In 2019, Russian motorists are again expected to change the rules of the road. The focus is now on cyclists. They will be given priority, and in this regard, new signs and markings will appear on Russian roads, which other road users will be obliged to observe.
Why do we need new road signs and markings
In 2019, changes in traffic rules affect mainly cyclists. Many motorists do not regard them as full road users. Meanwhile, there are more and more fans of two-wheeled vehicles on the streets of Russian cities, as well as accidents with their participation.
Looking at the innovations, it seems that the government has decided to make life easier for them for caring for the environment and to motivate motorists to switch to bicycles. In fact, the changes in traffic rules are designed to improve traffic safety.
No matter how trite it may sound, each new rule is written in someone's blood. And since incumbent President Vladimir Putin recently puzzled the government with a decree to achieve zero fatalities on the country's roads by 2030, officials, in tandem with traffic police officers, have begun to revise and amend traffic rules more actively. Time will tell whether such adjustments can significantly reduce the accident rate on Russian roads.
New traffic rules: what does "Bicycle zone" mean?
In 2019, a new concept is introduced into the traffic rules - "Bicycle zone". Its limits will be marked by the corresponding new road signs and markings. The first ones will become a variation of the existing signs 5.33 and 5.34. New signs and markings will appear not on all, but only on some streets of Russian cities. The so-called "calm streets", i.e. where the intensity of the traffic flow is low.
A special traffic regime will be established on such sections, very similar to the rules for the "Residential zone" sign. So, cars will move at a maximum speed of 20 km / h. This limitation will apply to any other motor vehicle. Cyclists will receive unconditional priority. However, it will only work in such areas. When leaving them, cyclists are required to follow the signals of automobile or special bicycle traffic lights.
Pedestrians in such areas will be able to cross the carriageway anywhere, if there is no prohibitory sign.
What is the advantage of cyclists on the road under the new traffic rules?
In 2019, cyclists will be able to legally navigate public transport lanes. Like the buses and trolleybuses traveling on them, two-wheelers will have the right to ignore the requirements of signs indicating the direction of travel. We are talking about signs of special instructions (white arrows on a blue background). According to the new rules, cyclists may not pay attention to them if they are riding along the "dedicated line" at this moment.
It was decided to equate the parking of the car on the cycle path with parking on the sidewalk with all the ensuing penalties. Stopping near the intersecting cycle path will be perceived as parking in front of the zebra crossing.
In addition, cyclists will be able to drive through residential areas. For motorists, this movement is still banned.
When will the new traffic rules come into effect?
New amendments to the traffic rules will take effect after the New Year holidays. However, these are not all innovations that await motorists in 2019. The officials said that in the future they will continue to make adjustments to the traffic rules.
