Pedestrians and cyclists are so-called vulnerable road users. This means that, unlike car drivers, they are not protected by a vehicle body and do not have seat belts or airbags. Let us remember that pedestrians and cyclists are road users—the difference is that they are completely defenseless against speeding vehicles. An accident involving them has extremely serious consequences.

Pedestrians’ responsibilities:

  • cross the road in designated places and, if there are none, especially outside built-up areas, exercise particular caution; never suddenly run onto the road. Stand at the edge of the pavement, at least 30 cm from its edge, look first left, then right and once again left, and when the road is clear, always cross straight over by the shortest route
  • always cross the road when the light is green; when the green light is flashing, wait because the red light will come on shortly
  • wear reflective elements, especially after dusk, when visibility is poorer and dark clothing means that a pedestrian is noticed by a driver only at the last moment. A pedestrian wearing a reflective element is visible to a vehicle driver from a much greater distance, allowing an earlier reaction
  • always walk on the left side of the road outside built-up areas so that you can see an oncoming vehicle.

The obligation to use a cycle path:

The law requires cyclists to use a cycle path if it is designated for the direction in which they are travelling. Under this provision, if a one-way cycle path is designated along the road, the obligation to use it applies only in one direction. A cyclist travelling in the opposite direction must use the road. A cyclist using a shared cycle and pedestrian path must exercise particular caution and give way to pedestrians.

Cyclists on the pavement:

As a rule, cycling on the pavement is prohibited. The regulations provide for several exceptions. A cyclist is permitted to ride on the pavement when:

  • they are accompanying a person aged up to 10 who is riding a bicycle
  • there is bad weather (snow, strong wind, heavy rain, black ice or dense fog)
  • all three of the following conditions are met:
    1. the pavement is at least two metres wide
    2. traffic on the road is permitted at a speed of more than 50 km/h (in a built-up area)
    3. there is no separated cycle path or lane designated for bicycles.

Children on bicycles:

Children up to the age of 7 may be transported in two ways: either on a bicycle in a special child seat. Children under 10 may ride a bicycle independently, but only under the supervision of an adult. The adult supervising the child may walk alongside them on the pavement or ride a bicycle—also on the pavement.

Children over the age of 10 may already ride a bicycle independently on public roads if they hold their first qualification, namely a bicycle licence.

Bicycle equipment

A properly equipped bicycle should have: one white position light at the front; one red reflector at the rear; at least one effectively functioning brake; and an audible warning signal. It is also advisable to use reflective elements—they may be permanently attached to the bicycle or placed on cyclists’ clothing. Reflective elements make us visible and therefore, of course, safer.

Police officers from Zgorzelec appeal to all road users to exercise particular caution and comply with the applicable regulations.