From March 19 to March 26, 2024, the republican preventive campaign “Move by the Rules!” is taking place, aimed at preventing accidents involving cyclists and people using personal mobility devices.
Let us remind you: on October 27, 2022, changes to the Traffic Rules came into force in Belarus. Thus, a new term has appeared in the traffic rules - “Personal mobility device”. This is a device or appliance, other than a vehicle, powered by an engine and intended for individual or shared (must have special seating) use. These are electric scooters, hoverboards, segways, unicycles and more.
To ensure that cycling does not result in negative consequences, you must remember and follow the basic rules:
– when driving on the road in the dark and (or) when there is insufficient visibility outside populated areas, the cyclist must be dressed in high-visibility clothing with reflective elements;
– cycling must be carried out on a bicycle path, and in its absence, on the side of the road, sidewalk or pedestrian path, without creating an obstacle to the safe movement of pedestrians;
– the opportunity is provided not to dismount when crossing the roadway. At the same time, when approaching an intersection with a roadway, a cyclist must slow down in advance and cross it at the speed of a walking pedestrian;
– You cannot drive a bicycle while intoxicated;
– a cyclist must ride in the direction of travel of vehicles;
– when driving on the road in the dark and (or) when visibility is insufficient, a bicycle or moped must have on: in front – a headlight (lantern) emitting white light, in the back – a lamp emitting red light;
– you cannot carry passengers (except for transporting children under 7 years of age on an additional specially equipped seat), move without holding the steering wheel or keeping your feet on the pedals;
– children under 14 years of age have the right to ride a bicycle only on pedestrian and residential areas, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian paths. Children under 14 years of age may travel on the road only if accompanied by an adult.
The State Traffic Inspectorate calls on all road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules. Car drivers need to be more attentive to cyclists, since accidents involving them have the most serious consequences. In turn, cyclists need to learn and strictly follow the rules of the road and personal safety measures.