Important Information for Pedestrians and Cyclists Police officers appeal to pedestrians and cyclists to exercise caution and follow several basic rules. Let us remember that we ourselves have a major influence on safety.
Pedestrians and cyclists are so-called vulnerable road users. This means that, unlike car drivers, they are not protected by a vehicle body, and they 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.
Improving safety on the roads of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship is a priority for police officers; therefore, officers remind everyone of several basic rules.
Pedestrians’ responsibilities:
- cross the road at 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 more left; when the road is clear, always cross directly 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 dark, 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 response
- outside built-up areas, always walk on the left side of the road so that you can see an oncoming vehicle.
The obligation to use a cycle path:
Article 33 of the Road Traffic Act requires a cyclist 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. Article 26 of the Road Traffic Act allows a cyclist to ride on the pavement when:
- they are accompanying a person under 10 years of age who is riding a bicycle
- the weather is bad (snow, strong wind, heavy rain, black ice, dense fog)
- the following three conditions are met simultaneously:
- the pavement is at least two metres wide
- traffic on the road is permitted at a speed of more than 50 km/h (in a built-up area)
- there is no separate cycle path or lane designated for cyclists.
Children on bicycles
Children under 7 may be transported in two ways, for example in a special child seat. Children under 10 may also ride a bicycle independently, but only under the supervision of an adult. The adult supervising the child may walk beside them on the pavement or ride a bicycle—also on the pavement.
Children over 10 may ride a bicycle independently on public roads if they have their first cycling licence, that is, a bicycle card.
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
- an audible warning device.
It is also advisable to use reflective elements—they may be permanently attached to the bicycle or worn on cyclists’ clothing. Reflectors make us visible and, of course, safer.
Lower Silesian police officers appeal to all road users to exercise particular caution and comply with the applicable regulations.