Dodge

Traffic rules for cyclists: requirements and responsibilities. Excerpts from traffic rules for cyclists Lighting devices for bicycles

The traffic rules, namely Chapter 6 “Requirements for drivers of mopeds and bicycles” clearly regulate the rules of behavior for cyclists on the road. Having left the confines of his home, the cyclist becomes a full participant in the movement. Let's consider the main points of Chapter 6:

persons over 14 years of age.

Bicycling rules for children allow children over 14 years of age to ride on the roads. Children under 14 years of age are allowed to move only on sidewalks, and children under 7 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Drive a bicycle that is equipped with a sound signal and reflectors: white on the front, orange on the sides, and red on the back.

And in conditions of insufficient visibility on a bicycle, it is necessary to turn on the flashlight (headlight).

To ensure good visibility, you must have a rear light and a front light, which will allow you to identify yourself on the road.

They must drive one after another so as not to disturb other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the roadway should be divided into groups of 10 cyclists with a distance between groups of 80 - 100 m.

Dividing into groups will allow you not to impede the movement of other vehicles and avoid traffic jams and crowds. When driving in columns, the interval between bicycles should be 1.5-2 meters.

Only such loads that do not interfere with driving and do not create obstacles for other road users.

Everything seems clear here and so. The cargo must not obstruct or interfere with other modes of transport. For the transportation of goods, there are special trailers, luggage racks, which simplify the transportation of a certain type of cargo.

· drive a moped (bicycle) with a faulty brake and sound signal, as well as without lighting in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility;

· move along the roadway if there is a bicycle path nearby;

· move on sidewalks and pedestrian paths (except for children on children's bicycles under the supervision of adults);

· while driving, hold on to another vehicle;

· ride without holding the steering wheel and take your feet off the pedals (pegs);

· transport passengers, with the exception of children under 7 years of age, on an additional seat equipped with securely fastened footrests;

· towing mopeds and bicycles;

· towing a trailer (except for those intended for use with these vehicles).

According to the rules for cycling on the roadway, a cyclist, when entering the road, must ride the bicycle on the right side, as close to the side of the road as possible. Often this is obstructed by parked cars, and you have to go around them, which is also risky. Be vigilant, as there are times when a driver, without noticing an approaching cyclist, opens the doors of a parked car right in front of his nose. Therefore, we recommend driving at a minimum speed, which will allow you to predict and react in such situations at the right time and not get yourself into trouble. When driving around a car, it is advisable to show with your left hand that you are going to drive around a car by extending your arm to the left.

If along the way you have a breakdown, injury, or you are simply tired and want to walk with a bicycle in your hands along the road, then, according to the traffic rules for cyclists, you turn into a pedestrian. Now you should move along the left shoulder or along the left edge of the lane going towards traffic (if there is no shoulder). This way you will be able to see cars coming “at you”, which will allow you to react in time in case of danger.

Download:

Preview:

Excerpts from traffic rules for bicycles

6.1 Bicycles are permitted on the roadwaypersons over 14 years of age.

6.2. The cyclist has the rightdrive a bicycle that is equipped with a sound signal and reflectors: white on the front, orange on the sides, and red on the back.

6.3. When driving in the darkand in conditions of insufficient visibility on a bicycle, you must turn on the flashlight (headlight).

To ensure good visibility it is necessary to haverear light and front that will allow you to identify yourself on the road.

6.4. Bicycle drivers moving in groups, must drive one after another so as not to interfere with other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the roadway should be divided into groups of 10 cyclists with a distance between groups of 80 - 100 m.

Dividing into groups will allow you not to impede the movement of other vehicles and avoid traffic jams and crowds. When driving in columns, the interval between bicycles should be 1.5-2 meters.

6.5. Bicycle drivers can carryOnly such loads that do not interfere with driving and do not create obstacles for other road users.

Everything seems clear here and so. The cargo must not obstruct or interfere with other modes of transport. There are special trailers for transporting goods,luggage racks , which simplify the transportation of a certain type of cargo.

6.7. Drivers of mopeds and bicycles are prohibited from:

drive a moped (bicycle) with a faulty brake and sound signal, as well as without lighting in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility;
move along the roadway if there is a bicycle path nearby;
move on sidewalks and pedestrian paths (except for children on children's bicycles under the supervision of adults);
while driving, hold on to another vehicle;
ride without holding the steering wheel and take your feet off the pedals (pegs);
carry passengers, with the exception of children under 7 years of age, on an additional seat equipped with securely fastened footrests;
towing mopeds and bicycles;
towing a trailer (except those intended for use with these vehicles).

