BicycleRussia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


74. Bicycle

A bicycle is a vehicle with two or more wheels that is primarily propelled by the rider using pedals or hand cranks. Bicycles are used for transport, recreation, sport and the carriage of small loads or passengers when appropriately equipped.

Some bicycles have an electric motor that assists the rider while pedalling. Whether an electrically assisted bicycle remains legally classified as a bicycle depends on its motor power, assistance speed and local regulations. Cyclists must follow the traffic rules, signs, signals and road-use requirements that apply to bicycles.

Bicycle racks at the train station Steinhausen, side view with details of how the bike pedal fits the slot to hold the bike.
Wikimedia.org • Datendelphin • CC0
What is a bicycle?

A bicycle is a wheeled vehicle primarily propelled by the rider using pedals or hand cranks.

Is an electric bicycle still a bicycle?

It can be. Electrically assisted bicycles that remain within specified power and assistance-speed limits are commonly treated as bicycles. Faster or more powerful vehicles may be classified differently.

Where should cyclists ride?

Cyclists should use cycle paths, cycle lanes or the roadway according to the local traffic rules and signs. The required position varies between countries and road types.

Must cyclists use a cycle path?

This depends on the country and type of cycle facility. Some cycle paths are compulsory, while others are optional.

Do bicycles need lights?

Yes, when required by local law. Bicycles commonly need a white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the rear during darkness or poor visibility.

Do bicycles need brakes?

Yes. A bicycle used on public roads must have an effective braking system appropriate to its design and local technical requirements.

Is a bicycle helmet compulsory?

This varies between countries. Some require helmets for all cyclists or particular age groups, while others recommend helmets without making them compulsory.

Can a bicycle carry a passenger?

Yes, where the bicycle is appropriately equipped and local law permits it. A passenger should use a proper seat and any other required safety equipment.

Can cyclists ride side by side?

This depends on local law and the road conditions. Many countries allow two cyclists to ride beside each other in certain circumstances but require single-file riding when necessary for safety or traffic flow.

Is someone walking a bicycle still a cyclist?

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks the bicycle by hand is treated as a pedestrian. The exact legal definition depends on local law.

1 Russia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Bike path 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 One-way traffic 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Priority over oncoming traffic 18 Give way to oncoming traffic 19 Pedestrian crossing 20 Railway crossing 21 Mandatory direction 22 School area 23 Overtaking 24 Crossing animals 25 Slippery road 26 Curve 27 Wrong-way driving 28 Roadworks 29 Height limit 30 Traffic lights 31 Pedestrian lights 32 Road markings 33 Driving licence 34 Location marker 35 Countdown markers 36 Emergency telephone 37 Parking 38 No stopping 39 Disabled parking 40 Reversing 41 Road surface 42 Provisional licence 43 Emergency exit 44 City limit 45 Tourist attraction 46 Horn 47 Licence plate 48 Charging station 49 Cyclist 50 Moped 51 Motorcycle 52 Bus 53 Police 54 Ambulance 55 Taxi 56 Pothole 57 Path 58 Particulates 59 Air pollution 60 Intersection 61 Rush hour 62 Road code 63 Street gutter 64 Cargo bike 65 Forestry vehicle 66 Construction vehicle 67 Semi-trailer truck 68 Trolleybus 69 Speed pedelec 70 Delivery vehicle 71 Idling 72 Tow truck 73 Four-wheel drive 74 Bicycle 75 Motorcycle equipment 76 Tram 77 Train 78 Rail track 79 Caravan 80 Trailer 81 Tow hitch 82 Fire truck 83 Siren 84 Convoy 85 Emergency vehicle lighting 86 Agricultural machinery 87 Electric bicycle 88 Electric vehicle 89 Pedelec 90 Quadricycle 91 Microcar 92 All-terrain vehicle 93 Van 94 Recreational vehicle 95 Scooter 96 Trikke 97 Personal mobility device 98 Skateboard 99 Segway 100 Kick scooter ...