For Cyclists 騎單車人士

Legal Status of Cycles and Who May Ride 單車的法律地位及誰可騎單車

A cycle is regarded as a vehicle, and most of the rules and advice for drivers in Chapter 5 also apply to cyclists. Some of the rules and advice also apply to tricycles and multi-cycles. Riding or using a bicycle, tricycle or multi-cycle on a road recklessly or carelessly is an offence.

Children should have their parent's or guardian's permission before riding on the road, and a child under 11 must cycle only with an adult. Multi-cycles are restricted to designated areas and cycle tracks marked by the relevant sign, and a child under 11 riding or steering one in those places must be accompanied by an adult.

You must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are taking medication, consult your doctor to make sure it will not affect your riding. Do not ride if a disability or illness makes it difficult to ride safely, and wear glasses if you need them to see properly.

The Cycle and Its Equipment 單車及裝備要求

Sitting on the saddle, you should just be able to touch the ground with the tips of both feet. If you cannot, the cycle is too big or the saddle too high; if both feet rest flat on the ground, the cycle is too small or the saddle too low. Handlebars should be at about the same height as the saddle or slightly higher, so that they share your weight. The chain must have no more than 2 cm of play.

A cycle must be fitted with a warning bell and a rear red reflector. At night or in poor visibility you must show a white light to the front and a red light to the rear, with the lamps adjusted to dip downwards so that they do not dazzle others. White reflectors should also be fitted on the front or side, and amber reflectors on the pedals.

Wear a bright-coloured, correctly fitted safety helmet that complies with international standards. Cycles are harder to see end-on, so reflective clothing or a reflective belt is the most effective way to stay visible in the dark or in poor light. Baggy trouser legs and shoelaces can catch in the chain, so tie up trouser legs with a band if needed.

Signals, Braking and Riding on the Road 手號、剎車及在路上騎單車

Before moving off, stopping or turning, think, look and then signal. There are only three correct arm signals. To move left or turn left, extend the whole arm and hand level with the shoulder, palm facing forwards. To move right or turn right, give the right-turn signal. To slow down or stop, extend the arm level with the shoulder, palm facing downwards, and move it up and down at least three times, but not too fast. Drivers should remember that a cyclist can only rely on arm signals before a manoeuvre, and that these are harder to see at night or in poor visibility.

In normal conditions apply the rear brake first, then the front brake. The front brake is more powerful, and applying it too hard may lift the rear wheel. Brake only when the front wheel is straight. In an emergency stop, do not signal: keep both hands on the handlebars, use both brakes and move your bodyweight lower and back if you can. On wet roads, allow at least twice the normal stopping distance.

Keep both hands on the handlebars unless signalling, keep at least one hand on them at all times, and keep both feet on the pedals. In general, keep to the left in single file, except when overtaking or riding on a cycleway. You must not ride against the traffic, ride on the pavement, carry a passenger, lead an animal or be towed. Do not wear earphones or use a mobile phone. Use the bell only when necessary to warn others of your presence, and not to demand that they clear the way, except in an emergency.

You must not enter a tunnel area, a control area or an expressway. At a cycling restriction sign you must dismount and push until the restriction ends; other signs ban both riding and pushing a bicycle or tricycle, and these are often found near elevated roads, flyovers and underpasses. When passing parked vehicles, leave at least a door's width if possible. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus at a stop. You may use bus lanes unless signs ban cyclists, and should let buses pass when the situation permits.

Junctions, Roundabouts, Cycleways and Parking 路口、迴旋處、單車徑及停泊單車

To turn right, signal right and then approach near the centre of the road, just to the left of the centre line, using a right-turn lane if there is one. On busy roads, at night or in poor visibility, you may stop on the left side of the road and wait for a safe gap instead of waiting in the middle. At a 'Stop' sign you must stop behind the line even if no traffic is coming. If the traffic light is red or 'red and amber', you must wait behind the 'Stop' line.

Traffic approaching a roundabout must give way to traffic already on it. When turning right, a cyclist should approach on the left, keep left on the roundabout, watch for vehicles crossing their path and signal left when approaching the exit. If you feel unsafe, get off and push your cycle along the pedestrian route.

If there is a cycle lane or an adjacent cycleway, you must ride on it. Cycleways are also roads, but motor vehicles are generally not permitted on them. Keep to the left, overtake only on the right and always give way to pedestrians. If the backs of the traffic signs face you, you are probably riding the wrong way. Where a cycle route crosses a road, get off and push your cycle across. At a light rail track you must get off and push it across at the 'Green man' crossing at a designated crossing point, obeying the pedestrian lights.

When pushing a cycle along the road, keep both hands on the handlebars, keep as close to the side as possible and keep the cycle between you and the traffic. On a road with street lighting you may park only in a place designated for pedal cycles, and no cycle should be parked continually at the same place for more than 24 hours. For a short rest you may leave it on a pavement, footpath or verge if it causes no obstruction or danger and does not make it harder for others to see clearly.