Police:

First and foremost, you should take care of your bicycle’s technical condition, remember that you are a full-fledged road user, and strictly follow the provisions of the Highway Code.

Accidents involving cyclists are often very dangerous. In a collision with a car on the road, a cyclist rarely has a chance of escaping unscathed.

A bicycle is not only carefree fun. When riding one, we are not protected by a car body or airbags. Particular attention should be paid to observing our surroundings, because any collision or fall may have unpleasant or tragic consequences.

What should you remember?

  • cyclists are required to travel on the hard shoulder, unless it is unsuitable for riding or the vehicle movement would impede pedestrian traffic
  • cyclists should use a bicycle path or bicycle lane if one has been designated for the direction in which they are traveling. (Particular caution should be exercised there, and pedestrians should be given way. If there is no bicycle path, cyclists may travel on the hard shoulder or roadway)
  • if transporting a child under 7, this may only be done when the child is placed on an additional seat ensuring safe travel.

When may a cyclist use the sidewalk or pedestrian path?

  • when caring for a person under 10 who is riding a bicycle
  • the sidewalk along a road on which vehicles are permitted to travel at more than 60 km/h is at least 2 m wide and there is no separate bicycle path
  • weather conditions pose a threat to the cyclist’s safety on the roadway (snow, strong wind, heavy rain, black ice, dense fog).

Cyclists who use a sidewalk or pedestrian path are required to ride slowly, exercise particular caution, and give way to pedestrians.

Bicycles should have appropriate equipment and be in good technical condition. Lighting is particularly important. Polish law regulates this clearly. If riding during the day, the bicycle must have a red rear reflector. When riding after dark, white or yellow front lighting and red rear lighting are also required.

Additionally, every cyclist should wear a shirt of an appropriate color or have any element that makes them visible from a distance. Reflectors can save our lives.

The bicycle itself should be prepared for riding, and checking the brakes is most important. Every bicycle ridden on Polish roads and bicycle paths must be equipped with a bell.

Uniformed officers:

Cyclists should look after their safety by wearing a helmet every time. Helmets are not mandatory, it is true, but people should realize that even an apparently harmless fall from a bicycle can cause serious injury.

And they add:

We appeal to all vehicle drivers to share the road lane with cyclists and overtake them safely. And we remind you: cyclists are subject to the same traffic regulations as all other vehicle drivers.

We wish you safe and enjoyable bicycle trips.