From December 14, 2021, additional rules for driving bicycles have been introduced, which are not taken into account in this article, thanks to which cyclists have even more opportunities on the roads.
- Basic terms;
- General traffic rules for cyclists;
- What is the maximum speed of a cyclist?;
- Position of cyclists on the road;
- Cyclist privileges;
- Will they lose their driver's license if they are caught drunk on a bicycle?;
- Fines for cyclists.
The bicycle is becoming an increasingly popular means of transport both for transportation and for staying healthy. Accordingly, there are more and more interactions with other traffic participants. Amendments to the Traffic Rules have already been made twice to regulate relations. In this article you will learn in detail all the requirements established for cyclists in 2021.
Basic terms
First of all, let's get acquainted with the basic terms and definitions that cyclists need to know.
"Bike"
- a vehicle, other than a wheelchair, which has at least two wheels and is generally driven by the muscular energy of the occupants of the vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or handles, and may also have an electric motor of rated maximum continuous power load not exceeding 0.25 kW, automatically switching off at speeds over 25 km/h.
The main thing to note is that a bicycle is a vehicle.
. All requirements of the Rules relating to vehicles apply equally to bicycles.
The bicycle can be equipped with an electric motor with a power of no more than 0.25 kW with automatic shutdown at speeds over 25 km/h.
Bicycle with electric motor
"Cyclist"
- person driving a bicycle.
Cyclist - controls a bicycle. If you drive a bicycle nearby, then you become a pedestrian.
Cyclists and pedestrians
"Bike Lane"
(or a separate road)
structurally separated from the roadway and sidewalk , intended for the movement of cyclists and marked with sign 4.4.1.
The bicycle path is structurally separated from the roadway or sidewalk, and can also be made in the form of a separate road, that is, form full-fledged intersections with highways. To designate it, it is necessary to have a road sign “Bicycle path”.
Bike Lane
"Driver"
- a person driving
a vehicle
, a driver leading pack animals, riding animals or a herd along the road. A driving instructor is treated like a driver.
The cyclist is also a driver.
"Pedestrian and bicycle path (pedestrian and bicycle path)"
- a road element (or a separate road) structurally separated from the roadway, intended for the separate or joint movement of cyclists with pedestrians and indicated by signs 4.5.2 - 4.5.7.
A relatively new element of the road in the Traffic Rules, intended for joint or separate movement of cyclists and pedestrians.
Bike and pedestrian path
"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.
The latest innovation in the traffic rules is a special dedicated lane on the roadway, the same as for the movement of route vehicles. In addition to bicycles, it is also intended for the movement of mopeds.
Cyclist lane
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General traffic rules for cyclists
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 light direction indicators in the appropriate direction, and if they are missing or faulty - with his 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 equipped);- on trailers and towed motor vehicles - side lights.
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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.
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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 location of cyclists on the road are
a sequence of exceptions from the first paragraph
.
Driving on the right edge of the roadway
The first exception is that cyclists are allowed to ride 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
Third exception - on a 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, as well as 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.
Defining 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 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-row traffic or in groups of 10 pairs in the case of double-lane traffic.
To facilitate overtaking, 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.
Traffic rules about cyclists and sidewalks
According to existing traffic rules, citizens over 14 years of age can drive on city streets. A detailed explanation is in section 24. 1-6, which clearly states how a cyclist should behave:
- Ride a bicycle on bicycle paths, if available, or on specially designated lanes;
- Move on the roadway on the right - along the edge, in cases where there are no designated lanes or bicycle paths. If a group of athletes, tourists, travelers on bicycles is moving at once, then they must follow each other - in one row;
- The bike driver is required to ride only on the side of the road when the options listed above are not available - this will not be a violation.
It is important not to forget that each subsequent subparagraph (of the above) of the traffic rules assumes that it is impossible to move according to the previous paragraph. If the rider does not comply with this, he will face a fine.
New additions to the law
Since the last months of 2021, bicycle zones have begun to appear on city streets in big cities; they can be immediately distinguished by road signs and markings. These zones, by law, give a clear advantage to bicycles over cars.
According to clause 18.2 of the traffic rules from 2021, a cyclist can follow the public transport lane if there are appropriate road signs on the road. If they are absent, and a “brick” road sign is installed at the entrance to the road, the bicycle, like any vehicle, has no right to move. Violation may result in a fine.
