With the coming of spring and the coming mayo, thousands of Poles embark on cycling routes. The cycling period is not only the time of active rest, but besides the minute erstwhile more controls appear on the roads. fewer cyclists realize that, like car drivers, they besides have circumstantial rules on the method condition and equipment of the vehicle. They may be ignored up to PLN 3000.
Mandatory equipment of the bike: what does the law say?
Although the bike is not a motor vehicle, in the light of traffic laws, its users have a number of obligations. It is not only a good condition and a helmet — the bike must be well prepared not only to meet safety requirements, but besides to meet legal requirements.
According to the current Regulation, any bicycle on public roads must have:
- at least 1 white or yellow front position lamp, placed at a tallness of not more than 1,5 m,
- at least 1 red retro-reflector at the rear,
- at least 1 red rear position lamp,
- at least 1 effective brake — mounted on the front, as many or both wheels,
- sound signal, most frequently in the form of a bell.
The absence of any of these elements may consequence in with a mandate of PLN 100–300, however, in peculiar situations — e.g. driving without lights at night on public roads — the punishment may even be up to PLN 3000 in the form of a fine.
Most common cyclist errors
The reflection of road safety officers and organisations shows that many cyclists do not know precisely the rules on the equipment of the single-track. Most frequently missing:
- rear or front lighting, especially at dusk,
- ringtonewhich in many sports bikes is simply not mounted factory,
- brake, especially in the case of fixie-type bicycles, where deficiency of free circulation makes stopping by leg resistance.
Police point out that this is what insufficient visibility of cyclists is 1 of the main factors of accidents involving them. Additional retro-reflectors on pedals, wheels or tyres can importantly improve safety.
Additional equipment — comfort and safety
Although the law sets a minimum, road traffic specialists besides urge additional equipment, especially if we plan to proceed or travel with the child. Here are the items that are worth having:
- helmet — compulsory for children up to the age of 18, but recommended to everyone,
- basket or bottle holder — facilitate irrigation while driving,
- tool bag and spare interior tube — useful in case of failure on the route,
- pump and repair kit — invaluable erstwhile a tire is punctured.
This will prevent not only fines, but besides the stress of forced detention and the request to organise aid.
Punishment may be severe, but it's more than that.
In spite of appearances, cycling tickets are not new, but only an increase in the number of cyclists in fresh years has made the subject more commentable. Police announce checks especially on weekends and days off erstwhile bike traffic increases significantly.
Mandates aren't everything. It's all about security. — both cyclists and another traffic participants. Even the best marked bike will not give a 100% guarantee, but minimizes the hazard of tragic accidents.
As experts point out, the appropriate equipment of the single-track is Basic expression of work on the road. This is not only to be remembered for fear of a fine, but, above all, for concern for wellness and life — your own and others.
Continued here:
Cyclists under police eye: this mistake can cost you up to PLN 3000
