On foot and by bicycle

On foot
and by bicycle
Remember. Respect. Think ahead.
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......................................................................... 10
Right of way according to traffic signs ........................................................ 10
The one who is turning gives way................................................................ 11
Cycling or walking can be prohibited by a traffic sign ................................. 11
Be careful when turning left .......................................................................... 12
The two-step 90-degree turn....................................................................... 12
Making a left turn from the inside of the lane ............................................ 13
Advanced stop line ..................................................................................... 13
Recognise hazards .......................................................................................... 14
Motorist fails to notice the cyclist ............................................................... 14
Cyclist takes an unexpected left turn .......................................................... 15
Cyclist approaches a junction ..................................................................... 15
The door of a stopped car is opened unexpectedly ..................................... 15
See and be seen .............................................................................................. 16
Use appropriate equipment ........................................................................... 17
Illustrations and layout: Jukka Fordell
Publisher: Liikenneturva
ISBN: 978-951-560-200-8
The images are indicative and only
include the traffic signs relevant to
illustrating the traffic situation in
question.
2
Keep your head, wear a helmet .................................................................. 17
Anticipation when cycling and walking......................................................... 19
Be alert in traffic ......................................................................................... 19
Plan your route and check the weather in advance ..................................... 19
Adjust speed and distance according to the situation.................................. 19
Focus on traffic .......................................................................................... 19
Transporting passengers on a bicycle .......................................................... 19
On foot and by
Whether you are moving on
bicycle 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.
3
On 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 and cyclists must use their own paths.
Pedestrians only
Pavement
Pedestrians and
cyclists
Bicycle path and
pavement side by side
Pedestrians and
cyclists
Shared-use path
Pedestrians and
cyclists
Pedestrian street
Pedestrians and
cyclists
Mixed-use residential
street
Bicycle path and pavement side
by side
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
side is for cyclists. Cyclists must ride on
the right on their own side of the path.
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
the edge of the road on the right as is
safely possible.
Riding a bicycle on the pavement is
only allowed for children under 12
years of age, provided that they do not
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.
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 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.
6
Look out for cars on the next lane.
Crossing the
use a zebra crossing
road Always
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.
7
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.
8
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.
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.
This rule also applies between cyclists
at junctions of bicycle paths.
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 according to traffic
signs
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
triangle
10
Mandatory stop and yield sign,
the stop sign
No entry
No vehicles
No bicycles or mopeds
No pedestrians, bicycles or mopeds
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.
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.
12
13
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.
Motorist fails to notice the cyclist
Recognise
hazards
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
making turns may also fail to notice
cyclists.
14
The door of a stopped car is
opened unexpectedly
When passing stopped cars, leave
enough space for their doors to open.
Always give way when emerging onto a road from a courtyard, a mixed-use residential street or other similar place.
15
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
bicycle helmet
bicycle helmet
reflector
child seat
bell
front reflector
Headlight
rear reflector
or tail light
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
pedal reflectors
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
16
children or groceries, or used to ride
long distances.
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.
Keep your head, wear a helmet
Most bicycles include the most important safety equipment as standard.
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.
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.
17
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.
18
Adjust speed and distance
according to the situation
Transporting passengers on a
bicycle
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.
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.
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.
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.
19
Remember. Respect. Think ahead.
Sitratie 7, P.O. Box 29,
00421 HELSINKI, FINLAND
Tel. +358 (0)207 282 300
www.liikenneturva.fi
2014