Even though September has already started, the summer weather is still beautiful and we see many cyclists on the streets (and sidewalks). Is it allowed to ride a bike on the sidewalk? In what situations can we get a ticket?
Cycling on the sidewalk. When is it allowed?
According to Deputy Inspector Andrzej Browarek, Head of the Press and Information Department of the Media Office of the Police Headquarters, the use of a pedestrian path by a cyclist is exceptionally permittedWhen he takes care of a person under 10 years old riding a bicycle.
An expert from the Social Communication Office of the Police Headquarters provides other circumstances in which an adult traveling by bicycle can use a pedestrian path:
- when the width of the sidewalk along the road where vehicle traffic at a speed exceeding 50 km/h is permitted is at least 2 m and there is no cycle path, cycle lane, pedestrian and cycle path or cycle path,
- when weather conditions threaten the cyclist’s safety on the road.
“A child under 10 years old is a pedestrian according to the regulations”
A child under 10 years of age riding a bicycle under the supervision of an adult is considered a pedestrian under the terms of the regulations and is required to use the sidewalk or pedestrian path.
As stated by Deputy Inspector Andrzej Browarek Pedestrians also include people driving, pulling or pushing bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, prams, handcarts or wheelchairs, as well as people using wheelchairs.
Therefore, a child up to 10 years old can only ride a bike on the sidewalk.
Where can we teach a child to ride a bike?
We asked an expert what the regulations say about how a parent rides a bike during a bikeshare trip – should they ride alongside, behind or in front of the child?
–The regulations do not specify how parents ride (beside, behind or in front of the child) or the permitted places to learn to ride a bike – says the inspector. Brewery. – In addition to following the regulations, driving lessons must be held in a safe place (a young driver will not be able to immediately cope with a small or uneven surface). Therefore, it seems reasonable to use, for example, a local square or property area where there are no other vehicles.– added the expert.
Great for a child riding on a bike path. How much does it cost?
Fine that can be paid by the guardian of a child under 10 years old. Traveling on a cycle path costs PLN 50. It can be issued by the Police, Municipal Guard or City Guard.
