On Saturday, January 21, Government Decision no. 965/2016, which amends the Road Code as regards certain rules for drivers and cyclists who wear reflective vest. The normative act also contains the procedure for lifting the machines parked irregularly.
See also new procedures for lifting illegally parked cars. What the Government has established.
Drivers will not be able to overtake cyclists unless they leave one and a half meters of maneuvering space. The recommended lateral distance when overtaking a bicycle will be at least 1.5 m instead of a “sufficient lateral distance”, as it used to be.
Bicyclists who run on public roads will be able to install on their bicycles including car sound warning systems.
Also, fluorescent-reflective elements placed on wheels (so-called “cat eyes”) should no longer be orange in color.
The Bicycle will no longer be equipped with white or yellow light in the front and red with the fluorescent-reflective device at night, or when the visibility is low.
Previously, cyclists had this obligation when traveling on public roads, regardless of the time of the day or the conditions of visibility.
On bicycles, children under the age of seven may be transported, but only by an adult and provided that the bicycle is factory-fitted with a special support or has a device approved for the transport of small ones. Previously, cyclists can carry children less than seven years only if the vehicle was fitted with a special support or if it is built or equipped specifically for the transport of other people, but no reference is made to what age the bicyclist should be.
Bicyclists will not be allowed to circulate within the localities where public lighting does not work or outside the locality without a reflective vest, at night or when visibility is low. Until now, there was no mention of public lighting; the vest must be worn regardless of this condition.
Bicyclists will not be required to wear a helmet when traveling on public roads, according to a government decision adopted last year, which amended and supplemented the Regulation on the Application of Government Emergency Ordinance 195/2002 on Road Traffic. Initially, in the draft decision, there is a proposal that cyclists be forced to wear a safety vest and helmet, but was removed after discussions with bicycle organizations.