CYCLING IN PRAGUE
General rules for bicyclists according to the Act No. 361/2000 Coll. on the Road Traffic (the latest text of the Act in force since July, 1 2006)
Riding a bicycle
Section 57
(1) In case there is a marked bicycle line, bicycle path or when a system-operated crossroad has a bicycle line or a marked area for bicyclists, a bicyclist is obliged to use it.
(2) On roadway, bicyclists shall keep to the right side of the roadway or ride on the roadside unless they endanger or hamper pedestrians. With regard to the road traffic, non-motorized scooter shall be regarded as bicycle.
(3) Bicyclists are only allowed to ride separately following each other.
(4) If the motor vehicles move slowly or stand still, a bicyclist riding in the same direction is allowed to pass or overtake these vehicles from a right side taking to the right side of the roadway or roadside as long as there is enough space to the right side from the vehicles. In doing so, he is obliged to proceed with extreme caution.
(5) Should there be a pedestrian and bicycle path clearly marked with a traffic sign “Pedestrian and bicycle path”, a bicyclist shall not endanger pedestrians using the path.
(6) Should there be a pedestrian and bicycle path clearly marked with a traffic sign “Pedestrian and bicycle path” with a separate bicycle line and a separate pedestrian line, a bicyclist is obliged to follow the bicycle line. A bicyclist is allowed to use the pedestrian line in case of passing, overtaking, turning back, turning right/left or entering the pedestrian and bicycle path. In doing so, a bicyclist shall not endanger pedestrians walking on the pedestrian line.
(7) A bicycle line or a bicycle path may be used by persons on roller-skates or skis or similar sports equipment. In doing so, such person is obliged to respect the rules as stipulated in paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 and traffic light signals according to section 73 of this Act.
(8) Before entering a road crossing, a bicyclist must ascertain whether he/she can cross the roadway without exposing himself/herself or other members of road traffic to danger. A bicyclist is allowed to pass the road unless by doing so with a view to the distance and driving speed of approaching vehicles he/she forces the drivers of the vehicles to change their direction or driving speed. When on a road crossing, a bicyclist shall keep to the right.
Section 58
(1) A bicyclist younger than 18 years of age is obliged to wear a safety helmet of approved type according to the specific legal statute and it has to be fastened to his/her head while riding.
(2) A child younger than 10 years of age is allowed to ride a bicycle on roadway, local road or purpose-built road with public access only under supervision of a person older than15 years of age. This does not apply in cases when the child rides on a pedestrian path, bicycle path or in a residential or pedestrian area.
(3) It is not permitted to drive in pairs on a single-seat bicycle; if a bicycle is equipped with a seat to carry a child and a fixed foot support, a person older than 15 years of age is allowed to carry a child younger than 7 years of age.
(4) A bicyclist is not allowed to ride a bicycle without holding the handlebars, to contact another vehicle, to carry a second bicycle, a handcart, a dog or other animals or to carry objects that can make the riding of the bicycle difficult or may endanger other members of road traffic. A bicyclist must keep his feet on pedals while riding.
(5) In reduced visibility conditions, a bicyclist is obliged to switch on a headlight producing full white light and a rear light producing either full red light or flashing red light. If roadway is sufficiently and continuously illuminated, a bicyclist is allowed to use a flashing white light instead of a headlight.
(6) A bicycle can have a small trailer not larger than 800 mm in width attached to it; the trailer must have two rear red reflectors in other than a triangular shape situated close to its sides and it has to be attached to the bicycle by a fast connecting mechanism. In case the trailer or its load are arranged in a way that they cover the rear red light of the bicycle, the trailer must have a rear red glareless light placed on its left side.