Where and how to cycle?

Cyclists must cycle on the cycle path or in the cycle lane or, if signs indicate, in the bus lane, or, if such lanes do not exist, on the hard shoulder or on road surface suitable for cycling, or close to the right side of the road.

You may only cycle on the pavement if the road is unsuitable for cycling. You cannot travel at a speed of more 10 km/h, and you may not disturb pedestrians even to the slightest extent.

Cyclists must follow each other in a row on the shoulder of the road, on the road and on the pavement.

Cyclists can only use the inside lane on roads consisting of several lanes in each direction.

It is prohibited to cycle:

* if it is prohibited by a sign, or on motorways and dual carriage ways;

* on main roads for persons who have not completed 12 years of yet; however, even if cycling is prohibited according to the sign, cyclists may use the pavement without disturbing the pedestrians if they do not proceed at a speed higher than 10 km/h;

* in pedestrian streets (streets marked as pedestrian streets).

* It is prohibited

* to tow the bicycle with another vehicle or tow anything with the cycle other than a cycle trailer, or lead an animal with the bicycle;

* cycle at a speed higher than 40 km/h.

Cycling on cycle path, pedestrian streets and cycle routes

The cycle routes have been made for us, their use is compulsory. However, no cycle route and pedestrian cycle route can provide full protection.

Junctions and busy gates, exits are especially dangerous points, requiring increased attention. Cyclists do not always have priority whenever a cycle route crosses a road. Priority in road junctions is controlled with signs. If there is no such sign, then traffic coming from the right always has priority. On pedestrian and cycle routes, cyclists must pay more attention to pedestrians and should slow down and stop if necessary. Cyclists should always expect pedestrians (especially old people and children) to take unexpected moves and appear suddenly, therefore they should carefully select their speed. If pedestrians hinder cyclists on a pedestrian and cycle route, then cyclists may also use the road.

Cycling on the road

Decisive driving style

Behave clearly and take your position decisively on the road. If you have priority (either on the road or on a cycle route), check for your own safety, whether priority is respected and, if so, do not hesitate to use it. With this you should strengthen the impression on motorists that a cycle is an equal vehicle and a cyclist is a serious partner on the road who must be given priority.

Side distance, manoeuvring options

While cycling, keep at least one metre distance from the edge of the pavement or the edge of the lane or the parking cars. Thus you have enough space to avoid a sudden obstacle, submerged sewer covers, faults on the road or cars starting without paying due attention. Be careful in approaching vehicles with passengers inside because they might suddenly open the doors. Attention, drivers and passengers sometimes get out of their vehicles parked on the side of the road without looking around at all.

Visibility, detectability

It is vitally important to be visible on the road (on a cycle route too!)! You must light your vehicle in the dark, at dusk or in fog using lamps defined in the Highway Code. Wear light-colour clothing while you cycle! By applying cat's eyes on the wheels and using light reflecting ribbons you will be better visible to everyone.

Make eye contact with the other people taking part in traffic! Do not pass or stop by vehicles, especially large vehicles, where the driver cannot see you. If the vehicle begins to turn, then you will be in the biggest danger. Roll forward until you get into the driver's field of sight or stay behind the vehicle.

Turning left

Keep left in time and safely if you intend to turn left. Before turning, look back and give a clearly visible sign with your arm.

At the junction, give way to oncoming vehicles. In the junction of busy multi-lane roads, it is safer to turn left by turning right first into a side street and then crossing the main road from there after looking around carefully. Signs may also oblige cyclists to do so.

Cyclists may not turn left or turn around from the cycle lane or a main road outside urban areas. If you intend to do so, you should get off the bicycle and push it across the road, in compliance with the rules applicable to pedestrian traffic!

Together with the family

Plan the route before you set off!

It is important for the children to find pleasure in cycling as early as possible, but at the same time they must learn to cycle safely. Children should cycle in the company of their parents and adults. It is the parents' responsibility to let their children out into the traffic only when they can control their bicycles and can cycle without imposing a risk on themselves or other people.

If the family cycles together, one parent should always stay behind, paying attention to the progress of the child (children) cycling ahead. Cyclists should always follow each other and must cycle in one row.

Cyclists over the age of 18 may carry one child aged less than 10 on the second seat attached to the bicycle. People cannot be carried on bicycles in any other way.

If you use a child seat on the bicycle, you must secure the child with a seatbelt and foot pedals.

You should wear bright-colour clothing, and apply coloured light reflecting (self-adhesive) tapes and stickers on your bicycle and clothing.

Clever people protect their heads with a helmet when they cycle!

It is primarily important for children to wear a helmet while cycling. It may save their lives even in a minor fall.

Bicycle parking

Use a guarded or lockable place for parking your bicycle for a long time.

If you need to leave behind your bicycle while you shop or do other business, follow the following advice:

Leave your bicycle at a clearly visible spot, which can be seen from the shop or the office.

Choose a rail or column for leaning your bicycle against it which is solid, cannot be removed and is high enough.

Use a bicycle support or bicycle lock that can cover the frame and wheels of the bicycle and fix it to the support at the same time./

While, driving, pay attention to the following:

When you overtake a cyclist
Keep at least one metre distance on the side!

Before you open the door of your car,
Check your rear mirrors and ask your passenger to do so as well especially if you have stopped by a cycle lane.

You should expect more cyclists on the road, especially children, in a residential-recreation zone or limited speed (30 km/h) zones.

If you reach a junction and intend to turn, do not forget that you must give way to cyclists cycling in the cycle lane next to you or in the cycle path on the pavement.

In junctions with traffic lights, cyclists cycling in the cycle lane next to the road also get a green light simultaneously with the turning vehicles and cyclists have right of way.

Source: fovinform.hu