We talk with a policeman, a driver of various vehicles, father and cyclist about how to safely move by bike and the most important rules in road traffic. – There must be a safe place on the road for everyone – says nadkom. Robert Opas from the Road Office of the Police Headquarters in Warsaw.
The most common “sins” of cyclists
– In 2024, cyclists contributed to the creation of 1364 accidents in which 86 people were killed and 1344 people suffered injuries. – says nadkom. Robert Opas from the BRD of the Warsaw Police Headquarters and indicates the most common causes of accidents caused by cyclists:
- Failure to travel – 417 accidents,
- failure to adapt speed to traffic conditions – 244 accidents,
- incorrect passage – 126 accidents,
- Incorrect twisting – 120 accidents.
It also turns out that cyclists go too often on alcohol. – Estimated among over 92 thousand Driving vehicles detained by the police under the influence of alcohol, over 31,000 They constitute bicycle drivers, electrical scooters and other personal transport vehicles. – adds nadkom. Robert Opas. For driving a bicycle after eating alcohol, there is a fine of PLN 1,500, and in a state of intoxication – PLN 2,500.
Author: Press materials
– A mandatory equipment of the bicycle in Poland is at least one efficient brake, bell or other warning signal with a non -existent sound, front position light (white or yellow) and rear (red) and rear reflection in red. The bike does not have to be equipped with light direction indicators, but additional lighting can increase visibility. Obligatory: a helmet or reflective vest are recommended to improve safety. Speaking of helmets – I am their strong supporter and I recommend them to cyclists of all ages, going to public roads. – calls the nadkom. Robert Opas from the Road Traffic Office in Warsaw.
Movement bike – basic rules
Cyclists cannot move on highways or expressways. However, if there is no bicycle path, lane for bicycles or roadside suitable for driving, then you should drive the road, remembering to stick to its right edge. Nadkom. Robert Opas reminds that the cyclist as a full -fledged road participant has his privileges and responsibilities. – Signaling of maneuvers on a bicycle consists mainly in the clear use of hand gestures informing about the intention of turning or stopping. Avoiding is a maneuver consisting in passing by a non -resistant vehicle, a traffic participant or an obstacle. It is crucial to be cautious, a safe distance and making sure that the maneuver will not cause a threat to other traffic participants. The cyclist has the right to overtake vehicles other than a bicycle from their right, slowly driving in the same direction. It is about vehicles in the traffic lodge. There are also restrictions on how to avoid vehicles signaling left or waiting for the opening of the journey – explains the Commissioner.
Is it prohibited?
If you do not want to expose ourselves to a fine, and worse – participate in an accident – before entering the pedestrian crossing, get off the bike and lead it through the lanes. Let us also remember that car drivers do not have as good visibility as cyclists. In turn, when it comes to cycling on the pavement, it – as the nadku indicates. Oppression – it is prohibited in Poland, except for specific situations. The cyclist can go on the pavement if:
- He looks after the child until 10 years of age, who is held by his bike,
- Next to the road with a speed limit above 50 km/h, there is no road for bicycles, and the pavement is at least 2 meters wide,
- Atmospheric conditions (rainfall, fog, wind) pose a threat.
– In any case, the driver of the bike on the pavement should be careful and give way to pedestrians – allergies to the nadkom. Robert Opas.
As indicated by the nadkom. Children’s armbands until 7. They can be transported on a bicycle in a specially designed car seat or a trailer attached backwards. In the case of older passengers, the bike must be structurally adapted to transport an additional person. Transporting passengers on the frame, trunk or steering wheel of an ordinary bike is not allowed. Children up to 10 years of age They can move on a bike on the pavement – under the care of an adult. Older children need a bicycle card to ride on their own.
How to prevent dangerous situations involving cyclists?
– Some cyclists forget that they are the same road participant as the driver of other vehicles. They consciously underestimate the issue of reason and movement in accordance with the regulations, even passing through pedestrian crossings. The bike is a wonderful, ecological means of transport but you have to remember that the cyclist is a unprotected participant in road traffic and any collision with the vehicle can end tragically. Of course, it is worth mentioning the invaluable issue of education from an early age and practical skills of cycling, which should be interested in everyone, especially parents and guardians of the youngest – comments on the nadkom. Robert Opas from the Road Traffic Office in Warsaw.
