On foot. Remember. Respect. Think ahead. and by bicycle

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1 On foot Remember. Respect. Think ahead. and by bicycle

2 Contents: On foot and by bicycle... 3 On their own paths... 4 Bicycle path and pavement side by side... 4 Shared-use path... 5 Using bicycle lanes... 5 Pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets... 6 Crossing the road... 7 On foot... 7 By bicycle... 8 Toucan crossing... 8 Pay attention at junctions... 9 Learn the right of way rules Right of way according to traffic signs The one who is turning gives way Cycling or walking can be prohibited by a traffic sign Be careful when turning left The two-step 90-degree turn Making a left turn from the inside of the lane Advanced stop line Recognise hazards Motorist fails to notice the cyclist Cyclist takes an unexpected left turn Cyclist approaches a junction The door of a stopped car is opened unexpectedly Illustrations and layout: Jukka Fordell Publisher: Liikenneturva ISBN: The images are indicative and only include the traffic signs relevant to illustrating the traffic situation in question. See and be seen Use appropriate equipment Keep your head, wear a helmet Anticipation when cycling and walking Be alert in traffic Plan your route and check the weather in advance Adjust speed and distance according to the situation Focus on traffic Transporting passengers on a bicycle On foot and by bicycle Whether you are moving on foot, by bicycle or by car, it is important to know traffic rules. According to law, pedestrians include people moving on foot, roller skates, kick scooters and kick sleds. A bicycle is a vehicle and a cyclist is a person operating a vehicle, but a person walking a bicycle is a pedestrian. 2 3

On their own paths Pedestrians and cyclists must use their own paths. Shared-use path The pedestrian walks on the right or left side of the path The cyclist rides on the right.

In this case, an additional sign is attached to the traffic sign. A cyclist must ride on the bicycle path if one is available.

If there is no verge, the cyclist must ride as close to Pavement Bicycle path and pavement side by side Shared-use path Pedestrian street Mixed-use residential street the edge of the road on the

3 On their own paths Pedestrians and cyclists must use their own paths. Shared-use path The pedestrian walks on the right or left side of the path The cyclist rides on the right. Pedestrians only Pedestrians and cyclists Pedestrians and cyclists Pedestrians and cyclists Pedestrians and cyclists Mopeds are allowed on some bicycle paths. In this case, an additional sign is attached to the traffic sign. A cyclist must ride on the bicycle path if one is available. If there is no bicycle path, the cyclist must ride on the verge on the right of the road. If there is no verge, the cyclist must ride as close to Pavement Bicycle path and pavement side by side Shared-use path Pedestrian street Mixed-use residential street the edge of the road on the right as is safely possible. Bicycle path and pavement side by side Riding a bicycle on the pavement is only allowed for children under 12 years of age, provided that they do not Pedestrians and cyclists use separate sides of the path. The two sides can be separated by a white painted line or various materials. Traffic signs indicate which side is for pedestrians and which disturb others. If there is no pavement or bicycle path, pedestrians use the left side of the road. This allows them to see oncoming cars and stay out of their way. side is for cyclists. Cyclists must ride on the right on their own side of the path. Riding on the bicycle lane Road markings can be used to indicate a one-way bicycle lane for cyclists and moped riders. Riding on a bicycle lane is subject to the same rules as riding on a road. 4 5

Pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets On pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets, the

Everyone who is operating a vehicle, including cyclists, must give way to pedestrians.

On foot Determine whether the motorist has noticed you.

4 Pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets On pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets, the riding speed must be adjusted to accommodate pedestrians and it may not exceed 20 km/h. Everyone who is operating a vehicle, including cyclists, must give way to pedestrians. Look out for cars on the next lane. Crossing the road Always use a zebra crossing if one is available. On foot Determine whether the motorist has noticed you. Make sure the car is sufficiently far away and that the driver is reducing speed before you cross the road. A cyclist crossing a road by walking the bicycle is considered a pedestrian. Motorists must give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing. 6 7

By bicycle A cyclist on a bicycle path may ride the bike across the road using a toucan crossing, but must give

Motorists must give way when required to yield by a traffic sign and when making a turn across a toucan

Toucan crossing A toucan crossing can be marked in three different ways: Pay attention at junctions You must

5 By bicycle A cyclist on a bicycle path may ride the bike across the road using a toucan crossing, but must give way to motorists coming from the left as well as the right. Motorists must give way when required to yield by a traffic sign and when making a turn across a toucan crossing. Toucan crossing A toucan crossing can be marked in three different ways: Pay attention at junctions You must pay careful attention at junctions. There are many things going on simultaneously at junctions, and you do not have time to take note of everything. Approach the junction cautiously, keeping an eye on what others are doing. Be prepared to give way and stop as necessary. 8 9

Learn the right of way rules Turning vehicles give way The basic rule for junctions is that cyclists and motorists must give way to vehicles approaching from the right.

