Is a helmet mandatory when cycling? 04/07/2018
When regulating the use of helmets on bicycles, differences are made depending on the age of the cyclist and the road being traveled.
With the arrival of summer and, for many, vacations, the bicycle becomes our main ally. But around this Doubts also arise regarding the means of transport. For example, when is it mandatory to wear a helmet while cycling? The regulations are very... clear on this point, as they indicate from Pyramid Consulting And most regular cyclists are well aware of it. In fact, wearing a helmet while cycling is included in the General Traffic Regulations .
When regulating helmet use while cycling, the rules differ depending on the cyclist's age and the type of road. Adults, from the age of 16, are not required to wear a helmet when cycling in urban areas. so when they leave the town center at which point they will be required to use it. With regarding children and adolescents (up to 16 years old), are required to wear a helmet while cycling at all times, regardless of whether they are riding in the city or outside of it.
Therefore, helmet use is mandatory for cyclists whenever they ride outside of urban areas, regardless of age. However, as with everything, there is an exception that proves the rule. In the case of very steep and prolonged uphill climbs, for medical reasons certified by a doctor, or in extreme heat, cyclists may forgo wearing a helmet.
When regulating helmet use while cycling, the rules differ depending on the cyclist's age and the type of road. Adults, from the age of 16, are not required to wear a helmet when cycling in urban areas. so when they leave the town center at which point they will be required to use it. With regarding children and adolescents (up to 16 years old), are required to wear a helmet while cycling at all times, regardless of whether they are riding in the city or outside of it.
Fines for not using it properly
Similarly, the helmet must be in good condition. It must be approved and certified in the European Union. It must also not have exceeded its expiration date, which is usually shown on a label inside. If, for any reason, the The helmet has been damaged; you will no longer be able to use it. And that's because it will lose its cushioning capacity.
If you get a ticket while cycling, you could face a fine of up to €200,000. The way to avoid this is to know the law well:
- Walk on the sidewalk
We've all seen a bicycle weaving along the sidewalk, dodging pedestrians. It's not only inconvenient, but also illegal, even though it's the way cyclists try to escape motor vehicles on the road. But sidewalks are for the exclusive use of pedestrians. So much so that the minimum fine in these cases is €60, which could reach €10,000 if a collision with a pedestrian occurs.
On pedestrian-priority streets, bicycles are allowed, but pedestrians have priority, so you must ride at a moderate speed. Furthermore, if it's not possible to maintain a safe distance of 1 meter from pedestrians, you should dismount and push your bicycle.
The same applies to pedestrian crossings. Cyclists should know that if they want to cross a pedestrian crossing, they must dismount and walk. Drivers approaching a pedestrian crossing expect someone to approach at walking speed, not bicycle speed.
- Running a red light
Traffic lights must be obeyed by cyclists just as they are by motor vehicles. If a cyclist fails to obey them, they could face a €200 fine (exactly the same as a car, although without penalty points).
- Bicycles going the wrong way
A bicycle must comply with the same rules as a motor vehicle. And that's despite the fact that many cyclists don't consider this specific measure, which affects the direction of travel, to be fair. But if the authorities see you cycling against traffic, the fine can be up to 500 euros.
- At night, reflective elements
Lighting is especially important for cyclists. Being invisible to vehicles can have terrible consequences. Therefore, the law stipulates that in low light conditions, a bicycle must be equipped with a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, and the cyclist must wear a reflective vest. Failure to comply can result in a fine of 200 euros.
- No headphones while cycling
Listening to music while cycling is dangerous. It isolates you and prevents you from hearing traffic signals. Given that visibility is more limited on a bicycle than in a motor vehicle, it's important to keep your other senses alert. The fine in this case is €191.
- If you drink, don't drive.
If several officers see you riding your bike erratically, they might give you a breathalyzer test. And you'd better not refuse, as it's punishable by a €400 fine. Ideally, don't drink anything at all, because if you're stopped and test positive (the legal limit for cyclists is 0.25), you could be facing a €500 fine.
- Disregarding a STOP sign
If you regularly travel around your city and disregard one of these signs, traffic officers can fine you €120. Special care must be taken at these types of intersections, as cyclists are particularly vulnerable and could be involved in a serious accident.
- Acrobatics are best left to the experts
No wheelies, riding your bike up railings, or anything like that. It's best to leave that to the experts, and on a closed circuit. Not only because the fine can reach 500 euros, but also because sharing the road with cars is best avoided, as it's better not to risk a fall.
- Bicycles in protected natural areas
If you get caught cycling in certain protected natural areas… you're in trouble. For example, in the natural parks of the Valencian Community, cycling on trails is prohibited and punishable by a fine. The fine? Between 3,000 and 8,000 euros.