At what age is cycling allowed? Cycling for children: at what age and what are the benefits. Road rules for bicycles

According to my observations, at least 90 percent of the drivers of two-wheelers that do not require a driver's license have absolutely no idea about the rules traffic and go out onto the road completely unprepared.

Naturally, a cyclist must know and comply with the requirements of the rules that apply to him, so I recommend that all cycling enthusiasts study this article. In addition, even if you do not have a bicycle, you also need to study the rules of a cyclist on the road, so that in the event of an accident involving a bicycle driver, you can immediately identify a violation of the rules and clearly indicate this to the traffic police officer.

• What is a bicycle?
• Road rules for bicycles
  • Turn signals
  • Dedicated lanes for cyclists
  • Dedicated lanes for public transport
  • Bicycle drivers must give way to pedestrians at crossings
  • Bicycle lights
  • Age to ride a bicycle

It would seem that the answer to the question is “ what is a bicycle? Even a small child knows, but we are interested in the formulation of the concept of a bicycle from paragraph 1.2 of the traffic rules:

At this point, we are primarily interested in the phrase “vehicle”, because It is she who emphasizes that all points of the traffic rules related to vehicles also apply to bicycles.

The second concept that should be considered in this article is the pedestrian:

Please note that the bicycle driver is not a pedestrian while driving. However, a person driving a bicycle is a pedestrian. In this regard, bicycle owners have a rather interesting opportunity. If desired, any cyclist can, without special effort become a pedestrian and vice versa.

Road rules for bicycles

Let's consider traffic rules for bicycles. A quick glance at the text of the traffic rules may seem that traffic rules for cyclists are concentrated exclusively in section 24 of the rules “24. Additional requirements for the movement of cyclists and moped drivers.” However, in reality everything is completely different.

Attention! Rules that apply to pedestrians do not apply to bicycle drivers. They apply only to persons driving a bicycle.

Technical condition of the bike

So, the rules of the road Bicycles are prohibited, which has Malfunctions of the service brake system or steering. And we’re not just talking about driving a bicycle with broken handlebars or broken brakes.

Alcohol intoxication of a cyclist

For example, if a drunk friend tearfully begs you to give him a bicycle to ride to the nearest kiosk “for more,” he needs to persistently refuse this.

Turn signals

A bicycle driver must give turn signals before starting, changing lanes, turning, and stopping. Since bicycles are not equipped with light turn indicators, signals must be given by hand. Accordingly, a left turn signal corresponds to an outstretched left hand, and a right turn signal corresponds to an outstretched left hand. right hand.

Turn signals must be given well in advance of the turn. You can return your hand to the steering wheel immediately before starting the turn.

Where can you ride a bike?

1. Along bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths, or lanes for cyclists.
2. On the right edge of the roadway.
3. On the side of the road.
4. On the sidewalk or pedestrian path.

For example, you can drive along the side of the road (point 3) only if there is no bicycle path or lane, and there is no possibility of driving along the right edge of the roadway.

In addition, there are a few exceptions:

When driving on the roadway, you should keep in mind the following rules:

Additional Information:

Movement of cyclists aged 7 to 14 years possible on sidewalks, pedestrians, bicycles and bicycles pedestrian paths, as well as within pedestrian areas.

Movement of cyclists under 7 years of age possible only together with pedestrians (on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, pedestrian zones).

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.

I would like to note that when driving on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, roadsides and pedestrian zones, a cyclist must not interfere with the movement of other persons. If necessary, the cyclist must dismount and continue moving as a pedestrian.

Thus, paragraph 24.6 emphasizes that in the event of an accident on the sidewalk, one of the culprits will in any case be a cyclist.

Since 2014, you can find dedicated lanes for cyclists on the roads, marked with special signs:

Only bicycles and mopeds are allowed on these lanes.

In addition, since 2015, cyclists can also use dedicated lanes for public transport. Clause 18.2 of the Rules:

For example, in some Russian cities the movement is organized in the following way. In fact, the road has a dedicated lane for route vehicles and all traffic participants understand this. However, from the point of view of traffic rules, the lane is not indicated by the signs listed above. Simply, at the entrance to it, a 3.1 “brick” sign is installed.

Only public transport drivers can ignore the requirements of this sign. Other vehicles, including cyclists, cannot pass under the “brick”.

14.1. The driver of a vehicle approaching an unregulated pedestrian crossing is obliged to give way to pedestrians crossing the road or entering the roadway(tram tracks) to make the transition.

A bicycle, like any other vehicle, must slow down or stop before crossing to allow pedestrians to pass.

