[sustran] Sv: [sustran] Fw: rules, regulations and laws on bicycle

[Thomas Krag]

Dear Thongchai Panswad,

rules, regulations and laws for bicycles basically reflect the cycling policy (or lack thereof) of the country in question. Moreover, regulations can be organised quite differently even in contries with similar cycling policies. A study was made by Gianni Catania for ECF (the European Cyclists' Federation) some 10-15 years ago. You can ask office at ecf.com for a copy (see also www.ecf.com for general information and position papers).

The bicycle has a fairly strong position in Denmark, and the bicycle is the main means of transport in about 15% of all trips.

In Denmark most rules and regulations with an impact on cycling is found in the traffic rules and in the so-called "road-rules", which is basically not rules but mainly guidelines and a few norms for road design.

Basically the bicycle is regarded a vehicle and most rules applicable to cars are the same for bicycles as well. Main exceptions are that bicycle tracks, when present, shall be used by the cyclists, and that a left turn should be done indirectly by first cycling to the opposite corner and later - when this will not impede other road users - continue in the new direction. A supplement to the traffic law prescribes how the bicycle shall be equipped with brakes, reflectors, lights (when riding at dark) etc. This can be found (in Danish) at the Danish Cyclist Federation website www.dcf.dk .

The "road-rules" is a huge collection mainly of guidelines for good practice but also some obligations to be used by local road authorities in their roadbuilding. Recommendations for the width of bicycle tracks and quite a big number of other design details of importance to cyclists are found here. Some of the "road-rules" are collestec in a series of booklets called "Traffic areas in towns" (in Danish: Byernes trafikarealer) and the most important of these have been issued also in an English version. They can be ordered at boghandel at vd.dk.

Last year a catalogue of ideas for cycle planning - "Collection of Cycle Concepts" - was published by the Danish Road Directorate. It could be of relevance for you and can be ordered for free also at boghandel at vd.dk.

More details on the above mentioned issues can be achieved from the Ministry of Transport (trm at trm.dk, www.trm.dk), from the so-called "Faerdselsstyrelsen" (part of the ministry dealing with vehicle standards, among these requirements to bicycles) (fstyr at fstyr.dk) and from the Road Directorate ("Vejdirektoratet", vd at vd.dk, www.vd.dk).

Studying rules and regulations is one of several possible ways to enhance the recognition of cycling in a country. Still cycling is not regarded very seriously in a lot of countries. Summaries from a seminar about bicycle traffic held in Estonia - an example of such a country with only little recognition given to cycling - might inspire you of other approaches. See www.dcf.dk/estonia.

Best regards

Thomas Krag

--

Thomas Krag
Wilhelm Marstrands Gade 11 - DK-2100 København Ø
tel +45 35 42 86 24, mobil +45 27 11 86 24
www.thomaskrag.com, email tk at thomaskrag.com
    -----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
    Fra: Thongchai Panswad <tpanswad at tei.or.th>
    Til: sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org <sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org>
    Dato: 9. juli 2001 06:01
    Emne: [sustran] Fw: rules, regulations and laws on bicycle
    
    
    
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Thongchai Panswad 
    To: sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org 
    Sent: Monday, July 09, 2001 8:54 AM
    Subject: rules, regulations and laws on bicycle
    
    
    dear Colleagues,
    In the capacity of the President of Thailand Cycling Club (TCC), I am doing a research on rules, regulations and laws on bicycle uses in Thailand and as many  other countries as possible.  Cycling is still a long way for every-day safe uses in urban cities in Thailand.  TCC has been trying her best for the past 10 years to advocate this idea to the Thai public, politicians and the government.  But we need some kind of legal supports to make it more attractive to the people.  Can anybody help me on this matter of regulations, rules and laws in your countries, please?  Thank you.
     
    Prof Thongchai PANSWAD
    President
    Thailand Environment Institute
    210 Sukumvit 64
    Pra Kanong, Bangkok 10260
    Thailand
    tel 662-742-9641 to 50 ext 794
    fax 662-742-9697 to 98
    website: www.tei.or.th
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