The first question we will try to answer is whether cyclists belong to the group of so-called vulnerable road users. Pedestrians are certainly described as vulnerable, but, just like pedestrians, cyclists are also unprotected against the consequences of an accident.
Bicycles do not have bumpers, airbags or seat belts. Consequently, cyclists are required to follow the relevant regulations, created solely to ensure a high level of safety for them. This is precisely why cyclists must use cycle paths when they run alongside a roadway for cars. But first, where should a cyclist ride on the road?
Pursuant to Article 33(1) of the Road Traffic Act, cyclists are required to use a cycleway or a bicycle lane. If the infrastructure does not provide such a facility, Article 16(5) states that a bicycle should be ridden on the shoulder. If the shoulder is not suitable for riding, the cyclist may use the roadway, but must remember to keep as close as possible to its right edge.
There are also circumstances in which cyclists may use the pavement. These include, for example, the situation described in Article 33(5) of the Road Traffic Act, where a cyclist is supervising a person up to 10 years of age who is also riding a bicycle. In addition, if the pavement is at least 2 metres wide and the permitted speed of vehicles on the road used by the cyclist exceeds 50 km/h, the cyclist may also use the pavement.
The final case concerns unfavourable conditions on the roadway, such as snow, dense fog or black ice, which create a real danger for the cyclist. On the pavement, cyclists must of course exercise particular caution and remember to give way to pedestrians. On shared pavements, signs C-13 and C-16, showing a bicycle and a pedestrian separated by a vertical or horizontal divider, are often seen. The horizontal divider means that cyclists must give way to pedestrians on the pavement, while the vertical divider indicates that pedestrians and cyclists each have their own separate surfaces.
We therefore know when and under what circumstances cyclists use elements of road infrastructure. As can be seen, these regulations represent a common-sense approach to reconciling the presence of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle drivers in the road area. Everyone must find their place in this arrangement, one that will be safest for them, which is why it is so important that everyone complies with the applicable regulations.
Next, it is worth mentioning the mandatory equipment of a bicycle, as well as equipment that is not expressly required by regulations but significantly improves safety. Anyone who does not know whether their bicycle meets the standards specified in the regulations can consult the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 31 December 2002 on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment.
Pursuant to § 53(1) of the Regulation, a bicycle should be equipped with: 1) at the front—at least one white or selective-yellow position lamp; 2) at the rear—at least one red non-triangular retroreflector and at least one red position lamp; 3) the lamps referred to in paragraph 3, point 3, if the construction of the bicycle or bicycle trailer prevents the rider from signalling an intention to change direction or lane by extending an arm; 4) at least one effective brake; 5) a bell or another warning signal with a non-shrill sound.
It is also worth taking care of elements that are not required by any legal obligation, but whose use is simply dictated by common sense. The first is a protective helmet. Head injuries are among the most dangerous consequences of accidents. When choosing a protective helmet, it is worth selecting one that provides maximum protection for us or our children. The cheapest helmets are made of ordinary polystyrene, so it is better to look for one made of a material that effectively absorbs impact force.
Such a material can absorb an impact and, if the force is great, the helmet breaks apart, absorbing a significant portion of the energy. It is also good if the helmet has an MIPS (Multi Impact Protection System), which is a kind of helmet within a helmet. By isolating the two layers, it provides even better protection against head injuries. Helmets are also divided into urban, off-road and skatepark models. It is therefore worth taking a moment to choose the right model.
Next, we must analyse the causes of incidents involving cyclists. Let us focus on causes attributable to the cyclists themselves. One of their most common mistakes is riding on the pavement when this is prohibited. Cyclists also forget to keep to the right edge—even when using a cycle path. Riding near the right edge is particularly important given the constantly increasing volume of vehicle traffic and, of course, bicycles themselves.
For road users, an unexpected change of direction or lane is also often a major surprise and a cause of accidents. Cyclists simply forget to signal these manoeuvres on the road, even though this obligation arises from Article 22(5) of the Road Traffic Act. Extending the right or left arm to show other road users the intention to perform a manoeuvre does not require much effort, and may prevent us from riding directly into the path of an approaching vehicle whose driver does not expect us to turn.
Another serious offence committed by cyclists is proceeding past a signal when it is showing a red light, or using a telephone while riding when this requires holding the handset or microphone in the hand. Needless to say, browsing the internet or writing text messages while riding is not only prohibited but also irresponsible. The urban environment in particular requires cyclists to remain constantly focused and react quickly to dynamic, unexpected situations. There are also factors that are not legally regulated but significantly affect cyclists’ safety. These include listening to music through headphones while riding in a way that prevents auditory stimuli from the surroundings from being heard.
Cyclists also compromise the stability of their vehicle by distributing loads, such as shopping, unevenly, which causes difficulties while steering or leads to awkward attempts to set off from traffic lights. However, this discussion is still about cyclists’ mistakes, since they are the subject of this notice. It must be remembered, though, that car drivers are also guilty of improper behaviour towards cyclists. The most serious is failing to give way when turning into a crossroad. Another serious offence committed by vehicle drivers is failing to maintain a safe distance from a cyclist when overtaking them; this is specified in Article 24(2) of the Road Traffic Act and, let us recall, the distance may not be less than 1 metre.