Do you know the traffic rules for cyclists? The bicycle, as a means of urban transportation and recreation, has gained popularity in recent years, promoting the need for a harmonious and safe coexistence between cyclists, pedestrians and motorized vehicles. Knowing and respecting traffic rules is essential to ensure this safety and order on the roads. The following is a guide divided into essential sections that every cyclist, especially beginners, should know.
The importance of knowing traffic regulations
For cyclists, a thorough knowledge of traffic rules is not only a matter of legality but also of personal safety and that of other road users. Understanding and applying these rules significantly reduces the risk of accidents and conflicts on the streets, promoting an environment of respect and coexistence. In addition, being informed about rights and obligations as a cyclist empowers and fosters greater confidence when riding in the city.
Personal and general safety: the most obvious and crucial reason for knowing and following traffic rules is safety. Traffic rules are designed to minimize the risks of accidents and conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. By being informed about how and where to ride, when to yield, and how to react to traffic signals, a bicyclist can prevent dangerous situations for himself and others. This awareness and practice of road safety significantly reduces the risk of collisions and injuries.
Promoting harmonious coexistence on the road: knowledge of and respect for traffic rules promote peaceful coexistence among all road users. Understanding the rules of right-of-way, speed limits, and the correct use of bike lanes, among others, allows cyclists, drivers and pedestrians to share space in a more orderly and respectful manner. This harmony is essential for collective well-being and contributes to creating a more pleasant and safer urban environment for all.
Empowering the cyclist: being well informed about traffic rules empowers cyclists, giving them the confidence to navigate the streets effectively and safely. Knowing their rights and obligations also enables them to defend their place on the road in an informed and respectful manner. In addition, the conscious adoption of responsible road behavior reflects positively on the cycling community, promoting an image of respect and consideration that can encourage others to follow suit and potentially choose cycling as their preferred mode of transportation.
Traffic regulations for cyclists
Cyclists must take into account certain guidelines and safety rules when merging into traffic and executing certain maneuvers.
Right turn
To perform this turn, the cyclist shall position himself as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway, slowing down, and signal the maneuver by bending upward with the left arm with the palm of the hand outstretched or with the right arm in a horizontal position with the palm of the hand extended downward.
Left turn
Signal with the left arm in a horizontal position with the palm of the hand extended downwards or with the right arm bent upwards, also with the palm of the hand extended. To execute it, the following considerations must be taken into account:
If the road is one-way: the cyclist must be as close as possible to the left edge of the road and signal the maneuver with sufficient time. If the road is a two-way road: the cyclist shall keep to the longitudinal separation mark or median and, if there is no median, to the axis of the road, without invading the area intended for the opposite direction, signaling in good time. If the interurban road does not have a lane prepared for this turn: it shall be placed on the right, outside the roadway whenever possible, and shall start from that place, signaling beforehand. If the interurban road has a lane prepared for this turn: you must position yourself in it sufficiently in advance and turn when the signaling allows it. To stop or when there is a need for a noticeable decrease in speed: this should be indicated by moving the arm alternately up and down with short, quick movements.
City speed limits for cyclists
Bicycles, like all other vehicles, have a specific speed limit in the city depending on the type of road they must comply with.
20 km/h on roads with a single roadway and sidewalk platform.
30 km/h on roads with a single lane in each direction of traffic.
50 km/h on roads with two or more lanes in each direction.
Specific traffic regulations for cyclists
Within the wide range of traffic rules, there are some that affect the interaction of cyclists with other road users, such as cars, motorcycles or pedestrians. Here are the main ones:
Where and how should cyclists ride?
When riding in the city, in addition to what has already been indicated in the basic rules, you should always take the following considerations into account:
If there is a road expressly enabled for bicycles, such as a bike lane, the cyclist must ride on it.
When cyclists ride in a group, they may ride in columns of two at the most.
If traffic is complicated or visibility is poor, for safety reasons, cyclists should ride in a single file line.
Passage preferences
When drivers of bicycles circulate in a group, they shall be considered as a single mobile unit for the purposes of right-of-way, and shall have right-of-way priority over motor vehicles when:
They circulate on a bicycle lane, bicycle crossing or shoulder duly signposted.
When, in order to enter another road, the vehicle turns right or left, in the permitted cases, and there is a cyclist in the vicinity.
When circulating in a group, the first one has already started the crossing or has entered a traffic circle.
In all other cases, the general rules on right-of-way between vehicles shall apply.
Traffic and speed limits for cyclists on interurban roads
Unlike urban roads, which have speed limits applicable to the road and not to the specific vehicle, interurban roads do have different limits depending on the type of vehicle. That is why speed limits on interurban roads for cyclists are a type of specific rule for cyclists only. Here are the limits:
Where on which interurban roads can cyclists ride: outside populated areas, i.e. on interurban roads, cyclists can ride if they are on conventional roads or freeways, although if the freeway expressly forbids it, the cyclist is prohibited from riding. On the other hand, it is totally forbidden for a cyclist to ride on a highway.
Cyclists must always ride as close to the right as possible, if there is a hard shoulder, on the hard shoulder, and may not exceed 45 km/h, unless permitted by an officer.
Traffic lights for cyclists
Spain has traffic lights specifically for cyclists in several of its cities. These traffic lights are designed to improve the safety of cyclists at intersections and junctions by providing clear signals indicating when it is safe to move forward, stop, or yield.
Specific iconography: traffic signals for cyclists often feature bicycle symbols in green, amber or red, clearly differentiated from standard pedestrian and motor vehicle lights. This helps cyclists easily identify when they have the right-of-way.
Strategic placement: these traffic signals are placed at locations where bicycle routes cross streets or avenues, at complicated intersections, or at points where cyclists interact with other traffic. Their placement is intended to maximize visibility for both cyclists and other road users.
Adapted signal phasing: In some cases, traffic signals for cyclists are programmed to give an early exit phase to cyclists before motor vehicles. This allows them to advance safely and avoid conflicts during traffic light changes.
Integration with bicycle lanes: these traffic signals are part of a broader infrastructure designed to support urban cycling, including segregated bike lanes and cycle routes. Their implementation seeks to promote safer and more efficient use of bicycles as a means of transportation.
Traffic signs for cyclists
Similarly, there are also some road or traffic signs that apply to cyclists:
Bicycle lane: indicates an exclusive lane for bicycles. It may be part of the roadway or a separate path. This sign helps bicyclists identify safe routes designed specifically for them.
End of bike lane: marks the end of a dedicated bike lane, indicating to cyclists that they should prepare to share the road with other vehicles or use another route designated for cyclists.
Mandatory bicycle crossing: marks a path that bicyclists must pass through, usually used at complicated intersections or junctions to improve safety for bicyclists.
Prohibited direction except bicycles: indicates that a one-way street for motor vehicles may be used in the opposite direction by bicycles. This improves the connectivity of urban cycling routes.
Know the traffic rules for cyclists
Complying with these rules not only increases personal safety and the safety of other road users, but also promotes a culture of respect and peaceful coexistence among cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Being an informed cyclist and respectful of the rules contributes significantly to the creation of a safer and more pleasant urban environment for all.
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