Viral They denounce a cyclist after recklessly overtaking a car and suffering an accident
Study For what reasons does the DGT fine us?
All 2021 sanctions
The images have gone viral: a cyclist tries to overtake a car several times on a Catalan road.
It is true that the car does not give an option, it even seems to be blocking the way for the cyclist, who ends up doing what he should not do: overtaking in a curve, also with hardly any visibility.
The result is that he ends up colliding with a car head-on, the athlete ends up with minor injuries and will be fined by the Mossos for reckless driving.
Although it is not necessary to go to this case.
As much as it is a group of so-called vulnerable, both in the city and on the road it is common to see violations of these users.
Some of them take advantage of the fact that the use of the bike does not require a license nor is there a card for points
that can be lost;
or license plate that identifies it,
nor do they have to have insurance, although things can change if scooters are also forced to do so.
In short, there are many rules to know and respect to ride a bike safely.
Most are general and apply to all types of roads, but some are specific for driving on streets, highways and highways.
These are the most important according to the DGT itself, and the sanctions that they entail and that must be paid by parents or guardians in the case of minors.
In the city, only those under 16 years of age must wear a helmet.
GENERAL RULES
MOBILE AND HEADPHONES
While riding a bike it is totally forbidden to use a mobile phone.
Headphones connected to receivers or sound players are also prohibited.
Headphones limit hearing and can be distracting.
Penalty: 200 euros.
NO ALCOHOL
The maximum level of BAC for drivers in general (0.5 g/l of alcohol in blood or alcohol in exhaled air greater than 0.25 milligrams per litre) also affects cyclists.
They are also required, like other drivers, to submit to a breathalyzer test if required by an agent.
In case of giving positive breathalyzer, the fine is between 500 and 1,000 euros.
This is also the figure that will have to be paid if we refuse to pass the test.
POSSIBLE PASSENGER
On bicycles, it is only allowed to carry a passenger up to 7 years of age, in an approved additional seat, provided that the driver is of legal age.
Improperly carrying a child: €100
TRAFFIC RULES
Whenever riding at night, in underpasses or through tunnels, cyclists must have their lights on in front and behind to see and be visible.
200 euro fine.
It is also always
recommended, not mandatory, to always ride on the bike lanes
when they exist;
and warn the other vehicles that we are going to make a sudden stop, although it is difficult because to do so you have to release an arm from the handlebar and move it alternately up and down, with short and quick movements.
PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY
Bicyclists must also yield
to a properly marked crosswalk and when turning onto another road
and there are pedestrians crossing it, even if there is no crosswalk.
200 euro fine
PASS PRIORITY
Cyclists have right of way over motor vehicles when traveling on a bike lane, on a cycle path or on a duly marked hard shoulder.
In all other situations, they must respect the priorities of other users as established by the rules and signals.
Otherwise, it will be 200 euros.
GROUPS IN ROUNDABOUTS
When cyclists circulate
in a group, they enjoy priority -all of them, from the first to the last-
in the roundabouts, as in the rest of the intersections, when the first of the cyclists has already entered it.
START THE MARCH
Before starting the march,
they must observe, like the rest of the drivers, the road to which they are going to join,
check that there are no other vehicles nearby or that they are so far away that there is no danger to start the march and signal the maneuver.
Incorporate in a dangerous way: €200
RESPECT THE SIGNALS
Traffic light signals, like vertical ones (stop, give way, limited speed...), are for all drivers, including cyclists.
Skipping a traffic light: €150-500
SIGNAL MANEUVERS
In addition to joining the traffic, by bike it is also mandatory to signal other maneuvers, such as turns, changes of direction and lane.
Signals can be made both with the right arm, extending it horizontally at shoulder height, and with the left arm, bending it at an angle.
Failure to signal a manoeuvre: €200
Whenever there is a bike lane, you have to use it
RULES IN THE CITY
HELMET
It is compulsory in the city only for those under 16 years of age.
For other cyclists it is only recommended and always advisable.
200 euro fine.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, WALKING
Contrary to what many cyclists think, bikes do not have priority at pedestrian crossings (not to be confused with bicycle crossings).
To cross a pedestrian crossing,
it is mandatory to get off the bike and cross it on foot.
Penalty of 200 euros.
ON THE SIDEWALK, NOT
It is forbidden to cycle on sidewalks and pedestrian areas,
unless it is marked as a bike lane for shared use with pedestrians
.
Penalty of 100 euros.
ON THE RIGHT
In the city, bicycles must circulate as close to the right of the road as possible, leaving a safety separation with the curb or with parked vehicles.
And if they go in a group, they can circulate in a column of two at most.
Go in groups
without order: €100
These cyclists should be punished for riding in an anarchic way
ROAD RULES
HELMET USE
Everyone should wear it,
except on long climbs, for medical reasons, or in situations of extreme heat.
It is very important that the helmet is placed correctly and that it is always fastened so that it cannot be thrown.
The penalty for breaching these rules is 200 euros.
REFLECTIVE
When it is mandatory to turn on the lights, they must also wear a reflective garment so that other drivers
can distinguish them from 150 meters away.
Circular without them are 80 euros.
BY THE SIDE
On the road, cyclists must use the shoulder on their right, if it exists, to circulate.
They will only be able to abandon it on prolonged descents in safe conditions.
Occupy the road when it is possible to drive on the hard shoulder: €200
IN PARALLEL
It is allowed to circulate in rows of two on the road, pulling as far as possible to the right of the road.
On the other hand, in sections without visibility (such as curves) and when they form crowds, they will not be able to circulate in parallel and must be placed in a row.
Of course, much less overtaking as the one in the video did.
Driving on the road in groups without order: €100
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