Sports stores notice an increasing interest in bicycles. The weather is favorable, and despite the lifting of some restrictions, many people are still wary of the issue of public transport. What should you remember when changing to a bicycle?
A bicycle is an excellent means of transport. It not only allows ecological and relatively fast travel over long distances but also provides us with a daily dose of exercise and fresh air. However, if we are just starting our adventure with the bike, it is worth remembering a few rules regarding moving on public roads.
On a street, sidewalk, or bicycle path?
If a bicycle path is marked along the road we want to follow, the cyclist must follow it. The same applies to the shoulder, as long as it is of course drivable.
Like drivers, cyclists must obey right-hand traffic. At the same time, they should drive as close as possible to the right edge of the road or cycle path.
As a rule, the sidewalk is intended for pedestrians. However, there are cases where we can cycle on the sidewalk:
we look after a child under 10 who is riding a bicycle,
there is no path for bicycles, the sidewalk is at least two meters wide, and traffic on the road is allowed faster than 50 km / h (these three conditions must be met),
in front of the pavement, there is a sign "pedestrian path" (C16) and a sign "not applicable to bicycles" (T22),
there are very bad weather conditions - there is a downpour, snowstorm fog, gusty wind, etc.
However, it should be remembered that on the sidewalk, the pedestrian always has priority.
Getting off the bike at the crossing
It is forbidden to cross the pedestrian crossing. You should get off the bike and walk it. The exception is when we are riding a bicycle road, and there is a bicycle crossing painted on the lanes. Even then, however, we should be extremely careful not to collide under the wheels of the moving car.
Can you bypass cars in traffic jams?
According to the regulations, a cyclist can ride between cars in a traffic jam. It is permissible to overtake and avoid standing or slowly moving cars within one lane. You can do it both on the right and the left.
Signaling maneuvers
Unfortunately, bicycles do not have direction indicators, so the cyclist must signal the planned maneuvers to other road users. When you intend to turn or change lanes, you should signal your arm out. This must be done at least a few seconds before the maneuver, and keep both hands on the steering wheel during the maneuver. Before making a turn or changing lane, make sure that no vehicle behind you is planning to overtake. This is especially true now when there are more and more hybrid and electric cars on the streets that move almost silently.
We also signal the planned maneuvers while riding the bicycle path.
Fines for cyclists
We do not need any special documents for cycling. Anyone over 18 years of age may ride on public roads. The exception is minors who must have a B1 driving license or a bicycle license. While we can get a driving license at the age of 16, you can take the state bicycle card exams at the age of 10. A cyclist may be fined PLN 100 for riding without a license. A cyclist can also get a fine of PLN 50 for unjustified use of the pavement.
Although bicycles do not have to undergo periodic technical inspections like cars, their condition must be good enough to be used on public roads. The regulations regulate the mandatory equipment of a bicycle. The bike must have:
at least one effective brake;
a bell or other warning signal;
at least one rear reflex reflector not triangular in shape and one position lamp of the same color;
at least one front side white or selective yellow position lamp.
The regulations allow driving without parking lights if the cyclist is only moving during the day. In the absence of any of the mandatory equipment, the bicycle driver must take into account a fine from 20 to even 500 zlotys.
What is the fine for a cyclist? Below are the 2020 fines for cyclists:
No additional saddle for transporting a child up to seven years old - PLN 50.
Violation of the obligation to use a bicycle lane or a bicycle lane, if they are designated for the direction in which it is moving or intends to turn - PLN 50.
Persistence of priority for pedestrians on the road for bicycles and pedestrians - PLN 50.
Not leaving the bicycle lock when it is possible to continue riding - PLN 50.
Riding a bike next to another road user, making it difficult for other road users - PLN 200.
Riding without keeping at least one hand on the steering wheel and feet on the pedals or footrests - 50 PLN.
Clinging to other vehicles while driving - PLN 100.
A ride on a red light bike - PLN 100.
Leaving the crossing for cyclists directly under the driving vehicle - PLN 150.
Using the phone while driving, requiring the driver to hold the handset or microphone - PLN 200.
Persistence of priority for pedestrians. This applies to crossing a pavement, a pedestrian path, or while driving on a square where pedestrian and bicycle traffic is unregulated by signs - PLN 350.
Taking more than one lane marked on the road - PLN 150.
Failure to stop at the STOP sign - PLN 100.
Obstructing or blocking traffic - PLN 100-300.
Braking in a way that endangers traffic safety or hinders it - PLN 100-300.
Riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol
As with car drivers, the rider must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The basic penalty is fine - PLN 300-500 for drunk driving (0.2-0.5 per mile), and PLN 500 for drunk driving (over 0.5 per mile). Transporting a person in a state of intoxication in a sidecar, after consuming alcohol or intoxicating substances, also involves a fine of PLN 150.
A cyclist whose exhaled air exceeds 0.5 per mile and threatens road safety, must take into account more serious consequences. The legislator provided for a fine of PLN 50,000 to PLN 5,000. It is also possible to stay in custody for 5-30 days, as well as a ban on driving non-motor vehicles for a period from six months to three years.
Although the bicycle seems to be the best and fairly safe means of transport at the moment, it is worth knowing the basic rules of moving on such a two-wheeled bike. Not only so as not to pay the fine, but above all not to expose yourself or others to danger.
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