Cycle path: what is it, types and traffic rules

A bicycle can physically go where a car or even a motorcycle cannot. But his movement in the city is strictly regulated. And it is important for every novice cyclist to know exactly how to use the dedicated lanes.

Based on the norms of the Russian GOST, it is necessary to distinguish between bicycle paths and the actual bicycle paths. In the first case, it is intended for separate or joint with people moving on foot, in the second, it is intended exclusively for cyclists.

But there is also a special term - a lane for cyclists. This can only be called a cycle path located on a designated part of the highway and having technical means and barriers separating it from the carriageway of the highway.

Cyclist lane must be supplied with road signs and indicating signs. The location of the cycle and cycle paths always strictly corresponds to the technical documentation for the planning of the territory. It is required to coordinate their placement with local government agencies.

Like many other important safety-related issues, cycle paths located on public highways are clearly described by GOST standards.As it is said there, in addition to increasing the safety of moving people and vehicles, the developers of the standard focused on increasing the throughput of motorways. The definition clearly states that the cycle path must be on a separate track. But sometimes they are allowed to put it:

• at the lower border of the embankment;
• outside the grooves;
• on a berm organized in advance.

Wherein provide for delimitation from the carriageway using fences or dividing strips. Single-lane driveways should be done on the windward side, and two-lane drives should preferably be on both sides of the road. Determine the windward side by the prevailing wind in the summer. Whenever possible paths are made outside the carriageway, especially if the traffic exceeds 2000 cars per day.

The size of the bike paths deserves special attention. The width of the lane for cyclists can be 1.2 or 0.9 m.At the same time, the shoulders have the same dimension of 0.5 m.If there is no bend, the radius of the curves should be from 15 to 50 m, and if the bend is arranged, then this figure will be from 10 to 20 m. GOST prescribes the design of two-way tracks with an expected flow of no more than 70 cyclists per hour; if it is larger, you will have to limit yourself to a one-way move.

The distance requirements are as follows:

• between the edge of the path and the edge of the road, as well as trees - 0.75 m;
• to the pedestrian sidewalk - 0.5 m;
• to the stop of cars and city transport - 1.5 m.

The lane separating the carriageway from the cycle path must be at least 2 m. An exception is made for places with particularly cramped conditions. There, a dividing strip with a width of 1 m is formed exactly. It should be raised at least 0.15 m above the road bed. The use of curbs, barriers and parapets is practiced.

If it is known that cars travel faster than 80 kilometers per hour, and at least 50 cyclists will pass in an hour, a single-level crossing is allowed only when using a traffic light. In any case, the crossing points must be equipped with lighting devices at a distance of 60 m from the point where cars and bicycles converge. All such places are equipped special road signs and are marked. In especially difficult situations, it is envisaged to equip overpasses or tunnels.

The bike path sign looks like a white bike on a blue background. The sign is characterized by a round shape. Classic tracks, most often used in our country, are made directly from asphalt. Large format tiles are used in a number of foreign countries.

If we start from the safety considerations of riders, then you can give preference to rubber crumb, of course, all three options differ not only in practical properties, but also in texture.

The SNiP instructions deserve special attention. They prohibit, among other things, narrowing the carriageway at intersections with bike paths. The tracks themselves must be:

• in residential areas;
• in the area of ​​industrial development;
• on main roads with controlled traffic;
• on city streets of local importance.

The greatest longitudinal slope on the street should not exceed 30 ppm. On an area up to 300 m in length, the slope can be a maximum of 60 ppm. The cross slope value should be between 15 and 25 ppm. Going beyond these boundaries is categorically unacceptable. The typical capacity of the cycle path should be 300 people in 60 minutes.

Something about road signs and markings on bike paths and around them has already been said.Almost all people saw them, of course. But knowing such information is still completely insufficient. On the road, cycle lanes to the left are delimited by a solid marking line. On the right is the border. If a bicycle lane stands out on a footpath or sidewalk, it will be marked with solid white lines on the right and left. Wherein an additional bicycle pattern is used to further emphasize the purpose of the strip.

They are usually used in parks where you can distinguish between walking and cycling. A solid yellow line is drawn around the perimeter. If the width of the track allows, it is divided into 2 opposite directions. In this case, two solid white lines are drawn in the middle, between which there is a small gap. There are triangular signs with a red border and a black bike on a white background next to the designated cyclist-only lanes.

Even if the cyclist rides on a dedicated lane, there are rules that must be followed.

Another nuance that must not be forgotten is driving on a dedicated track in an intoxicated state is punishable by a fine from 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles... It is strictly forbidden to travel anywhere on a faulty bike. If a breakdown is found on the road, the owner of the vehicle is obliged to fix it as soon as possible.

Place reflectors so that they are clearly visible... You need to drive at a speed that does not exceed the permitted level. However, it should take into account the actual conditions along the way (including visibility) and the ability to safely perform the required maneuvers.

Movement to the left is indicated by stretching towards a straight left arm or showing the right arm bent at a right angle upward. Depending on which hand is more convenient to use, turning to the right is indicated in a mirror-like way (in relation to turning to the left). Stopping is indicated by raising the left (right) hand, respectively. Signals are given before the maneuver is started and stopped when the maneuver is over.

A cyclist, like a motorist (motorcyclist), is obliged to let pedestrians pass. It is recommended to drive on the paths marked at the edge of the road or on the pedestrian sidewalk at a speed not exceeding 20 km / h.

Current regulations prohibit mopeds from entering cycle paths in the true sense of the word. At the same time, they are allowed to move on the right side of the carriageway in no more than one row, as well as along the lane reserved for cyclists. Pedestrians can walk on cycle paths (except for bicycle paths) only if they are absent or closed for repairs (overlapping for another reason):

• sidewalks;
• bike paths;
• roadsides;
• walking paths.

But there is one more question regarding the passage of a baby carriage on the cycle path. The rules do not stipulate such travel in any way. A baby stroller, unlike a bicycle, is not an approved vehicle for traveling on a cycle path. Therefore, cyclists have every right to require wheelchair owners to leave the carriageway.

The following video reveals the main traffic rules for cyclists.