Preventive action on cycling safety started in Vitebsk region

March 27, Vitebsk. In the Vitebsk region, on March 27, an action was launched to prevent accidents with the participation of cyclists and citizens operating mobile vehicles; it will last until April 9. Mikhail Dyadichkin, HEAD of the traffic police department of the Vitebsk regional executive committee, told a BelTA correspondent about this.

One of the difficult and stressful periods for all road users is spring, when the snow comes off the sidewalks and bicycles and scooters appear on them. “The main thing that drivers of two-wheeled vehicles should remember is keeping the speed on the roads. With the advent of warm weather, children and adults get on bicycles, take walks on scooters, balance bikes and unicycles. During the winter, they wean themselves from driving and at first do not follow the speed , can both fall under the wheels of cars and run into pedestrians.They should remember that such vehicles should be driven at a speed not exceeding, in particular for electric scooters, 25 km/h, move along the paths marked for them or not further than 1 m from the edge of the carriageway. Children under the age of 14 are strictly forbidden to use such vehicles on the road without adult accompaniment. They can ride in parks, squares, on specially equipped grounds. In general, we recommend that all citizens, for the first time after the winter break, to get used to bicycles and scooters, ride in parks and in areas isolated from major roads. This will give cyclists confidence in their abilities and a two-wheeled friend and help prevent sad consequences," Mikhail Dyadichkin emphasized. on specially equipped sites. In general, we recommend that all citizens, for the first time after the winter break, to get used to bicycles and scooters, ride in parks and in areas isolated from major roads. This will give cyclists confidence in their abilities and a two-wheeled friend and help prevent sad consequences," Mikhail Dyadichkin emphasized. on specially equipped sites. In general, we recommend that all citizens, for the first time after the winter break, to get used to bicycles and scooters, ride in parks and in areas isolated from major roads. This will give cyclists confidence in their abilities and a two-wheeled friend and help prevent sad consequences," Mikhail Dyadichkin emphasized.

He also recalled that one of the frequent causes of accidents involving cyclists is hitting them while crossing the "zebra". Updated traffic rules allow them not to dismount at traffic lights and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, but cyclists forget that in such cases they should move at the speed of a walking pedestrian, and not fly out onto the roadway at full speed. Last year, in January-April, five accidents occurred in the region, where four cyclists died. Fortunately, no such incidents were registered this year in less than three months. For the purpose of prevention, employees of the State traffic inspectorate will work out the most popular cycling routes in cities, as well as meet with children and adults to talk about responsibility for their lives.

"On the sidewalks, cyclists and citizens driving electric scooters must ride in such a way that they do not create obstacles for other road users. In large cities - Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, Novopolotsk - more and more electric scooter rental points are opening. People who ride such vehicles do not always have sufficient experience in managing it. In addition, each such technical tool has its own characteristics, and the first time it is not always possible to adapt to managing it. First, it is advisable to try to study the electric scooter in a safe area, and then go to the sidewalks, "said the head UGAI.

During the spring-summer season, state traffic inspectors will monitor the situation both in cities and in rural areas, especially on major roads. Mikhail Dyadichkin focused on the fact that a lot of accidents happen on the tracks at night. Cyclists who travel from one settlement to another on the roadway should wear a reflective vest that allows car drivers to notice them from afar and slow down. Also, the head of the UGAI reminded that it is unacceptable to ride a bicycle while intoxicated . “Citizens who witness such egregious cases should report this to the State Traffic Inspectorate. This is not done to punish a negligent cyclist, but to prevent serious accidents,” summed up Mikhail Dyadichkin.