Although there are more and more bicycle paths, it happens that the drivers of these two-wheelers prefer to ride the nearby road. Is it legal? Is it possible to get a fine for driving on the street, when there is a path for cyclists nearby?

Some cyclists still choose the road and ride between cars, putting themselves at risk. They complain that there are too many other cyclists on the bike path, amateurs of roller skating, skateboarding, scooters, and pedestrians often enter the path.

Illegal driving on the street next to the bike path

According to the Highway Code (specifically Article 33 of the Road Traffic Law), which regulates additional provisions on the movement of bicycles, mopeds), "the bicycle driver is obliged to use the bicycle lane or the bicycle lane, if they are marked for the direction in which it is moving or is about to turn. When using a bicycle and pedestrian path, the rider is obliged to exercise extreme caution and give way to pedestrians. "

The above provision clearly shows that if there is a bicycle path along a given road, the cyclist is obliged to use it. In the event that there is no bicycle path (or pedestrian and bicycle path) on the street, cyclists are even obliged to ride along the street, because they are allowed to ride on the pavement only in exceptional circumstances.

Read: Proven ways to fix bicycle faults

Cycling on the pavement

The use of the sidewalk or pedestrian path by a bicycle rider is allowed exceptionally when:

  • He looks after a child up to 10 years old , who walks the pavement on his bicycle.
  • The width of the sidewalk along the road , on which traffic is allowed at speeds greater than 50 km / h, is at least 2 m and there is no dedicated cycle path and cycle lane.
  • Weather conditions threaten the safety of the cyclistof the cyclist on the road (snow, strong wind, downpour, black ice, dense fog).

When using a sidewalk or a pedestrian path, the driver is obliged to drive slowly, exercise particular care and give way to pedestrians.

Read: Bike savoir-vivre

When driving on the street is forbidden

They arecircumstances in which it is strictly forbidden to cycle on the street. There is such a ban on the highway and expressway.

Read: How To Avoid Back Pain While Cycling

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