Where is a cyclist allowed to ride?

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:

City bike paths.
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.
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:

Crossing an intersection as a normal pedestrian.
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:

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

It is strictly forbidden to leave the scene of the incident.
The bicycle must not be touched or moved.
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. The turn in this case 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.

You will be interested in:

5 comments

Good afternoon

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 is permission to cross the roadway at a controlled pedestrian crossing... Are these changes currently in effect or not?

Cycling enthusiasts not only enjoy riding an iron horse themselves, but also rush to introduce their children to this activity. The sooner a child masters riding skills, the sooner he can go on family bike rides. True, the issue of child safety on the road comes to the fore.

When to start?

The question of at what age can you ride a bicycle requires a number of clarifications:

What kind of bike do you mean: children's or adult?
What zone are you going to move through?

If we are talking about at what age a child can be put behind the wheel of a bicycle for the first time, then it is reasonable to follow the advice of pediatricians and child psychologists, who recommend doing this when the baby learns to walk and is strong enough to sit and hold the handlebars independently.

At 1-1.5 years old, you can try to put the baby on a three-wheeled bicycle and show the baby how to pedal, brake, and turn. It’s even better to start getting acquainted with the technique with, which will help in training muscles, develop a quick reaction, and teach simple control skills.

By the age of 2.5-3 years, you can transfer your child to a tricycle. At first, the baby will need to be supported by the back and guided.
Then everything will go according to an individual scenario and will depend on the physical development of the child, the frequency of cycling and parental patience. By the age of 5-6 years, and sometimes even earlier, you can accustom your child to a two-wheeled bicycle. It is only important to remember that the size of the vehicle must correspond to the height of the baby. If a child is 1 meter tall, the diameter of the wheel should be 12 inches. Each additional 15 cm of growth gives 4 additional inches in diameter.

On the roadway!

But the question of how old you can be to ride a bicycle on the road is no longer regulated by parents, but by traffic rules. Here age restrictions apply strictly.

For children under 7 years of age it is permissible to travel on:

sidewalk;
bicycle paths;
pedestrian areas.

Cyclists from 7 to 14 years old must ride on:

bicycle and pedestrian paths;
sidewalks;
pedestrian zones.

After 14 years of age, teenagers can travel to:

bike paths;
bicycle lanes;
bicycle and pedestrian paths;
roadside;
sidewalk.

It is important to remember that bicycle paths remain a priority. After 7 years of age, driving on the sidewalk is only possible if other permitted zones are absent or heavily congested. But transporting preschoolers in a special bicycle seat or accompanying a small driver with an adult sitting on a separate bicycle is allowed on the sidewalk.

And, of course, their parents, as always, are role models for children. Follow the traffic rules carefully and your child will follow you.

The use of cars and other equipment on the road requires a driver's license. A separate case is a bicycle - you do not need a driver's license to use it. However, there are still certain age restrictions - only after reaching a certain age will it be possible to drive a car.

Basic moments

Dear readers! The article talks about typical ways to resolve legal issues, but each case is individual. If you want to know how solve exactly your problem- contact a consultant:

APPLICATIONS AND CALLS ARE ACCEPTED 24/7 and 7 days a week.

It's fast and FOR FREE!

Today, the use of vehicles and other equipment on the road surface must be carried out within certain limits. Special rules must be followed. It is worth noting that everyone moving on the road must obey these rules without exception.

It is important to note that the movement algorithm can vary significantly, depending on a number of different nuances.

This is primarily influenced by the mode of transportation and the category to which the road user belongs. Today, the use of transportation devices such as a bicycle does not require a driver's license.

Nevertheless, drivers of such vehicles are required to comply with some rules that are mandatory for all. First of all, they relate to the driving mode.

Bicycle drivers do not have the same strict rules as car and motorcycle drivers. However, a maximum permissible age has been established only after reaching which it is possible to operate a bicycle on the road.

Before reaching this age, it is simply not allowed to operate. There is a special list of legislative norms that define these points.

What it is

The bicycle itself is a special vehicle for moving on various surfaces. It can be a road bike, a mountain bike or a road bike. Its design changes depending on the purpose.

It is worth noting that the mode of use of a bicycle on the road is determined by law. Various types of violations are not allowed. Because they may result in a fine.

