Cyclist in the city - who is the bike path for?

The generally accepted rule is that pedestrians and cyclists can't get along. The same applies to car drivers, who believe cyclists shouldn't ride on city roads. So, is the bike lane the only place for them? Once you've purchased a city bike, equipped it with a bell, basket, and a few other gadgets, for the good of all road users, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and etiquette of riding your bike in the city.

A bike path at your disposal

If there's a bike lane on the route I'm on in the city, you're obligated to use it. This space is intended for you and other cyclists. We ride on the right-hand side (right-hand traffic in Poland). We exercise caution and monitor what's happening in our immediate surroundings, especially since pedestrians can also use the lane in some cases. When? In cities, pedestrian paths are marked with designated crossing points. Moreover, pedestrians are sometimes forced to use them because there is no sidewalk nearby. When passing a pedestrian, always slow down and signal your approach with a bell. Remember that you should always pass and overtake both pedestrians and cyclists on the left. When turning, signal with your hand, indicating the direction you intend to turn.

A cyclist among cars

Many people are afraid of cycling on the street. They believe that a bike path is a safer choice because it is used only by cyclists and possibly pedestrians, and there are no cars, which pose a potential hazard. EVERY bicycle, including city bikes, is a vehicle, and they travel on the road. If a bike lane isn't designated, they are required to ride in general traffic, just like cars. It's worth remembering the special case where a bike lane (allowing two-way traffic) is located on one side of the road. If you're traveling on the opposite side, you can ride on the road; you're not obligated to use it. It's worth remembering a few other important things:

• we control what is happening in front of and behind us – we look over our left shoulder, especially when intending to turn
• Don't ride right up to the curb. The road is often uneven there, which can cause you to lose your balance and even have an accident.
• We signal maneuvers well in advance
• we drive confidently and (if possible) dynamically
• we don't talk on the phone while driving
• A city bike should have a basket. Women's bags, especially those slung over their shoulders, restrict our movements and often get in the way and make certain maneuvers difficult.

A bicycle can also ride in the center of the lane, but not always. Cyclists have the right to do so when the lane allows for travel in multiple directions simultaneously. This right is exercised before intersections, at junctions, and on most roundabouts. As on a cycle path, we signal turns and passing by extending our arm in the direction of the intended turn. There's also the issue of cyclists riding on the sidewalk. They may only ride on it when accompanied by a child under 10 years of age, in unfavorable and difficult weather conditions , when the road speed limit is over 50 km/h, and the sidewalk is at least 2 meters wide. Let's be honest, though, this particular regulation is probably the one most often ignored by cyclists. Drive safely!