Already in the new year 2021, special lanes for bicycles will be allocated on city streets, which will be highlighted with special signs. These lanes are intended for cyclists and mopeds only.
Necessary clarifications about when you can move on the sidewalk
Situations arise on city streets when it is impossible for a cyclist (over 14 years old) to move on the road - there are no bike paths, no lanes, and it is impossible to move along the edge of the road or its side. In this particular case, it is allowed (clause 24.2 of the traffic rules) to follow a pedestrian path or sidewalk; there will be no fine.
The same applies to adults transporting a child (up to 7 years of age) - driving along with pedestrians is allowed, but the child must be in a specialized child seat.
Rules for children and teenagers
According to the current rules of the DD (clause 24.3), children and adolescents aged 7 to 14 years can ride a bicycle exclusively on the sidewalk area, and within pedestrian areas, as well as on bicycle and pedestrian paths. They are prohibited from entering the roadway.
In 2021, the Government made changes to the rules of the DD (Decree No. 832, dated July 12, 2017), which states that it is allowed to ride a bike on the sidewalk area of an adult who is accompanying a child under 14 years old riding a bike.
Transition from a bike driver to a pedestrian
As stated in the traffic rules, a bicycle is a vehicle, and a cyclist riding it is a driver. However, if the rider gets off the bike, he automatically turns into a pedestrian. Therefore, depending on what status a person will be on the road, he must follow these rules. For example, a bicycle driver is required to give way to pedestrians:
- at a traffic light or zebra crossing;
- on the road at the tram stop, where people get off and board the tram.
But if a person dismounts from a bike, then he will be able to behave like a pedestrian - walk along a pedestrian crossing, driving a bike next to him.
A biker has no right to turn left while driving on a highway. But he can do this when he dismounts and crosses (as a pedestrian) along the pedestrian crossing to the other side. After which he can again become a driver, get on a bike, and continue moving in the right direction. If this rule is violated, there will be a fine.
Also, despite the legal permission (for bicycle drivers) to move on sidewalks, in the absence of other riding options, it is necessary to use another transition from the driver category to the pedestrian category. This is required at times when there is a dense and large flow of pedestrians on the sidewalks (for example, during rush hour). In this case, it is inevitable that a cyclist will collide with people walking on the sidewalk. To avoid causing injury to pedestrians and yourself, you should dismount and carry the bicycle next to you (as a pedestrian, clause 24.6).
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.
Defining a road element for cycling
Before performing the maneuver, the cyclist who is the driver must take the appropriate position on the roadway.
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. If this requirement is violated, the cyclist does not have priority in traffic.
.
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:
- movement 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;
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Reminder for cyclists
With the onset of warm weather, the number of cyclists on the city streets increases. In this regard, traffic police officers remind you that there are also a number of rules for this type of transport, the violation of which leads to administrative liability. In order to avoid danger when riding a bicycle, you need to follow simple rules: Children under 14 years of age can ride a bicycle in places where there is no traffic - in closed areas in the yard, in stadiums, parks and other safe places . The movement of cyclists under the age of 14 years must be carried out only on sidewalks, pedestrian, bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as within pedestrian zones. Riding a bicycle while driving on the roadway is only permissible for persons over 14 years of age, but only in the absence of a bicycle or bicycle-pedestrian path, and it is necessary to move only along the right edge of the roadway, as far to the right as possible. Cyclists are FORBIDDEN: 1. Cross the roadway on a bicycle at pedestrian crossings. You need to get off your bike and walk across the road, with your bike rolling next to you!!! 2. Move along the road if there is a bicycle path nearby. 3. Drive without holding the steering wheel with at least one hand, except for giving warning signals with your hand. 4. Transport oversized cargo that interferes with control or protrudes more than 0.5 meters in length or width. 5. Carry passengers (except for a child under 7 years old in a special seat). 6. Cling to any vehicle. 7. Tow with a bicycle, except for towing a trailer designed for use with a bicycle. 8. Drive close to vehicles moving ahead. 9. Drive on highways. 10. Driving while sick or tired. The most common violation of the rules by bicycle drivers is riding a bicycle in a pedestrian crossing. Moreover, car drivers are not to blame in such situations (they should only let pedestrians pass, which does not include cyclists). In addition, given the fact that a bicycle can easily reach speeds of up to 30-40 km/h, cyclists appear on the roadway very quickly and unexpectedly, so the driver cannot always take measures to prevent a collision. Study and strictly follow the traffic rules! Cyclists, remember! Your safety and the safety of those around you depends on your discipline!