In the dark, the headlights or lanterns must be turned on on the bicycle, and in the daytime, low beam headlights or daytime running lights:

Until now, I have never met a single cyclist who uses low beam headlights or daytime running lights when riding during the day. In this regard, traffic police officers can impose a fine on almost any bicycle driver.

Since April 2014, riding a bicycle is allowed at any age. However, depending on age, the rules for riding a bicycle differ (discussed above).

Prohibitions for bicycle drivers

From this list the following points should be noted:

In practice, we can offer the following way out of this situation. The bicycle driver leaves his vehicle and becomes a pedestrian. Then he crosses the intersection in the required direction along the pedestrian crossing. After this, he gets back on the bike and continues moving along the roadway or side of the road.

3. When riding a bicycle, you do not need a special bicycle helmet, but I recommend that all bicycle owners purchase one. I once witnessed how, in a fairly harmless situation, my friend fell off his bike and hit his head (on the ground, not on the asphalt). As a result, he suffered a concussion and lost his memory over the past few weeks.

Common violations of rules by bicycle drivers

Both of these maneuvers are extremely dangerous, but this especially applies to a cyclist crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing. Very often, children die in such situations, and car drivers are not to blame (they must only let pedestrians pass, which does not include cyclists).

Fines for violating traffic rules by bicycle drivers

Note. In this article, a vehicle should be understood as a motor vehicle with a displacement of an internal combustion engine of more than 50 cubic centimeters or a maximum electric motor power of more than 4 kilowatts and a maximum design speed of more than 50 kilometers per hour, as well as trailers for it, subject to state registration, and in others Articles of this chapter also include tractors, self-propelled road construction and other self-propelled machines, vehicles, the operation of which in accordance with the law Russian Federation special rights are granted regarding road safety.

Pursuant to this note, cyclists are not subject to the provisions of Chapter 12 articles relating to vehicles.

Article 12.29. Violation of the Traffic Rules by a pedestrian or other person participating in traffic

eight hundred rubles.

entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of .

Thus, almost any violation of traffic rules committed by a cyclist should be punished with a fine of 800 rubles. The only exception is a violation committed while intoxicated. It is punishable by a fine of 1,000 - 1,500 rubles.

Article 12.30. Violation of the Traffic Rules by a pedestrian or other road user, resulting in interference with the movement of vehicles or causing minor or moderate harm to the health of the victim

entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount one thousand rubles.

entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount from one thousand to one thousand five hundred rubles.

According to Article 12.30, if a cyclist interferes with the movement of vehicles, he will receive a fine 1,000 rubles(instead of 800 discussed above).

In addition, a cyclist can pay any fine with a 50 percent discount.

So fines for bicycle drivers currently cannot be compared with fines for car drivers (30,000 rubles for driving while intoxicated). In addition, the advantage of cyclists on the road is that they are rarely fined for violating traffic rules. And this, in turn, leads to the fact that most “two-wheelers” behave unpredictably on the road, provoking the emergence of dangerous situations.

Well, in conclusion, I suggest you look short video, which clearly demonstrates what traffic violations can lead to for cyclists:

In spring and summer it’s so nice to ride a bike through the streets and courtyards!

As soon as the snow melts, the first cyclists appear on the roads. You probably want to race with them too! It's so easy - get on a bike, grab the handlebars and pedal...

But it's not that simple. There are requirements of the Rules of the Road that are dedicated to cycling. They must be known and must be followed.

First of all, you need to remember: Children under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding bicycles on roads and streets.! Almost everyone knows this, but, unfortunately, not everyone follows this rule. Children and teenagers often forget that they cannot ride a bicycle inside courtyards - where cars are allowed. Those under 14 years of age can ride a bicycle under special conditions. bike paths and areas closed to vehicles.

There are a few more rules that every cyclist should know:

1. It is necessary to know the structure of the bicycle well and keep it in good condition. Particular attention must be paid to the fastening of the steering wheel and the reliability of the brakes.

And you certainly shouldn’t demonstrate to others your “dexterity” and ride a bicycle holding the handlebars with one hand or “no hands at all.”

It is also very important to learn how to ride a bike slowly. Don't be surprised, it's slow. After all, it’s not always possible to drive fast in the city. And outside the city, on rough terrain or in the forest, you have to drive slowly. And maintaining balance on a bicycle becomes more difficult the slower you go.

There are also special rules for transporting passengers by bicycle:

1. If the driver of a bicycle is under 14 years of age, he cannot transport passengers who are under 7 years of age.

2. Only if you are over 14 years old can you transport a child under 7 years of age on a booster seat with secure footrests as a passenger.

