1. Who is considered a cyclist?
According to clause 1.2 of the current traffic rules, a cyclist is a person who controls a bicycle. A bicycle, in turn, is considered to be “a vehicle, other than a wheelchair, which has at least two wheels and is propelled, as a rule, by the muscular energy of the persons on this vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or handles, and may also have an electric motor with a rated maximum power in continuous load mode not exceeding 0.25 kW, which automatically switches 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 not 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, persons “using roller skates, scooters and other similar means for movement” are considered pedestrians - that is, a vehicle with a wheel (or wheels) drive is considered a bicycle. In addition, if a person does not ride a bicycle, but leads it next to him, then he is also considered a pedestrian, not a cyclist.
Another remark concerns the classification of a bicycle as a vehicle: the bicycle itself is a vehicle, but it is not a motorized vehicle, as 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. Are cyclists allowed to travel on roads?
The answer to the key question that worries many is yes. The SDA has 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 carriageway. This, however, is permitted if "there are no cycle and cycle paths, a lane for cyclists, or it is not possible to move along them."
Moreover, when moving highway the cyclist uses the standard priority rules, and a car moving on a secondary road must yield to a cyclist moving on the main road. And also 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 must be carried out on a bicycle, cycle path or lane for cyclists.” And one more thing: cyclists under the age of 14 are not allowed to drive on the roadway and on the side of the road.
3. What are cyclists not allowed to do?
The list of additional prohibitions for cyclists is regulated by clause 24.8 of the current traffic rules, and besides it, there are other clauses in the traffic rules that mention restrictions on the movement of cyclists. Here we will highlight the main prohibitions regarding their movement on the roads.
To begin with, paragraph 2.7 applies to cyclists, which stipulates a ban on driving a vehicle, as well as talking on mobile phone without using hands-free devices. The only caveat here is that the fines provided for violation of the rules by cyclists are significantly lower than those for motorists - this will be discussed below.
Paragraph 16.1 prohibits the movement of cyclists on motorways, as well as on roads marked with sign 5.3 - “Road for cars”.
Well, the notorious paragraph 24.8 prohibits cyclists from “turning left or turning around on roads with tram traffic and on roads with more than one lane for traffic in a given direction”, as well as “cross the road at pedestrian crossings”. Thus, to make a left turn, a cyclist will either have to do it “in two passes”, crossing the road to which you need to turn, and then, stopping, go to 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 prohibition sign 3.9 “Movement is prohibited on bicycles”, which is supplemented by the standard “brick” (3.1) and “Movement is prohibited” (3.2).
4. What are the penalties for cyclists?
Violations by cyclists of the rules and prohibitions indicated above, as well as other rules that are not related to the movement on roads and are 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 “in the amount of one thousand to one thousand five hundred rubles” will be imposed on him.
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 got off with “a warning or an administrative fine of two hundred rubles,” and a drunk cyclist was punished with a fine “from three hundred to five hundred rubles.
12. The movement of all vehicles, except for mopeds, is prohibited on the lanes for cyclists. The movement of all vehicles is prohibited on pedestrian and bicycle paths.
The requirements for the movement of cyclists and moped drivers have been significantly changed, so I present here the entire new text of Section 24 of the SDA at once:
"24.1. The movement of cyclists over the age of 14 must be carried out on a bicycle path, cycle path or lane for cyclists.
24.2. Cyclists over the age of 14 are allowed:
on the right edge of the carriageway - in the following cases:
there are no bicycle and bicycle paths, a lane for cyclists or there is no possibility to move along them;
the overall width of the bicycle, trailer to it or the transported cargo exceeds 1 m;
the movement of cyclists is carried out in columns;
on the roadside - if there are no bicycle and bicycle paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no possibility to move along them or along the right edge of the carriageway;
on the sidewalk or footpath - in the following cases:
there are no bicycle and bicycle paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no possibility to move along them, as well as along the right edge of the carriageway or roadside;
the cyclist accompanies a cyclist under the age of 7 or transports a child under the age of 7 in an extra seat, in a bicycle carriage or in a trailer designed to be used with a bicycle.
24.3. The movement of cyclists aged 7 to 14 years should be carried out only on sidewalks, pedestrian, bicycle and bicycle paths, as well as within pedestrian zones.
24.4. The movement of cyclists under the age of 7 years should be carried out only on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths (on the side for pedestrian traffic), as well as within pedestrian zones.
24.5. When cyclists move along the right edge of the carriageway in the cases provided for by these Rules, cyclists must move only in one row. A column of cyclists is allowed to 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 a single-lane movement or into groups of 10 pairs in the case of a two-lane movement. To facilitate overtaking, the distance between groups should be 80 - 100 m.
24.6. If the movement of a cyclist on a sidewalk, footpath, curb 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 in these Rules for the movement of pedestrians.
24.7. Moped drivers must move on the right side of the carriageway in one row or in the lane for cyclists. Moped drivers are allowed to move along the side of the road, if this does not interfere with pedestrians.
24.8. Cyclists and moped drivers are prohibited from:
ride a bicycle, moped without holding the steering wheel with at least one hand;
transport cargo that protrudes more than 0.5 m in length or width beyond the dimensions, or cargo that interferes with control;
to carry passengers, if it is not provided for by the design 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 this direction;
drive on the road without a fastened motorcycle helmet (for moped drivers).
24.9. It is forbidden to tow bicycles and mopeds, as well as towing by bicycles and mopeds, except for towing a trailer intended for use with a bicycle or moped.