Cyclist privileges
On April 15, 2015, changes were made to the Traffic Rules to allow the movement of bicycles in 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 is prohibited (except for school buses and vehicles used as passenger taxis, as well as cyclists - in (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.
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Where can you ride a bike?
Since 2014, there are six points where you can ride a bicycle:
Do I need a license to drive a bicycle?
Over 14 years old:
- Bicycle path;
- Far right lane;
- Roadside;
- Sidewalk.
You need to look from top to bottom, that is, if there is no bike path, then you should ride on the far right lane of the road. If you can’t drive there either, then you can drive along the side of the road, and if it is busy or not there, then you focus on the fourth point - the sidewalk!
Exceptions:
- You can drive on the road if the width of the load is more than 100 cm;
- If you are traveling in a group, you can drive along the road.
Since 2014, dedicated lanes for cyclists have been installed. And since 2015, cyclists have the right to ride in dedicated lanes on the road!
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.
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Basic provisions of the traffic rules concerning cyclists
1. General provisions The Rules use the following basic concepts and terms: “Bicycle” is a vehicle, other than wheelchairs, that has two wheels or more and is driven by the muscular power of the people on it. A cyclist, according to the Rules, qualifies as a bicycle driver .
A bicycle is a vehicle, but it is not a “motor vehicle”. Therefore, if the traffic rules say “vehicle”, then this also applies to bicycles, but if it says “motor vehicle”, then this does not apply to bicycles. In particular, this means that the driver of a bicycle is obliged to:
Before leaving, check and ensure that the vehicle is in good technical condition on the way in accordance with the Basic Regulations for the admission of vehicles to operation and the responsibilities of officials to ensure road safety.
2.3.2. In established cases, undergo a test of knowledge of the Rules and driving skills, as well as a medical examination to confirm the ability to drive vehicles;
2.3.3. Provide a vehicle:
* employees of the police, federal state security agencies and federal security service agencies in cases provided for by law;
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;
* cross organized (including foot) columns and take a place in them;
* consume alcoholic beverages, narcotic, psychotropic or other intoxicating substances after a traffic accident in which he is involved, or after the vehicle was stopped at the request of a police officer, before an examination to establish the state of intoxication or until a decision is made exemption from such examination;
* use a telephone while driving that is not equipped with a technical device that allows hands-free negotiations.
Additional requirements for the movement of bicycles...
24.1. Persons at least 14 years old are allowed to drive a bicycle, horse-drawn cart (sleigh), or be a driver of pack animals, riding animals or herds when driving on roads, and a moped is not younger than 16 years old. If a person does not ride a bicycle, but rolls it, then he is considered a pedestrian, not a cyclist (Traffic Regulations 1.2).
1.2. The Rules use the following basic concepts and terms:
“Pedestrian” is a person who is outside a vehicle on the road and is not working on it. Persons moving in wheelchairs without a motor, driving a bicycle, moped, motorcycle, carrying a sled, cart, baby stroller or wheelchair are considered pedestrians. At the same time, the Rules stipulate only one difference between a cyclist and a pedestrian:
Responsibilities of pedestrians
4.1. Pedestrians must move on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, or, if there are none, along the roadsides. Pedestrians carrying or carrying bulky objects, as well as persons using non-motorized wheelchairs, may walk along the edge of the roadway if their movement on sidewalks or shoulders creates an obstacle for other pedestrians.
* If there are no sidewalks, pedestrian paths or shoulders, and if it is impossible to move along them, pedestrians can move along a bicycle path or walk in a single file along the edge of the roadway (on roads with a dividing strip - along the outer edge of the roadway).
* When driving along the edge of the roadway, pedestrians must walk towards the movement of vehicles. Persons moving in wheelchairs without a motor, driving a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle, in these cases must follow the direction of travel of the vehicles.
* When driving along the side of the road or the edge of the roadway in the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility, pedestrians are recommended to carry objects with reflective elements and ensure that these objects are visible to vehicle drivers.