Right of way according to traffic signs Motorists making a turn must give way to pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing the road the car is turning onto.

The obligation to give way at a junction is indicated by a yield sign in the shape of an inverted triangle, or a stop sign.

6 Learn the right of way rules Turning vehicles give way The basic rule for junctions is that cyclists and motorists must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. This rule also applies between cyclists at junctions of bicycle paths. Right of way according to traffic signs Motorists making a turn must give way to pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing the road the car is turning onto. A motorist entering and exiting a roundabout must give way to both pedestrians and cyclists. Right of way can be affected by traffic signs. The obligation to give way at a junction is indicated by a yield sign in the shape of an inverted triangle, or a stop sign. Motorists and cyclists approaching a junction from behind an inverted triangle or stop sign must give way to vehicles coming from both the left and the right. Cycling or walking can be prohibited by a traffic sign Yield sign for junctions, the inverted Mandatory stop and yield sign, No entry No vehicles No bicycles or mopeds No pedestrians, bicycles or mopeds triangle the stop sign 10 11

Be careful when turning left Taking a left turn when cycling on the road requires vigilance. A left turn can be made by getting into the appropriate lane, or as a 90-degree turn.

When the road is clear, ride or walk your bicycle across the road and then continue on the right of the road.

When the road is clear, make the left turn. Advanced stop line An advanced stop line is a space reserved for cyclists at junctions with traffic lights.

7 Be careful when turning left Taking a left turn when cycling on the road requires vigilance. A left turn can be made by getting into the appropriate lane, or as a 90-degree turn. The two-step 90-degree turn 1. Give the turning signal early and keep an eye on traffic around you. Ride directly across the junction and stop at the corner to look both ways. 2. When the road is clear, ride or walk your bicycle across the road and then continue on the right of the road. Making a left turn from the inside of the lane Give the turning signal early and move left, close to the centre line. Give way to oncoming traffic and stop if necessary. When the road is clear, make the left turn. Advanced stop line An advanced stop line is a space reserved for cyclists at junctions with traffic lights. It allows cyclists to take the inside lane in front of cars and wait for the light to change. If the light is green or the lights are not in use, ride past the advanced stop line without stopping. If the light is red, take the bicycle lane past any cars and wait at the advanced stop line. Move to the left of the lane if you are making a left turn at the junction. Move to the right of the lane if you are making a right turn

Cyclist takes an unexpected left turn When you are about to take a left turn, give the turning signal early and keep an eye on the traffic around

Cyclist approaches a junction Always approach roads in such a way that others can see you early enough.

Give the turning signal early and keep an eye on the traffic around you.

Recognise hazards Motorist fails to notice the cyclist A motorist approaching a junction from behind a yield sign is about to make a right turn, and

8 Cyclist takes an unexpected left turn When you are about to take a left turn, give the turning signal early and keep an eye on the traffic around you. Stop if necessary, and cross the road when there is no traffic. This way you will not take motorists by surprise. Cyclist approaches a junction Always approach roads in such a way that others can see you early enough. Conversely, you will also be able to see other road users and stop if necessary. Give the turning signal early and keep an eye on the traffic around you. Approach junctions cautiously and keep a close eye on what motorists around you are doing. Recognise hazards Motorist fails to notice the cyclist A motorist approaching a junction from behind a yield sign is about to make a right turn, and his attention is focused on cars coming from the left. Cyclists approaching from the right can often go unnoticed by motorists. Motorists The door of a stopped car is opened unexpectedly When passing stopped cars, leave enough space for their doors to open. making turns may also fail to notice cyclists. Always give way when emerging onto a road from a courtyard, a mixed-use residential street or other similar place

See and be seen According to law, pedestrians must use reflectors and cyclists headlights when it is dark. Reflectors and headlights help others notice pedestrians and cyclists.

