Yesterday, September 22nd, was World Car-Free Day , an initiative that aims to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of widespread car use and promote the use of other means of transportation, such as cycling and public transport . However, the reality of everyday life means that cyclists and drivers must coexist on our roads. To ensure this coexistence is as safe as possible, we offer the following tips:
If you are a cyclist
Although there are differences between cycling in the city or on interurban roads, there are a series of obligations and/or recommendations, common to both types of roads, that must be met.
Keep your bike in good condition
Frequently check the condition and pressure of the wheels, the lubrication of the chain, the brakes, and the reflective and lighting elements.
Always respect traffic rules
When you ride your bicycle, you're just another vehicle and must follow all traffic rules. This includes traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, pedestrian crossings, and the direction of travel.
Always use the case
Wearing a properly approved safety helmet is mandatory for drivers and passengers when traveling on intercity roads, with a few exceptions (on long inclines, in extreme heat, or for certified medical reasons). However, you shouldn't think of it as an obligation, but rather as a means of protection against impacts, which can be very serious even in the city at low speeds. At Help Flash, we recommend its indiscriminate use, as it is key to your safety.
Signal your movements
This is of vital importance since bicycles have the problem of not having turn signals.
Signal all your maneuvers with your arms to warn other drivers, especially when making right and left turns. To do this, extend your arm well in advance, clearly and safely, in the direction you intend to turn.
No alcohol
The maximum alcohol level permitted for drivers in general (0.5 g/l of alcohol in blood or alcohol in exhaled air greater than 0.25 milligrams per litre) also affects you if you ride a bicycle , and you may be required to undergo the relevant controls.
Neither mobile phones nor other receivers
Remember that cycling, using headphones connected to audio receivers or players, and using mobile phones are prohibited .
Passengers, yes, but... You can only carry one passenger , in an approved additional seat, if they are under seven years old and you are of legal age.
If you ride in a group... Always ride in single file or parallel, two by two , and never in a platoon.
If you're driving at night, make yourself visible!
Your bicycle must be properly equipped with the required lighting system so that other drivers can see you from a distance of 150 m . A white position light must be installed on the front, a red position light on the rear, and a non-triangular reflector of the same color. Optionally, for greater visibility, you can add auto-yellow reflectors on the wheel spokes and two on each pedal. In addition, you, as a rider, must wear reflective clothing when riding on interurban roads.
If you drive in the city
In addition to the above regulations, you must also consider other city-specific issues . First, your bicycle must be equipped with a bell, in addition to the equipment described above, that allows you to alert other road users of your presence.
In this case, helmet use is only mandatory for children under 16 , although we recommend that all cyclists wear it regardless of age. If available, you should ride in the designated bike lane instead of on the road, and never on the sidewalk. When riding in this lane, you have right of way over other vehicles.
To cross a pedestrian crossing, if there is no bike lane or designated crossing for cyclists, you must dismount your bike and cross on foot . Finally, remember that if there is an obstacle on the road, you must warn in advance and maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 m to pass.
We share with you the following infographic from the DGT , available at the link http://www.dgt.es/revista/num241/mobile/index.html#p=34 which will help you visualize all these traffic regulations in the city.
If you are a driver
Whether you are a car, truck or motorcycle driver , the first thing you should keep in mind is that when you interact with cyclists, they are the vulnerable party, so your behavior on the road should be aimed at avoiding situations that endanger their safety, as well as that of other drivers.
Respect cyclists
Although they travel at slower speeds, they have the same right as you to use public roads. Only highways are reserved for motor vehicles , so you should treat bicycles as part of the traffic flow, not as a hindrance.
Slow down
As a general rule, when presenting cyclists, reduce your speed and ride with caution.
Keep a safe distance
Bicycles brake very efficiently, and there is a high risk of rear-end collisions. This distance doesn't need to be as wide as when following another car; about 10 meters may be sufficient when the cyclist or group of cyclists is traveling at 30 km/h.
Overtake safely
Always maintain a minimum lateral safety distance of 1.5 m from your bicycle when performing the maneuver; but also avoid overtaking other vehicles on dual carriageways when a cyclist is traveling in the opposite direction, even if they are on the shoulder.
Don't honk the horn
This can cause the cyclist to become frightened and cause a fall.
Cyclists have priority… At bicycle crossings and when riding in a group, if the first cyclist has started crossing or entered the roundabout.
If you're riding in the city... You may encounter shared bike lanes , which will be properly marked. Always respect the posted speed limit, which is usually 30 km/h. Likewise, don't invade or park in bike lanes.