3. A cyclist who transports a passenger must have a document confirming his knowledge of the Rules of the Road.

4. The bicycle must have a special passenger seat and footrests for passengers.

You can only ride a bicycle on city streets if you are 14 years old and without passengers.

This is justifiable severity. After all, the bike is not very designed to carry the additional weight of a passenger. It becomes less stable, more difficult to control, and this affects traffic safety.

The bicycle as a means of transportation is becoming increasingly in demand. This is a fast and environmentally friendly form of transport that allows you to maintain healthy physical shape.

Due to the fact that cyclists often move not only along pedestrians, but become direct participants in road traffic, they need to know the traffic rules for cyclists established by law in 2020.

Having studied the basic traffic rules for cyclists, you can learn how to turn correctly at a complex intersection, where it is better to move - on the sidewalk or on the side of the road, how to cross a pedestrian crossing, who should pass the intersection first - a car or a bicycle.

The role of the cyclist on the road

To learn the rules of the road for cyclists, you need to start by becoming familiar with general positioning.

A cyclist very often moves at a speed of less than 30 km/h, he is not protected by the body and special safety arches, and it is also difficult for him to indicate the direction of his movement or to study the situation on the road on the sides and behind.

All this makes the process of moving on the road more difficult and dangerous.

To avoid problems on the road and accidents, a cyclist is currently entitled to the same rights as a car and motorcycle driver. There are only a few minor limitations, which you can learn about in this article.

The authors of traffic regulations use special terms in the process of developing and agreeing on rules. Most of the descriptions are significantly shortened, which makes it possible not to clutter the reader’s mind with official words.

A bicycle is a type of vehicle with two wheels.. It is driven by muscular energy and can also be equipped with an electric motor.

A cyclist is a driver, that is, a person driving a vehicle.

As soon as a cyclist moves with a bicycle next to him, he is treated like an ordinary pedestrian. In other words, its role in traffic is completely changing.

If a cyclist carries a vehicle next to him and becomes a pedestrian, he is assigned the rights of this category of traffic.

It is worth noting that a cyclist who walks along the highway does not become a pedestrian, he is subject to the rights of a pedestrian, he is a driver.

As soon as a person gets on a bicycle, he becomes a full driver, entrusting him with all the responsibilities and rights of such.

When describing traffic rules that apply to cyclists, you first need to note the places where they can move. The permitted places of movement are quite specific.

Here are the most basic valid places:

1. City bike paths.
2. The right edge of the roadway, no further than a meter from the edge or directly along the side of the road. These are equivalent places. When moving along the road on foot, a cyclist must walk with the direction of traffic, and not against it, like pedestrians.
3. In the process of moving along the sidewalk, that is, along the pedestrian zone, you can only move if the first two options are missing.

Based on the above, we can conclude that cyclists who move on sidewalks violate the rules.

A bicycle is a vehicle, not a pedestrian on wheels. This rule does not apply to children under 14 years of age. They can move along sidewalks and paths at the same time as pedestrians.

Difficult situations at intersections

There are several rather difficult situations that cyclists who move along the highway as full road users may encounter. Here are the most basic requirements for cyclists.

Review

Before performing a maneuver, the cyclist, as a rule, does not have the opportunity to look in the mirror, since there is simply no mirror.

Despite such difficulties, the cyclist is obliged to make sure that his maneuver will be carried out according to the rules, and that during the movement there will be no interference with the movement of other vehicles.

This can be done with the help of elementary turns of the head, and here you will need to practice so that the movements do not affect the control of the bicycle.

Overtaking

Cyclists, like other road users, have the right to overtake.

They have the right to carry out this process only on the left side, taking into account the possibility of all overtaken cars starting to move or accelerate.

Bicycles can also be overtaken; the rules do not prohibit moving in two rows, if this process is a violation of all other rules.

People riding this vehicle are equally subject to certain cyclist responsibilities, priority signs and related regulations.

In other words, a car turning right and moving parallel to a bicycle must give way to a bicycle traveling straight.

As for the cyclist, he is obliged to give way to vehicles traveling on the right.

Pay attention to the left turn. On a one-lane road, a cyclist has the right to turn in this direction in the same way as cars and riding motorcycles along a full trajectory.

In all other situations, there are two rotation options:

1. Crossing an intersection as a normal pedestrian.
2. Consecutive movement in a straight line, a stop with a turn and another drive in a straight direction.

If the intersection is crossed as a pedestrian, the cyclist must guide the bicycle with his hands. In this case, the person is endowed with all the responsibilities and rights of a pedestrian and relies on the appropriate traffic light signals.

In certain cases, cyclists must ride near corners, tunnels, bushes and other obstacles that block their view.

