In connection with the ongoing spring period and improvement of atmospheric conditions, policemen from the Department of Road Traffic.
The police are appealing to pedestrians and cyclists for caution and observance of a few basic rules.
Pedestrians and cyclists are so-called unprotected road users
This means that they are not covered like car drivers with bodywork, they do not have seat belts or airbags. Remember that pedestrians and cyclists are participants of the movement – the difference is that in the case of speeding vehicles they are completely defenseless. An accident with them involves extremely serious consequences.
The improvement of safety on the roads is a matter of priority for local police officers, which is why officers remind you of a few basic rules.
Pedestrian duties:
cross the road in places intended for this purpose, and if there are any such places, especially outside the city, be especially careful, never run abruptly on the road. Stand on the edge of the pavement, at least 30 cm from its edge, look first to the left, then to the right and once again left, when the road is free, always go straight along the shortest path, always walk across the road in the green light, when the green light flashes, wait, because the red light will turn on soon, wear reflective vests with reflective tapes, especially at dusk, when the visibility is worse, and the dark colors of the clothes make the pedestrian noticed by the driver only at the last moment. A walking person equipped with a reflective material for the driver of the vehicle is visible from a much greater distance, which allows for an earlier reaction, always walk only the left side of the road outside the built-up area to see the oncoming vehicle.
Obligation to ride on the road for bicycles:
Art. 33 of the Road Traffic Act obliges a cyclist to use the bike path if it is designated for the direction in which it is traveling. According to this record, if a one-way bicycle path is designated along the road, the obligation to move is only in one direction. Cyclists riding in the opposite direction must move on the road. The driver of a bicycle using the road for bicycles and pedestrians is obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to pedestrians.
Cyclist on the sidewalk:
As a rule – you cannot drive on the pavement. The regulations provide for several derogations. Article 26 of the Law on Road Traffic, allows a cyclist to go on the sidewalk when:
takes care of a person under the age of 10 driving a bicycle;
the weather is bad (snow, strong wind, downpour, glaze, thick fog);
three conditions are met simultaneously:
- the pavement is at least two meters wide,
- traffic on the road is allowed at a speed of over 50 km / h (built-up area),
- there is no separate road for bicycles and the lane intended for them.
Child on a bicycle:
Children up to 7 years old can be transported in two ways: either by cycling in a special seat or children under 10 years old they can move independently by bike, but only under the care of an adult. An adult who looks after a child can walk next to him on the sidewalk or ride a bicycle – also on the sidewalk.
Children over 10 years old can now ride their own bike on public roads, if they have their first rights, ie. Bicycle Card.
Equipping a bike
A properly equipped bike should have one white position light at the front; at the rear one red reflector, at least one effective brake and an audible signal. It is also good to use reflective elements – they can be permanently attached to the bike or placed on bikers’ clothing. The reflectors make us visible, which is, of course, more secure.
The road trip is appealing to all road users to exercise extreme caution and comply with applicable laws because when the imagination and common sense are running out of us, it is unpleasant and often tragic.