BicycleUkraine

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


42. 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 Ukraine 2 Speed limit 3 Bike path 4 Bus stop 5 Give way 6 Roundabout 7 Pedestrian crossing 8 Railway crossing 9 Mandatory direction 10 School area 11 Slippery road 12 Wrong-way driving 13 Priority at the next junction 14 Traffic lights 15 Pedestrian underpass 16 Parking 17 No stopping 18 Reversing 19 City limit 20 Licence plate 21 Dangers 22 Bus 23 Police 24 Ambulance 25 Pothole 26 Path 27 Particulates 28 Air pollution 29 Rush hour 30 Road code 31 Street gutter 32 Cargo bike 33 Forestry vehicle 34 Construction vehicle 35 Semi-trailer truck 36 Trolleybus 37 Speed pedelec 38 Delivery vehicle 39 Idling 40 Tow truck 41 Four-wheel drive 42 Bicycle 43 Motorcycle equipment 44 Rail track 45 Caravan 46 Trailer 47 Tow hitch 48 Fire truck 49 Siren 50 Convoy 51 Emergency vehicle lighting 52 Agricultural machinery 53 Electric bicycle 54 Electric vehicle 55 Pedelec 56 Quadricycle 57 Microcar 58 All-terrain vehicle 59 Van 60 Recreational vehicle 61 Scooter 62 Trikke 63 Personal mobility device 64 Skateboard 65 Segway 66 Kick scooter 67 Roller skates 68 Mailman 69 Hitchhiker 70 Toddler 71 Child 72 Disability 73 Motorail 74 km/h 75 mph 76 Speedometer 77 Ride height 78 Dirt road 79 Driving 80 Start-stop system 81 Manual transmission 82 Automatic transmission 83 Throttle 84 Tachometer 85 Steering wheel 86 Power steering 87 Visual scanning 88 Mirror 89 Fuel 90 Fuel gauge 91 Petrol 92 Diesel 93 Diesel exhaust fluid 94 Car insurance 95 First aid kit 96 Fire extinguisher 97 High-visibility clothing 98 First aid 99 Concrete step barrier 100 Barriers ...