Due to the serious vulnerability and fragility of the cyclist compared to other road users, it is recommended to use a special sound signal.

It is he who will be evidence of an approaching vehicle due to the area of ​​​​complicated visibility.

In Russia, the installation of a special bell is still a recommendation, while in other countries, the presence of a bell is mandatory.

A cyclist, like other road users, is required to give timely signals regarding planned maneuvers.

If the backpack or frame is not equipped with newfangled dimensions and turn signals, the cyclist is recommended to use hand signals, which are popular in this case.

Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. Before turning right and changing lanes, the right arm is extended to the side or the left arm is bent at the elbow.
2. When changing lanes or turning left, the left arm is extended or the right arm is bent at the elbow.
3. If you want to stop, just any hand rises up.

There are also several signs that are accepted between cyclists riding in a convoy. If the left hand goes down, this indicates the presence of holes on the left, the same applies to the right hand.

In the process of giving hand signals, you have to control the bicycle with one hand. For this reason, it is also worth practicing beforehand, as this can be difficult for beginners.

Cyclists also get into accidents from time to time. In such situations, they, like motorists, bear a certain responsibility.

Cyclists in emergency situations must comply with the following rules:

1. It is strictly forbidden to leave the scene of the incident.
2. The bicycle must not be touched or moved.
3. It is worth calling the traffic police.

Cyclists have the same responsibilities as regular drivers. The exception is those cases when the cyclist moves like a pedestrian, that is, driving a vehicle nearby.

Bicycle lights

In the dark, special lights or headlights must be activated on each bicycle, as light signs for cyclists.

During daylight hours, it is advisable to install low beam headlights or daytime running lights on your vehicle.

This is a legally established rule, and traffic police officers have every right to impose a fine on the cyclist.

First of all, it is worth noting that cyclists under 14 years of age are prohibited from moving along the roadway.

A separate section of the traffic rules for cyclists includes the following restrictions and rules for moving along the highway:

It is especially important for a cyclist to wear a helmet. This piece of equipment can save the life of a bicycle driver. You shouldn't skimp on your health.

In most cases, a bicycle can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. Cyclists can appear on the roadway quite quickly and unexpectedly. Every cyclist must take this factor into account.

The movement of cyclists on the roadway in dangerous situations should be reduced to the minimum speed limit. If a cyclist violates traffic rules, a traffic police inspector has the right to fine him in accordance with modern legislation.

These requirements and restrictions are quite logical. In more detail and carefully you just need to study the features of turning left.

If a cyclist is moving through an intersection, he should not turn left. This can only be done in places where it is possible to cross a single-lane road.

Even here everything is not so simple; there are questions regarding the situation. In this case, the turn will not be made from the extreme position, so the process may be accompanied by some difficulties. Each of them is worth examining in more detail.

Video: Traffic rules for cyclists in 5 minutes

Conclusion

The driver of an ordinary city bicycle must be a competent road user.

He must follow and know the basic rules for moving along the highway and feel fully responsible for driving on the road. Knowing the traffic rules for cyclists makes it possible to move much faster and more efficiently on your vehicle.

The established rules concern not only certain restrictions, but also traffic possibilities, among which we can note correct or priority placement on the road.

To prevent difficult situations on the road, the cyclist is obliged to give signals in the most timely manner appropriate to his subsequent movements and maneuvers.

Every cyclist must be respectful of heavier and faster road users. This is a guarantee of preserving the life and health of the cyclist, as well as an ideal opportunity to enjoy riding without violating legally established traffic rules.

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5 comments

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In the paragraph “Driving near obstacles” the statement is incorrect: “In Russia, the installation of a special bell is still RECOMMENDATIONAL...”

According to clause 6 “BASIC PROVISIONS FOR ADMISSION OF VEHICLES FOR OPERATION

AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICIALS TO ENSURING ROAD SAFETY":

“The bicycle must have working brakes, handlebars and a SOUND SIGNAL...”

In the spring of this year, it was planned to make changes to the traffic rules concerning cyclists. One of them was permission to cross the roadway at a controlled pedestrian crossing... Are these changes currently in effect or not?

1. Who is considered a cyclist?

According to clause 1.2 of the current traffic rules, a cyclist is a person bicycle operator. A bicycle, in turn, is considered a “vehicle other than wheelchairs 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 with a rated maximum continuous load power not exceeding 0.25 kW, automatically switching off at speeds over 25 km/h.”

Thus, a bicycle can, firstly, have more than two wheels, and secondly, an electric motor with a power of no 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, pedestrians are considered to be persons “who use roller skates, scooters and other similar means for movement” - that is, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle with a wheel drive (or wheels). In addition, if a person does not ride a bicycle, but carries it next to him, then he is also considered a pedestrian, not a cyclist.