As a rule, a bicycle will be made from a standard list of components.

It includes the following:

Saddle.
Frame.
Wheels.
Brake and many other equally important ones.

Bicycles are permitted on the road. Moreover, such movement and its organization are given especially close attention. All users of such equipment will need to be especially careful.

Traffic police officers are responsible for regulating compliance with traffic rules. Accordingly, if certain violations occur, a fine may be imposed.

Separately, it is worth familiarizing yourself with a number of rather specific questions - for example, is it possible to ride a bicycle on sidewalks. As a rule, movement must be carried out on special paths.

Otherwise, movement may occur on the road surface. There are also a number of requirements for the manager himself and his equipment.

Compliance with traffic rules when driving such a device is strictly required. Otherwise, certain troubles may arise. This concerns increased attention from the traffic police. And also a high probability of traffic accidents.

It is worth remembering that bicycle drivers also bear civil liability to other road users. Accordingly, if there is a traffic violation and the cyclist is found guilty, he will be obliged to pay for the damage caused.

There are even special insurance policies for cyclists. It is important to note that there is a fairly large number of court cases where the bicycle driver was found guilty of a violation and funds were recovered from him to pay off the damage.

It is best to work out this question in advance. Because this will avoid problems. Knowledge of regulatory documents will allow you to avoid fines, as well as other problems and difficulties.

Who falls under the category

Previously, during the Soviet era, using a bicycle required special licenses. Since this vehicle was equal to other vehicles on the roads.

In addition, the bicycle must have a license plate - it must contain 4 or 5 consecutive digits.

The driver's license itself for driving a bicycle in the USSR included:

Today the legislation says nothing about the need to register such vehicles.

But it is worth remembering that today any driver’s license is no longer required. According to the traffic rules, cycling should only be carried out in specially designated lanes.

But quite often there are simply no lanes specially equipped for traffic. In this case, movement can be carried out directly along the roadway. But it is worth remembering that in this case the movement should be carried out precisely in the direction of the vehicle.

There are simply no alternative options. Driving on sidewalks and other places designated for pedestrian movement is not permitted.

A similar decision in traffic rules takes place precisely in order to avoid accidents. Today, violations of traffic rules by cyclists occur. Many people follow traffic rules, but there are also quite a lot of people on the road who simply do not adhere to the rules.

Moreover, in the event of a collision between a car and a bicycle, the consequences are really serious. Since, in fact, unlike a car driver, a cyclist is not protected from injury.

That is why it is necessary to take the most responsible approach to purchasing special protective equipment for cycling on the country’s roads.

Since the absence of a helmet, special knee pads and other protective equipment can cause serious trouble, even death. Today, a significant portion of road accidents in summer occur precisely because cyclists do not comply with traffic rules.

Moreover, not only cyclists themselves die in such accidents, but also drivers. It is important to remember that failure to follow traffic rules can be a serious problem. Therefore, it is important to carefully study the traffic rules and avoid violating them.

Because this can cause serious trouble. Taking into account the fact that cyclists, as a rule, do not seek to purchase personal protective equipment and insurance policies, the damage may be material.

At what age can you ride a bicycle on the road?

The use of a bicycle must be carried out with the utmost care - especially if the operation takes place directly on the road surface. It is important to note that in this case, compliance with traffic rules must be taken as carefully as possible.

The traffic intensity in large cities is significant; a driver may simply not notice a fast-moving bicycle. It is worth noting that this issue is best worked out in advance.

The main issues that will need to be addressed first include the following:

what age limits does it have?
rules of movement;
what is prohibited;
driving on sidewalks;
fines for violations;
important nuances;
the legislative framework.

What are the age limits?

Separately, it is necessary to work out age restrictions. Today, you can drive a car from 18 years of age, and some types of light motorcycles from 16 years of age.

At the same time, there are also some restrictions regarding the bicycle. According to the traffic rules, the use of a bicycle can be carried out no earlier than the citizen turns 14 years old.

But it is important to note that this restriction only applies to the operation of the vehicle on the road surface. If movement is carried out by bicycle in other places, then the age restriction does not apply.

However, persons under 14 years of age should only use bicycles specifically designed for young children. This will avoid many problems and difficulties.

Travel rules

It is important to remember the need for the cyclist to move correctly on the roadway. There is a fairly wide list of points, compliance with which is strictly mandatory.

