traffic violation or to involve him as a witness or attesting witness (clause 107 of the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs).
By the way, the reasons for stopping and checking documents are the same as for motorists.
The employee wants to check the bike frame number - is he entitled?
It has. These are the direct duties assigned to the inspector. He can verify the numbers (clause 107 of the regulations) within the framework of orientations and special measures for which he is not obliged to present the relevant documents to you (but should not interfere with the opportunity to get acquainted with them - they can be at the traffic police post, in the unit, or even be oral) - however, everything is like that of motorists.
What is prohibited for cyclists by traffic rules?
So, in addition to the prohibited sections of the road for traffic under certain conditions, in general cases, cyclists are also prohibited from:
Traffic rules still very conditionally regulate the life of a cyclist on the road. It is very difficult to drive normally in the city without breaking the rules. Let's start with the fact that there is no normal cycling infrastructure in the city. Like any Moscow cyclist, I sometimes have to break the rules. I wish I hadn't, but every time I become a victim of circumstances. The main thing when you break the rules is to remember: first of all - safety.
Driving on the sidewalk
The current traffic rules are allowed to drive on the sidewalk. Of course, you have to ride on the carriageway, but the rules contain a clarification: “Cyclists are allowed to move along the sidewalk or footpath in the following cases: there are no cycle and cycle paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no opportunity to move along them, as well as on the right edge of the carriageway or roadside "
What is “there is no opportunity to move along them,” is not specified in the rules, so everyone can perceive it in their own way. For some, this is a parked or uncleaned roadside, but for others it is simply scary.
I often drive on the sidewalk myself. The most important thing to remember: drove onto the sidewalk, do not bother pedestrians. Remember, you are a guest on the sidewalk, and you must behave accordingly! You cannot rush along the sidewalk signaling to pedestrians. You can overtake - overtake. If people are walking in heavy traffic, follow them slowly, or get off your bike and roll it alongside. Sometimes, in a polite voice, I ask people to give way if I see that the sidewalk ahead is empty and I thank you later. But once again I try not to disturb pedestrians.
It pisses me off when some asshole on a bicycle starts pushing pedestrians in different directions. Normal cyclists never do that.
By the way, the traffic rules also have clause 24.6 for this. "If the movement of the cyclist on the sidewalk endangers or interferes with the movement of others, the cyclist must dismount."
Crossing the road on a zebra crossing
Here is the story. Do not run over an unregulated zebra on your bike. I drove up to the zebra - get off and carry the bike. What happens to assholes who run over a zebra on a bicycle ride, you can watch on YouTube, a bunch of videos. If the traffic light is adjustable and I see that all the cars have stopped, then such a zebra crossing can be run over. For example, long passages across the Garden Ring. Most importantly, it should not be a surprise for a motorist that you appear at the crossing.
Crossing the road in the wrong place
Yes, you heard right, I often cross the road on a bicycle in the wrong place. This is due to the lack of normal ground crossings. It is not always possible to drag a bicycle into an underground passage. I have to cross the road. For example, there is a place opposite the Bolshoi Theater, where you can cross the road in this way. There, a traffic light stops the flow of cars going to Lubyanka, and you can safely cross the road. There is no question of crossing the road wherever you like. All cases are unique and must be considered individually.
Driving in the opposite lane
In exceptional cases, I consider it permissible to drive in an opposite lane on quiet one-way streets in the city center. It all depends on the circumstances. If it is not possible to drive safely on the road, then it is better to go to the sidewalk. But in general, it's better to never drive on the opposite lane.
Sometimes I break the rules in clause 24.8. Traffic rules
Cyclists are prohibited from:
“To operate the bike without holding the steering wheel with at least one hand” - sometimes I let go of the steering wheel in order to stretch my back. Ashamed.
“Turn left or make a U-turn on tramways and roads,
having more than one lane for movement in a given direction "- sometimes I turn left, preliminarily rearranging in a row for a turn, if it is safe and does not create obstacles.
Well, a few tips.
Road behavior
The most important rule here is that all your actions should be as predictable as possible! There shouldn't be any unexpected maneuvers on the road, especially when you are a small, defenseless cyclist. Show with outstretched hand if you are going to turn. Thank the cars that let you through.
Remember that for many riders, a bicycle on the road is still an extraordinary phenomenon. Even if you are crossing an intersection and you have a main road, it is better to stop and make sure that no one is driving, and if they do, they will let you through.
Remember an important rule - if you are driving along parallel parked cars, keep at least a meter away from them! Sometimes the drivers open the door. This can come as an unpleasant surprise.
When driving along the road, you need to stay close to the side of the road so that you can be seen and so that you do not interfere with anyone. This is not how you can do it:
3rd row of the Moscow Ring Road. Photo: russos
Also remember that the car stops faster than the bike! It is very important to maintain a safe distance in front of the vehicle in front.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of assholes on the road. I face this all the time. Some motorists for some reason start honking, cutting off or swearing at cyclists. It is completely incomprehensible what is in their heads. Several times a body approached me and began to scream what I was doing on the road. Once it was a traffic police officer who insisted that cyclists should ride on the sidewalk if life is expensive.
Take care of yourself and be careful.
