The most common mistakes of cyclists include riding without lights and reflective elements or cycling outside the village without a helmet. According to police spokeswoman Denisa Balogh, driving in groups side by side or driving under the influence of alcohol is not exceptional either. What rules should cyclists follow during their journeys?
It is important, for example, to wear reflective vests, especially at night and in low visibility. “Reflective material can be seen at a distance three times longer than white clothing and more than ten times that of blue clothing. By using reflective elements, cyclists extend the distance over which the driver can see them,” the spokeswoman explains.
At the same time, Balogh recalls that children under the age of 10 can only ride a bicycle unattended on a cycling path, a dirt road, a forest road, or a residential area. Otherwise, they must be under the supervision of a person over 15 years of age who must also be sufficiently competent to supervise them. “When traveling with children, of course, there should be helmets, leg guards and reflective fabrics on clothing,” he adds.
The helmet must have children under 15 years in the village. Other cyclists are obliged to wear it only outside the village. It is important to ensure that cyclists only drive one behind the other on the side or on the edge of the road. “Two cyclists can only walk along the bicycle path, and only if they do not restrict and endanger other road users,” says Balogh.
At the same time, the police appealed to drivers to be considerate of cyclists. “We all know that in the case of a cyclist versus a car, the less protected participant always pulls the shorter end. Therefore, it is important that the driver of the motor vehicle anticipates what he can do if necessary and responds adequately,” Balogh points out.
“Maintain sufficient lateral distance from cyclists to prevent them, counting with caution, poor eyesight, and hearing, especially of older people. While driving, pay close attention to the right side of the road because of the most likely occurrence of cyclists,” he continues. At the same time, it points out that a right-hand driver is obliged to give priority to a straight-rider. This is not only for the tram driver.