When driving on the roadway, a cyclist must observe the following important conditions for his own safety:

The vehicle must be in good working order.
The position of the bicycle must be correctly positioned relative to other road users.
The speed is selected taking into account the traffic conditions in a particular location.
Be sure to maintain a distance and interval of movement.
If possible, you should use side-view mirrors - this way you can avoid an accident when changing lanes.

The rules of the road are quite clear about the location of a bicycle. The car should move as far to the right as possible relative to other vehicles.

It could be:

It's important to note the word "possibly." It is understood that a cyclist can deviate to the right or left, as well as move in the oncoming lane of vehicles.

But such maneuvers are possible only in individual cases:

a parked car is driven around;
there is poor quality of the road surface;
a detour is carried out around the scene of the accident or cordon.

It is important to note how a group of cyclists moves. In this case, all participants in the column must follow strictly one after another. Only motorcycles can drive parallel. Such solutions are prohibited for bicycles.

It is worth remembering that a traffic police officer has the right to stop a cyclist in case of a violation and draw up an appropriate administrative protocol.

You will need to pay particular attention to the speed of movement. According to the traffic rules, moving in unison is the safest thing to do when driving on the road.

At the same time, it is not allowed to move significantly slower than the main flow. As a rule, on the road you will need to reach a speed of at least 20 km/h.

It is important to understand the significance of the following points:

Compliance with the basic rules for moving a bicycle on the road will help you avoid many problematic and difficult moments. It is worth familiarizing yourself with all the intricacies of the registration process in advance.

What is prohibited

It is worth noting that there is a list of actions that bicycle operators are not allowed to carry out:

Indicators	Description
When driving on the road, do not hold onto the steering wheel with at least one hand
Carry passengers - unless it is a child 7 years old in a special seat	clause 24.3 of traffic rules
Transport cargo that extends beyond the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 0.5 m	clause 24.3 of traffic rules
Move on the roadway if there is a bicycle path nearby	clause 24.3 of traffic rules
Make a left turn or turn around - on roads where there is more than 1 lane for traffic in one direction	clause 24.3 of traffic rules

There is a certain algorithm for making turns:

Drive straight through the intersection and then turn around in the right lane of the road being crossed.
Just get off your bike and cross the road on foot.

Separately, it should be noted that bicycles are not allowed on highways. This moment is set to . It is also not allowed to move on the road in the dark - unless there is a light on in front and behind the bicycle.

It is also not allowed to interfere with the movement of a cyclist to other road users.

Driving on sidewalks

Riding a bicycle on sidewalks is expressly prohibited by law. But it is worth noting that children under 14 years of age can travel in this way.

Cyclists should familiarize themselves in advance with all the nuances and subtleties of the rules of movement. This will allow you to avoid real fines.

Fines for violations

Fines for violations for cyclists are issued as for pedestrians. This point is regulated by Art. .

According to these, the following tariffs for violations are established:

Video: what the traffic rules say

Important nuances

All children love to ride a bike, and few parents explain to their kids how to ride a bike around the city without disturbing other people or creating dangerous situations for pedestrians and motorists. The safety of all participants depends on compliance with traffic rules.

The youngest cyclists should only ride on sidewalks and bike paths, and only if accompanied by an adult. Traveling on the road and traveling independently is allowed for children over 14 years of age. Children who are just learning to use two-wheeled vehicles should be taught to ride only next to their parents, without moving further than a few meters, without leaving the sidewalk, and also teach them to use the brakes and stop traffic.

In addition, a child who rides a bicycle independently must be able to maneuver at least a little in order to avoid people and obstacles on the road. A child in transport must be able to reduce speed and take turns, and know that crossing the roadway is only possible at a pedestrian crossing, driving a bicycle nearby.

Basic riding rules

Children who are learning to ride a bicycle and who are already quite good at riding need to understand how they can and cannot use two-wheeled vehicles. To prevent a child from getting hurt himself or causing a traffic accident, he must follow certain rules. What a child must do on a bicycle for his own safety:

Ride only on bicycle paths, and if there are none, on sidewalks, without entering the roadway and without interfering with the movement of other road users;
Wear a helmet, and if the child rides in the dark or in poor visibility, wear reflective clothing. In addition, reflectors must also be on the vehicle;
Keep your distance and be able to maneuver while driving;
An older child driving on the roadway must know the rules of the road and be able to give signals to cars. Like all road users, young cyclists sometimes need to refresh their memory of the materials of the Rules of the Road and buy the latest edition of the rules.