24.10. When driving at night or in conditions of insufficient visibility, cyclists and moped drivers are advised to carry objects with retroreflective elements and ensure that these objects are visible to drivers of other vehicles.
A bicycle path is an independent element of the road infrastructure for movement on two-wheeled vehicles. Allows clear from vehicular traffic, designed to ensure the safety of all involved traffic, is the legal territory of cyclists. The entry of cars and the exit of pedestrians to cycle paths are generally prohibited.
The attitude towards cyclists in the SDA has changed: now they are full-fledged drivers with rights, duties and a specially allocated area - the same bike path. In practice, everything looks different: not every city in our country can boast of bike paths. So you have to roll out bikes on the road or ride on crowded sidewalks.
However, not everything is so bad: cycling is actively developing in Russia, and this is a plus. Tracks, though in small quantities, but appear. In some cities, it was even possible to clearly regulate cyclists, car drivers and pedestrians on stages and intersections.
The cycle path is presented in three versions: a marked lane on the roadway, a sidewalk bike zone and a separate path.
Cycle lane on the road
A cycle lane is a section of road that is separated from the main traffic. It is bounded on the left side by a solid line, on the right side by a border. Solid markings simultaneously prohibit both bikers and motorists from crossing the line.
Benefits of a bike lane:
- relative safety in comparison with movement in the general stream;
- clear priority of direct travel at intersections;
- fewer parked cars and doors on the way.
Parking for cars in the area with a lane for cycling is prohibited. However, not everyone respects traffic rules, not to mention cyclists. Thus, a parked car and a risky detour of an obstacle in violation of the rules.
Forced to break the rules because of parked cars
Movement features:
- you need to keep as far to the right as possible, yield part of the lane to overtaking cyclists;
- at intersections, passing is allowed only straight and to the right (even if the carriageway is two-lane);
- control the traffic situation: pay attention to signs and traffic lights, estimate the distance to other vehicles.
Bicycle lanes on the roadway the best option because there is no security guarantee here. A car may also suddenly stop or a pedestrian jump out. The strip on the roadway is more suitable as an intermediate option. But if this one suddenly appeared on a major city street, this is already progress!
Bicycle path
Combined bicycle and pedestrian zones are the reality of almost every city in Russia. A cycle path in a pedestrian area is a budget and easy option to make life a little easier for cyclists. Despite such bright aspirations of the authorities, cyclists themselves are skeptical about this and consider it an outright deception.
Bicycle paths run along tourist routes, mainly in city centers:
- embankments;
- streets without car traffic;
- parks;
- wide sidewalks;
- in places where it is impossible to draw a cycle lane on the roadway or build a separate path (for example, narrow bridges).
The paths combined with the pedestrian zone have two significant advantages: complete isolation from vehicles and the opportunity to relax in the saddle for a slow ride. The latter refers to lovers of leisurely walks.
The disadvantages of such a bike path abound:
- exiting pedestrians;
- it is impossible to develop good speed;
- small bandwidth;
- difficulty passing with an oncoming cyclist.
Marked cycle track on a pedestrian street in Sochi
Despite clear markings and even a "Movement of bicycles" sign, most pedestrians often do not take bike lanes seriously and go beyond the markings. A separate issue is impracticality. The bike zone is more designed for leisurely walks than for full-fledged movement without access to the roadway.
Separate bike path
Actually, this is a full-fledged road for cyclists. Laid separately from the noisy road and sidewalks, it should allow movement in opposite directions.
The cycle path can be adjacent to the carriageway and laid separately. The first option - city streets with car traffic, the second - stages between microdistricts and tourist routes. It is clear that in the Russian open spaces separate bicycle roads are still in the project.
Separate and equipped road for bikes
Advantages:
- isolation from pedestrians and cars;
- convenient to move around;
- the opportunity to enjoy cycling without disturbing pedestrians.
Flaws:
- strip width less than 1 m;
- it is difficult to disperse and get ahead;
- low speed compared to road traffic.
If the street is equipped with a fenced-off cycle path, it is forbidden to move along the carriageway along with cars. This is not very convenient, especially if the track ends after 200 - 300 m.
Professionally designed bike path - high-quality coverage, location above the level of the roadway, barriers. It is indicated by the sign "Movement of bicycles" and markings: separation of oncoming flows, the silhouette of a bicycle and arrows with directions.
Safe Design
On straight lines:
- fencing from traffic;
- flow delimitation;
- Sufficient bike width.
close to bus stops public transport the bike path should not be too close to the road: passengers will immediately go under the wheels of bicycles. The optimal distance is a few meters from the stop.
Standard intersections: intermittent markings at the intersection of traffic flows and a stop line.
The right lane (or two lanes) at an intersection is for right turns only. The cycle path is equipped with a special traffic light. Departure scheme:
- bicycles are prohibited on the main transport green;
- Bicycles are allowed, all cars and pedestrians are red;
- lateral traffic is allowed, cyclists - red.
Passage to the "red phase" under the permissive signal of a bicycle traffic light
Advantages - the ability to ride a bike in all directions. The disadvantage is a long wait, the accumulation of cars in front of traffic lights.
Do cities need bike lanes? Undoubtedly. A dedicated and well-designed bike zone is an opportunity to ensure the safety of movement on two-wheeled vehicles. The presence of this additional and necessary infrastructure helps to fully comply with the rules of the road and increases the level of culture on the roads.