The cyclists took the streets and bicycle paths. Unfortunately, some of them have a considerable lack of knowledge about single - copy movement.
Provisions laying down the rights and obligations of road users, including bicycle users, are governed by the Act of 20 June 1997 Traffic law (Journal of Laws of 1997, item 602). It defines, among other things, where cycling on the pavement is allowed and when it is punished with a ticket. Before entering road traffic with a bike, it is worth reading the obligations and rights of each cyclist.
When a cyclist is accompanied by a child younger than 10 years, he can use the pedestrian walkway
Powers needed
The most important issue that entitles us to cycle on public roads is to reach adulthood. By Article 8 Act of 20 May 1971 Code of offence (Journal of Laws of 1971, item 114)persons who have completed 17 years and moving on public roads are exposed to a mandate.
The legislator predicted a situation in which minors can also get the right to cycle. For this purpose, a minor must have the appropriate rights. In the case of underage persons, cycling rights shall be acquired together with a cycling card test or a category AM or A licence.[1].
It is worth mentioning that according to the above mentioned. Article 8 The code of offences shall be the responsibility of the person who completed the criminal offence 17 years. So for those who aren't finished 17 years and road offences will be committed, legal guardians will be responsible for their actions.
Driving only in permitted places
Another obligation of each cyclist is the obligation to use the bicycle road or intended for lane bicycles. The bicycle path and the bicycle belt shall be designated for the direction in which the cyclist intends to move or intends to turn.
In the absence of an appropriate road for bicycles or for bicycles of the lane, the cyclist is entitled to use the roadway. When a cyclist is accompanied by a child younger than 10 years, he can use the footpath.
Another situation where the footpath is permitted is one where the cyclist must be on the road where the permissible speed of movement exceeds 50 km/h and there is no designated lane for cyclists. The cyclist also has the right to use the pavement when there are bad weather conditions on the road.
It should be borne in mind that the unwarranted movement of the bicycle on the pavement threatens with a mandate of 50 PLN. Every cyclist must remember that cycling is also prohibited after a pedestrian crossing.
Bicyclist offences
The most controversial offense of a cyclist is drinking. We will not lose our driving licence for this act, but we can still be punished for it by a ban on driving vehicles other than those for which driving is necessary. A person caught riding a bicycle in the state after using alcohol is subject to detention until 14 days or fines. On the other hand, a cyclist who moves intoxicated is subject to detention or a fine not lower than 50 PLN.
The offence will also be the lack of adequate equipment for the bike. The bike shall have:
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- at least one a front-heavy or yellow lamp glowing continuously, or flashing light - i.e. a front lamp for batteries, accumulators or dynamium,
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- at least a red retro-reflective unit
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- at least a rear lighting unit with continuous or flashing light,
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- at least one an effective brake,
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- a bell or other warning signal for a non-transparent sound,
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- direction indicators — if only when the design of the bicycle or bicycle trolley prevents the intention to turn by hand.
During cycling, it is also prohibited to:
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- Chasing other vehicles while riding a bike,
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- Not leaving a bicycle lock when it is possible to continue in the intended direction,
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- Infringement by the bicycle driver of the obligation to carry the child up to the years 7 on an extra seat,
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- Failure to give way to a pedestrian by driving a bicycle on the road for bicycles and pedestrians,
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- Using a mobile phone that requires you to hold your headphones while driving,
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- Cycling alongside another traffic participant obstructing other traffic participants,
On the other hand, a bicycle driver has the right to overtake vehicles on their right.
With the arrival of the summer season, Poles are increasingly taking their bike to work. Cycling is also a popular form of active leisure time. This is indicated, among others, by the number of registered users of Warsaw city bicycles, which has already exceeded half one million people. Statistics also show that the number of kilometres driven using urban bicycles is increasing. These rights and obligations apply to all cyclists, whether on their own or on a rented bike.
Author: Paweł Boś, law student at the Kozminski Academy in Warsaw, employee of Russell Bedford