Another note regarding the classification of a bicycle as a vehicle: the bicycle itself is a vehicle, but is not a motor vehicle, since 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. Can cyclists ride on roads?

The answer to the key question that worries many is yes. The traffic rules have 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 roadway. This, however, is permitted if “there are no bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths, or a lane for cyclists, or there is no possibility of moving along them.”

Moreover, when moving along highway a cyclist enjoys standard priority rules, and a car traveling on a secondary road must yield to a cyclist traveling on a main road. And 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 years must be carried out on bicycle paths, bicycle pedestrian paths or a lane for cyclists.” And one more thing: cyclists under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding on the roadway or on the side of the road.

3. What are cyclists prohibited from doing?

The list of additional prohibitions for bicycle drivers is regulated by clause 24.8 of the current traffic rules, and besides it, the traffic rules contain other points that mention restrictions on the movement of cyclists. Here we will highlight the main prohibitions regarding their movement on roads.

To begin with, cyclists are concerned with clause 2.7, which stipulates a ban on driving a vehicle, as well as talking on a mobile phone without using “hands-free” devices. The only nuance here is that the fines provided for violating the rules by cyclists are significantly lower than those for motorists - this will be discussed below.

Clause 16.1 prohibits the movement of cyclists on highways, as well as on roads marked with sign 5.3 - “Road for cars”.

Well, the notorious clause 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 in this direction”, as well as “cross the road at pedestrian crossings”. Thus, in order to turn left, a cyclist will either have to do it “in two steps”, crossing the road to which he needs to turn, and then, stopping, enter 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 prohibitory sign 3.9 “Movement on bicycles is prohibited”, which is supplemented by the standard “brick” (3.1) and “Movement is prohibited” (3.2).

4. What are the fines for cyclists?

Violations by cyclists of the rules and prohibitions indicated above, as well as other rules not related to traffic on roads and 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 will be imposed on him “in the amount of one thousand to one thousand five hundred rubles.”

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 gotten off with “a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of two hundred rubles,” and a drunken cyclist was punished with a fine “from three hundred to five hundred rubles.”

This rule was not introduced by chance. Children younger age When going out into the street, they put their lives in danger not only because they do not know the rules of the road, but also because they are children. If they find themselves in a stream of traffic or driving through an intersection, they may become confused, lose control and get hit by the wheels of a car walking nearby.

How to cross the road correctly?

You should cross the road only dismounted, and in no case on a bicycle. That is, he drove up to the crossing, got off his bike, crossed the road and rode on.

Which side should you move on if there is a breakdown outside populated areas?

Cyclists, unlike pedestrians, must follow the direction of travel of vehicles if they break down or are injured outside populated areas.

What is prohibited for a cyclist?

It is not allowed to ride a bicycle:

. without a bell, with unreliable brakes and steering, and at night, in addition, without a lit white lantern (headlight) in front and a red lantern (or reflector) in the rear;

. not holding the handlebars with your hands, racing, clinging to moving vehicles or another cyclist;

. in close proximity to the one in front vehicle;

. along the streets and roads, teaching and learning how to ride a bicycle. It is prohibited to carry on a bicycle:

objects that may interfere with its control, or protruding more than half a meter in length and width beyond the dimensions of the bicycle; passengers on the frame or trunk. To transport a child, the bicycle must be equipped with an additional seat and footrests. It is also prohibited to turn left or turn around on roads with tram traffic and on roads that have more than one lane for traffic in a given direction. The last point must be observed for your own safety. It is dangerous to drive over the rails because the wheel leaves at an acute angle. You may lose your balance. Even if you have time to put your foot out, there is still the possibility of creating an emergency situation. And turning left or turning around on a road with more than one lane is dangerous because cyclists do not have a rear-view mirror. It is known that the further to the left the lane, the higher the speed on it. And for some drivers, a cyclist in the third lane is a big surprise.

What signals should a cyclist know?

The cyclist must know and be able to give the following signals: turn or change lanes to the right: right arm extended, or left arm extended and bent at the elbow;

. turning or changing lanes to the left: left arm extended, or right arm extended and bent at the elbow.

The cyclist, like the driver, must indicate when he is starting or about to stop. That is, when driving away, he must raise left hand, and when preparing to pull over, raise your right hand.

Should a cyclist wear protective equipment?

Protective equipment is not prescribed by road traffic regulations. However, it is advisable for the cyclist to wear a helmet. Of course, it will not help in a serious accident, but in a minor accident it will help avoid damage.

How to overtake on a bicycle?