Many factors affect the safety of cyclists, ranging from the time of day and weather conditions. However, the most important thing is the behavior of the cyclists themselves, especially respecting the applicable rules and regulations of the road and the ability to anticipate dangerous situations. The behavior of other road users towards cyclists is equally important.
Mandatory bicycle equipment:
at the front – at least one white or selective yellow position lamp (there may be a flashing light),
at the rear – at least one red reflex reflector of a shape other than a triangle and at least one red position lamp,
at least one effective brake,
a bell or other warning signal with a non-piercing sound.
The cyclist is obliged to:
use a cycle path or a bicycle lane if it is marked for the direction in which it is moving or intends to turn,
exercise extreme caution and give way to pedestrians when it moves along the path for bicycles and pedestrians.
If there is no road intended specifically for cyclists or it cannot be used e.g. due to road works, then the rider should move along the roadside, and if it is not suitable for driving – along the road (as close to the right edge as possible).
The law prohibits the use of bicycles on expressways and highways.
A cyclist may use the footpath or footpath when:
looks after a bicycle driver up to 10 years old,
the width of the sidewalk along the road, on which vehicle traffic is allowed at speeds greater than 50 km / h, is at least 2 meters and there is no separate path for bicycles and a lane for bicycles,
weather conditions threaten the safety of the cyclist on the road (snow, strong wind, downpour, black ice, or dense fog).
When using the sidewalk or pedestrian path, the driver is obliged to drive slowly, exercise particular care, and give way to pedestrians.
With a child on a bicycle
Children under the age of 10 may ride a bike only under adult supervision.
A child up to 7 years of age may be transported on a bicycle, provided that it is placed on an additional seat ensuring safe riding. It is allowed to transport a child in a bicycle trailer.
Only a person over 17 years of age may transport a child on a bicycle or in a bicycle trailer.
Cyclist and pedestrian crossing
When approaching a pedestrian crossing, a cyclist is obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to a pedestrian on the crossing.
Like any other rider, a cyclist is prohibited from:
overtaking a vehicle at and directly in front of a pedestrian crossing, except for the crossing on which traffic is directed,
avoid a vehicle that was driving in the same direction, but stopped to give way to a pedestrian,
driving along the pedestrian crossing.
The cyclist is obliged to obey the following prohibitions:
ride on the road next to another road user (exceptionally, driving a bicycle on the road next to another bicycle or moped is allowed, if it does not hinder the movement of other road users or otherwise does not endanger the safety of road traffic),
clinging to vehicles,
driving without keeping at least one hand on the steering wheel and feet on the pedals,
driving a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or alcohol or something similar to alcohol,
using a telephone that requires a handset or microphone to be held while driving.
Cyclists take care of your safety!
The bicycle traffic regulations do not require the use of protective helmets and reflective elements. However, it should be taken into account that the helmet protects the head – the part of the body most vulnerable to injury. On the other hand, a reflective vest, reflective harness, and bands make it easier for the driver to see the cyclist, especially in difficult weather conditions.