In our roads, we have learned what a bike path is, the different types, as the difference between this, the shared bus bike lanes or bike paths, that’s why now, is fair to know the rules of bike path to circulate correctly within it and their variants.
We recommend to pay attention for a correct use and avoid many circumstances, from misunderstandings with other cyclists and pedestrians to more severe accidents. Prepare your bike and be ready to ride with us.
Bike way rules
Yes, it’s a safer lane for a cyclist to circulate by being confined and separated from vehicle transit, you must also take certain precautions when riding within it.
Among the rules of a bike way that you must follow, exist these:
- As it consists of a single lane, you must always circulate on the direction of the transit, never on the opposite side.
- The width for bike way is 1.5 km, enough for two cyclists to circulate next to the other. However, if you go slow, drive on the right side of the track; if you need to go fast and overcome to other users, do it on the left end. In this last case, don’t forget to warn to another cyclist that you will exceed them.
- When cycling alone in a lane, the best option is to circulate on the middle of it.
- In some occasions you will need to get out of the bike way briefly. For example, when this has flooded sections, with bumps or any obstacle. When this happens, before going out of the lane, make sure no car is passing nearby. Once you passed the section, you can return to the bike way.
- The confibicis and lane separators must be present along all the bike way, except on the corners and intersections to allow cars to turn. For that, when you’re about to cross the street, be careful with cars that will turn to the right. In some occasions, you will stay on a blind spot of the motorists, and in others, they won’t pay attention if someone rides or not on the bike way.
Remember that you should always be aware that the other people, motorists and cyclists won’t know what your next move will be, this will make you be alert.
Rules of the bike lane
Even though is a cycling lane, many times this can be within a road, and in some other can share the space with public transport. The main difference is that isn’t protected by any physical barrier, just for the pavement marking. The rules of the bike way are similar to bike lanes, for example:
- When you get to a corner, be careful with the cars that turn to the left. The lack of physical barriers, make motorists forget about your presence when turning even though you’re next to them.
- On the other hand, if you need to turn to the right or change your lane, be careful and warn with your movements. It can be enough with an outstretched hand, depending of where you’re going to move. These signals work as your turn signals.
- Regularly, a bike lane is close to a sidewalk, with the enough space for cars to park.
- Be careful when circulating close to parked cars, due in any moment their motorists or passengers could open the door and you would impact against it.
Rules of the bike path
The rules of the bike path and bike lane, ask you to be aware and maybe you must pay more attention when riding a bike path. The reason is simple, this isn’t about an exclusive lane for bikes, but is shared with pedestrians and other non-motorized transports. We suggest you to follow the next rules:
Drive at a moderated speed. We repeat that is not about a lane exclusive for cyclists. In this you will find people walking, running, or stroll with their pets. The bike path is a section to stroll and exercise and don’t go fast.
- Is common to cross with a pedestrian, that for some reason walks in zigzag, alternating the walking from one end to the other of the bike path. Also exist the ones that without warning change their lane without looking back. Alert them about your change of lane to avoid any accident. You can use a bell or your voice.
- In almost most of the times, the bike path will be in a green area, such as a park. Enjoy the view, but don’t get distracted by the handlebar.
- A well-constructed bike path has the enough width to accomodate cyclists and pedestrians. But a perfectly constructed bike way, in addition to the division between pedestrians and bike users, has a division in both ways of the cycling lanes. In the first case, overcome to pedestrian carefully, on the second, use your bike lane, not the one intended for walkers or runners.