Especially in the autumn and in rainy conditions, it is almost impossible for motorists to notice pedestrians or cyclists without reflectors or headlights, even if the streetlights are on.

9 See and be seen According to law, pedestrians must use reflectors and cyclists headlights when it is dark. Reflectors and headlights help others notice pedestrians and cyclists. It is important to be visible from every direction. Reflectors are also important in urban areas. Especially in the autumn and in rainy conditions, it is almost impossible for motorists to notice pedestrians or cyclists without reflectors or headlights, even if the streetlights are on. A bicycle must have reflectors at the front, side, back and on the pedals. When riding in the dark, a bicycle must have a headlight. The headlight beam must be white or light yellow in colour. If the bicycle has a tail light, the light must be red. Use appropriate equipment Important safety equipment child seat rear reflector or tail light bicycle helmet reflector bicycle helmet bell front reflector Headlight brake Your bicycle helmet must be properly fitted. The straps must be tightened to ensure that the helmet does not come off in an accident. Bicycle helmets must be discarded from use after being subjected to impacts or cuts. brake side reflector For safe and pleasant cycling, use a good bicycle and appropriate equipment. The best bicycle is one that is the right size for its user and easy to ride. When buying a bicycle, consider what types of brakes and gears you need and what kind of maintenance the bicycle will require. Also consider whether the bicycle will be used in the winter, used to transport pedal reflectors children or groceries, or used to ride long distances. Keep your head, wear a helmet The majority of the serious injuries suffered by cyclists are the result of head impacts. In most cases, a helmet would have prevented or at least reduced the injuries. According to law, cyclists and people riding on bicycles as passengers must generally wear an appropriate protective helmet. Approved bicycle helmets carry the CE mark. Bicycle helmets are only intended for cycling. They must not be used for other purposes, such as for climbing, as the buckle on the strap will not release if the child falls and is left hanging by the helmet. Most bicycles include the most important safety equipment as standard. Make sure that your bicycle has at least the following equipment: effective brakes reflectors visible from different directions lights a bicycle bell to give a warning signal. to others Learn to control your bicycle and remember the importance of regular maintenance

Anticipation when cycling and walking Everyone can influence their own traffic safety and that of other people. Take other road users into consideration and ensure that they notice you.

10 Anticipation when cycling and walking Everyone can influence their own traffic safety and that of other people. Take other road users into consideration and ensure that they notice you. Be alert in traffic Fatigue, intoxicants, certain medical conditions and medicines can compromise your ability to notice important things. They also make it more difficult to walk and control a bicycle. Plan your route and check the weather in advance Choose a safe route. Use routes with pedestrian and bicycle paths whenever possible. Reserve enough time for your journey, as being in a hurry often leads to hazardous situations. In slippery conditions, use shoes with good grip and anti-slip devices. Cyclists riding their bicycles in the winter are recommended to use studded tyres. Adjust speed and distance according to the situation Pedestrians and cyclists should adjust their speed according to the conditions. For example, commuting hours in the winter can be dark, slippery and busy, all at the same time. Maintain sufficient distance to other road users. When moving in a group, always assess the situation for yourself when crossing a road, for example. Focus on traffic Using a mobile phone or a headset while cycling or walking makes it more difficult to focus on traffic. Even pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly, should stop when talking on the phone or sending a text message. Transporting passengers on a bicycle Bicycles are generally intended for single person transportation. However, a person aged 15 or older is allowed to transport no more than one child aged 10 or younger on a bicycle, and a person aged 18 or older is allowed to transport no more than two children aged 6 or younger. When transporting children on a bicycle, you must use an appropriate seat and leg protection. A child bicycle seat must be used for transporting small children. When transporting two children, the bicycle must have two separate braking devices

11 Remember. Respect. Think ahead. Sitratie 7, P.O. Box 29, HELSINKI, FINLAND Tel (0)

157 Chapter 6: Bicycles

157 Chapter 6: Bicycles Chapter 6: Bicycles 157 158 Bicycle use continues to increase as more people use a bicycle for transportation, recreation, physical fitness and energy conservation. Cyclists must obey the rules of the