Cycling rules of the road

astroguy

Hi guys,
I was going to post here anyway, it just happens to coincide with having just read Fintan O'Toole's article. I've been wondering what the story is regards rules of the road for cyclists. The NSA website is not very helpful, just stating clothing and safety gear that must be worn. But I've never been sure on the rules regarding the proper signals (not so much this), and also rules like passing out lines of traffic. I often see cyclists cycling to the front of the line of traffic at traffic lights, is this what you should do? Sometimes you just can't get between the cars to do this. That's just an example, but I'm wondering if anyone has any resources outlining the proper practices for cyclists, especially where traffic is involved.

Thanks in advance

Morgan

Here's a start:

http://www.rotr.ie/rules-for-pedestrians-cyclists-motorcyclists/index.html

astroguy

Morgan wrote: »

Here's a start:

http://www.rotr.ie/rules-for-pedestrians-cyclists-motorcyclists/index.html

Sorry, when I said NSA I meant to say RSA. Yea, I've seen that but it seems like there's a lot that it doesn't cover, or maybe I'm wrong?

paddydriver

Don't worry.. Am sure someone in the NSA got it too:D

Mycroft H

Pretty much the same as every vehicle I think with a few exceptions regarding lighting/motorways etc.

galwaycyclist

Under Irish law a bicycle is a vehicle and a cyclist is a driver. So apart from cycle tracks (legalese for cycle lanes), motorways and cycling two abreast - the same rules and obligations apply to cyclists as to drivers of other vehicles.

There are no distinctions based on the age of the cyclist. E.g Article 13 of the traffic regulations - which makes it illegal to cycle on footpaths - applies to all cyclists.

astroguy

Okay thanks, but as to my example, is it okay to move to the front of a line of traffic at traffic lights if possible? I can see how this would make sense as you aren't taking up a full car space as you would be in the middle of the line of traffic? I usually see cyclists doing it, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to or if it is even allowed, that's where I was wondering if such specific cases are written down anywhere in the law?

galwaycyclist

astroguy wrote: »

Okay thanks, but as to my example, is it okay to move to the front of a line of traffic at traffic lights if possible? I can see how this would make sense as you aren't taking up a full car space as you would be in the middle of the line of traffic? I usually see cyclists doing it, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to or if it is even allowed, that's where I was wondering if such specific cases are written down anywhere in the law?

If you are crossing the solid white stop line then you are breaking the traffic regulations. If you pull in before getting to the stop line you are OK provided you have somewhere to wait safely.

Spook_ie

And if you're filtering forward towards the (assumed ASL ) take care not to go knocking into door mirrors etc. and be aware if the traffic starts moving while you're filtering.

Alias G

astroguy wrote: »

Okay thanks, but as to my example, is it okay to move to the front of a line of traffic at traffic lights if possible? I can see how this would make sense as you aren't taking up a full car space as you would be in the middle of the line of traffic? I usually see cyclists doing it, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to or if it is even allowed, that's where I was wondering if such specific cases are written down anywhere in the law?

I think you are far safer to be out in front and clearly visible. Most urban junctions will now include a cycle bay for this reason.

petethedrummer

The RSA site is a load of nonsense. Read the proper legislation to know what you're supposed to do.

galwaycyclist

Astroguy asked

astroguy wrote: »

Okay thanks, but as to my example, is it okay to move to the front of a line of traffic at traffic lights if possible? I can see how this would make sense as you aren't taking up a full car space as you would be in the middle of the line of traffic? I usually see cyclists doing it, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to or if it is even allowed, that's where I was wondering if such specific cases are written down anywhere in the law?

I said

galwaycyclist wrote: »

If you are crossing the solid white stop line then you are breaking the traffic regulations. If you pull in before getting to the stop line you are OK provided you have somewhere to wait safely.

Just to qualify this if you are stopped at traffic lights and a HGV (eg an Artic or a tipper lorry/skip lorry) pulls up beside you then treat that as a serious threat.

You do not want to be in that space if the driver decides to turn left when the lights change. You should not assume that the driver saw you, or will remember you are there, simply because you were there first. You need to decide what to do - one option is to pull forward where you can be seen - but you might technically be breaking the law and might get done for it. Other options might include deciding not to move yourself until the truck is gone or even to pull yourself and your bike up on to the footpath and wait.

If approaching a HGV stopped at a red light then just hang back and wait behind it unless you are absolutely sure you will have plenty of time to get past it - even if there is a tempting cycle lane running up beside it - it is still not worth the risk.

astroguy

Okay, thanks guys, I would have thought being up front and visible would be safer, as well as probably taking up less room in the line, especially if there is a special cycle bay at the junction. Thanks for clarifying.

galwaycyclist

astroguy wrote: »

Okay, thanks guys, I would have thought being up front and visible would be safer, as well as probably taking up less room in the line, especially if there is a special cycle bay at the junction. Thanks for clarifying.

Its theoretically safer. Legal if there is a cycle bay (bike box or advanced stop line ASL). However both Irish design guidance and road marking practice are problematic. A lot of Irish ASLs (cycle bays) are too shallow - a HGV driver can have a blind spot up to 4m in front of the cab. Some Irish ASLs put you in this blind spot.