As bike fans, cycling within a cycle path is the best option we have to cycling safely. However, exist certain rules we must follow, as the ones that govern Panamá bike way and cyclists of the country. For that, considering that not all the standards are applied in the same way in all the countries; today we are going to explore the regulations to respect when cycling in Panama.
Join us! And don’t forget your helmet, you are going to need it in this ride!
Panama bike way, what are the rules to follow?
Surely, you will notice that many rules for cycling in Panama are similar or identical to those of your country, as Mexico. However, there are certain but notable differences in some of them.
Anyway, all are made to protect you as cyclist. Let’s discover them.
This country has the 74th Law of 2017, that focus on bike ways and regulate the different ways of non-motorized mobility. Among them, is explained that bikes must always transit on the right lane of the street.
For one lane streets, these must transit in right end of it, but always within it. In the streets maybe are two circulation lanes or more, the bike will transit on the center of it.
In Mexico, occurs something similar due cyclists are obliged to circulate on the right lane. Likewise, they have the right to take the full lane if desired.
It doesn’t matter if you circulate within Panama bike way or out of it, its essential to use a helmet! The government don’t request registration or license to use bikes. Their regulations demand to cyclists of any age, wearing helmet in a determined schedule. By this way, in cycle path & avenue, you must wear helmet obligatorily in from 06:00 pm to 06:00 am.
In Mexico, it isn’t necessary the registration identifier for your bike. In comparison with Panamanians, Mexican cyclists don’t have to wear helmet in any road, or schedule. Wearing it is recommended but isn’t obligatory. A measure that we should adopt for our safety.
Additional rules to follow…
The use of reflective clothes, as lamps is also stipulated for Panamanian cyclists. It’s required a headlight of white or yellow color, while is recommended to set red light or reflective band in the seat.
The previous measure has no difference in any country where bike is used. In all is recommended the use of reflective elements, head and tail lights. Simply and easily, as much visible as you are for motorist and pedestrian, much better.
All have the right to circulate within Panama bike way and streets, but there are certain exceptions for users’ safety…
Panamanian decree indicates that cyclist of less than 16 years, isn’t allowed to circulate in public road, unless, there’s a road with speed of less than 12.4 mph.
Comparisons between Mexico and Panama
In Mexico, it doesn’t care the age, anyone can ride by bike in public road, whether is minor child or legal age. Of course, this doesn’t mean can pedal without being careful. On the other hand, is always recommendable that children use bike in company of an adult.
Another rule is that, Panama, the municipal authority can stipulate in certain exceptions for bikes to circulate on sidewalk. We recommend you to check your traffic regulations to know the measures of your town.
In Mexico, is also forbidden to circulate on sidewalk… In the case of police that patrol by bike, as children of less than 12 years, are the only ones allowed to cycling in sidewalk.
At the moment of cycling, if exists a new bike way, all the Panamanian cyclist its obliged to circulate within this.
The same occurs in Mexico. Of course you are free to circulate in any sidewalk, road or highway, but if a cycling lane exists during the section to cover, as the Panamá bike way, is essential to use it. Remember that is for everyone’s safety.
