To drive cars and motorcycles it is a requirement to demonstrate that you know the traffic regulations: only then can you obtain a driver's license.
To ride a bicycle, on the other hand, you do not need an official permit or take tests.
But that does not mean that those who get on a bike can
do anything
.
The
obligations
that cyclists have in traffic are multiple, they are
determined by law
and it is key for anyone to know them in detail before going out to pedal.
First, because they are designed to preserve their own
safety
, as well as that of other users of the public highway.
And second, because driving in violation can have
civil and criminal consequences
in the event of a road incident.
In the City of Buenos Aires, the
basic rules
that every cyclist should
know and comply with
arise mainly from the National Traffic Law 24,449 and the Buenos Aires Traffic and Transportation Code (law 2,148).
Next,
one by one
, the most important ones to take into account.
Although all cyclists should wear a helmet, there are those who ignore that obligation.
Photo: Juano Tesone.
The 15 key rules you should follow when riding a bike in Buenos Aires
1. The general rules of the road
.
Unless otherwise indicated, it is mandatory to obey the rules, signs and signs that regulate the use of public roads.
This includes, for example,
respecting the traffic lights
(never pass on red) and the
direction of traffic
(do not go the wrong way), as well as the
right of way
for pedestrians.
2. The correct driving position
.
It is required by law to keep both
hands on the handlebars
and all
wheels
in
contact with the ground
.
This prevents people from using a cell phone, with their hands raised, or wheelieing
(
advancing on a single wheel), among other risky behaviors.
3. The children, on the sidewalk
.
Children under
12 years of age
are not allowed to ride a bicycle on the street (or road): they must go on the sidewalk (or sidewalk), at the lowest possible speed and allowing pedestrians to pass.
Boys can only travel on a street or avenue, joining the traffic,
accompanied
by a cyclist
18 years
of age or older.
4. Companions, prohibited
.
On board a bicycle there can be no more people than seats.
Therefore, on a common bike, the driver should not carry anyone sitting on the handlebars or standing on the axis of the rear wheel, for example.
An adult can take a
child
, secured in a
special seat
.
5. The charge, limited
.
On a bike, you can only carry packages or luggage that are "
firmly secured
" to the vehicle, that do not affect its
stability
, that do not protrude (neither in width nor in length) and that do not hinder driving.
The law requires you to keep both hands on the handlebars.
Photo: German Garcia Adrasti.
6. The advance, in a straight line
.
Zigzag driving is not allowed.
7. Strength, always own
.
It is forbidden to circulate
holding on to another
vehicle (such as a car or a motorcycle) to propel yourself.
Whoever wants to do less force - if he is 16 years old or older - can use a bicycle with electrically assisted pedaling.
8. Highways refrain
.
Bicycles are not allowed on these expressways.
In the Capital, the prohibition includes the Illia, 25 de Mayo, Perito Moreno, Cámpora and 9 de Julio Sur highways.
Nor can you ride a bike on the central roads of
General Paz
, Dellepiane, Cantilo, Lugones and
9 de Julio
avenues .
9. In pedestrian streets, get off
.
Bicycles cannot ride on the sidewalk (except those under 12 years of age) and they are also prohibited from riding on arteries marked as exclusive for pedestrians.
The cyclist, to cross these areas, must get off and continue on foot.
10. If there is a bike lane, use it
.
If there is a bike lane or bike path on a street or avenue, the cyclist must ride on them.
And if there is no exclusive lane, go to the
right
, except to overtake a stopped or slower vehicle.
When there are cycle lanes available, it is mandatory to use them.
Photo: Luciano Thieberger.
11. Announce the turns
.
The duty to anticipate turning maneuvers is not only valid for cars and motorcycles.
Even though the cyclist does not have turn signals, it is up to the cyclist to indicate
with his hand
where he is going to turn.
12. The helmet, essential
.
Taking it is not optional.
The law requires that cyclists always wear an
approved
protective helmet .
13. Other mandatory accessories
.
To be able to circulate, every bicycle should also have:
Front and rear brakes
actuated from the handlebars.
Rearview mirrors
on
both sides
.
Bell
or horn.
Mudguards
on both wheels.
Reflective signage
forward and backward.
Lights
: one red at the rear and one white at the front, visible from at least 100 meters away at night.
14. The clothes, tight
.
The cyclist should not wear loose clothing that could get caught.
The law also requires clothing to be "preferably
light-colored
."
15. The footwear, firm
.
Finally, it is mandatory to have "shoes that securely hold the pedals" on your feet, which leaves out, for example, flip
flops
.
Cyclists should wear light clothing and anticipate their turns.
Photo: Maxi Failla.
What else is advised to ride a bike safely
In its Cyclist Manual, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires also
recommends
:
-
Periodically check
the brakes, the inflation of the wheels and that the chain is well lubricated (neither dry nor rusty).
-Keep
1.5 meters
away from
parked cars
to avoid hitting doors.
-
Do not overtake
trucks and buses
on the right
, since they usually approach the sidewalk to stop and may not see the cyclist.
-In addition to holding the handlebars with both hands, keep your
fingers resting
on the
right brake
.
-Do not wear hanging
clothing or objects
-such as scarves or bags- that could get caught and block the chain or wheels.
-Avoid carrying objects of more than
5 kilos
in the basket.
-Avoid
as far as possible traveling through
avenues
, since they tend to have more traffic and at a higher speed than the streets
.
-Pay close
attention to the road
all the time to be able to avoid sharp objects and irregularities in time.
If there is a pothole in a bike lane, you can report it to
147
.
MDG
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