When riding a bicycle, children are strictly prohibited from:

Ride without a helmet;
Drive a disabled vehicle;
Carry passengers on the trunk or on the frame;
Drive against the flow;
Ride a bicycle without hands, or hold the vehicle with one hand, or with your feet off the pedals;
Link and tow multiple bikes into one system.

Failure to follow simple safety rules puts a child's life in danger. Even when it seems that the road is absolutely safe and the child cannot fall and get hurt, it is better to play it safe and persuade the child to wear a helmet.

Equipment for little cyclists

How to dress a little racer to keep him alive and healthy? If the child is still small and sits in a tiny three-wheeled vehicle, which is rolled by the parents by the handle, then he will not need a helmet or other devices, since the entire process is controlled by adults. But if a child has grown up and rides around the yard and surrounding area, he needs even more serious equipment than an adult.

The first thing a little racer will need is a helmet. Many parents think that a helmet is not needed to move on the sidewalk and ride in the yard, since the child does not ride onto the roadway, but rides well enough not to fall. In fact, it makes no difference where the baby rides. Some cars can drive into the yard and into the playground, and even fenced bike paths do not always protect against louts. In addition, the road under the wheels of the iron horse is not always smooth, and if the wheel of the vehicle hits a pothole, the child may fall and be hit. Riding a bicycle, even a child's one, requires high speed, and a helmet will reduce the risk of serious injury. It is better to choose a helmet that is bright and noticeable, so that other road users will notice the young rider even in conditions of poor visibility and at a great distance.

It is prohibited to buy a helmet “for growth”. If the helmet dangles on the child’s head or slides down over his eyes, such protection will be of no use.

The second piece of protective equipment that can save a child's life is a reflective vest or clothing with reflective elements. It is especially important to dress your child correctly in the dark, since in the dark it is more difficult to notice a small cyclist on the road. But this does not mean that cycling during the day is possible without special clothing. No, according to safety rules, the child must be properly dressed even when moving on the road during the day.

Bright clothing with reflectors also helps in low visibility conditions. But if there is heavy fog or smoke outside, and the roadway is not visible, it is better to postpone the bike ride so as not to needlessly risk the life and health of the child.

Many parents consider knee pads and elbow pads to be a waste of money, since without them a child, especially one just learning to ride, feels less confident. It’s better to play it safe and buy your child knee pads and elbow pads, and remove them when the baby masters two-wheeled transport well.

It is worth paying attention to the clothes of the young racer. To prevent your child from overheating, do not dress him too warmly, even if it is cool outside. A windproof windbreaker or vest will keep your baby warm better than a warm jacket. Wide pants are not recommended as they can get tangled in the chain or get caught in the pedals.

Preparing the bike

Since on the road a bicycle is not just a child’s entertainment, but also a vehicle that is a full-fledged participant in traffic on the road, an older child should be taught to check and prepare the vehicle before leaving home. Driving on the side of the road is permitted from the age of 14, and by this age a teenager is able to independently operate a vehicle.

Before you go on the road, you need to make sure that the bike is in full working order, that there are no cracks or dents on its body and frame, that the frame is straight, and that the steering wheel allows you to fully control the vehicle. You should check that the chain is tight enough, the wheels are straight and properly centered, and the seat height is adjusted. Road conditions do not always allow you to stop while driving and quickly fix a minor breakdown.

At home, you need to check whether the headlights are on, whether the brakes on the vehicle work, whether the bell can be heard and whether the tire pressure is sufficient. The life of a cyclist depends on the condition and timely check of these things.

An older child should know the basic signs, traffic rules and hand signals that a cyclist gives while moving on the road. Educational materials for children of different ages, which can be found on the Internet, will help teach him.

Cycling is fun for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest members. And therefore, many parents try to put their children on a vehicle as early as possible, often forgetting to explain to them the basic rules of traffic and safety. Only when a child feels confident in the saddle, knows how to brake and turn around well, knows signals and road signs and does not interfere with the movement of pedestrians and cars, can we consider that he is prepared to go into the city.

The rules of cycling may seem outdated or too strict, but like all safety rules, they have saved more than one life. Therefore, even when it seems that the road is absolutely safe and there is no need to wear a helmet, that the child is clearly visible even without reflective stripes on clothes, and the vehicle appears to be in good condition, you should not neglect safety precautions. Sometimes an extra minute spent checking the iron horse, putting on a helmet and repeating the rules again will save health and life.