During the epidemic, many more people got into cycling and took advantage of the holidays to go out in groups with a large group of friends. But in addition to relieving boredom and finding entertainment in difficult situations, there are actually many regulations that need to be paid attention to and followed when riding a bicycle. There are some things you never thought about. If you are not careful, you will break the law and be fined and imprisoned. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced cyclist, remember the following 7 behaviors not to do to avoid breaking the bank and ruining the joyful mood of going out for a bicycle ride!
1. Bringing bicycles into country parks and special areas without permission
Just when you thought country parks were full of sports, everyone is welcome to exercise within the park boundaries. This is not the case. Apart from riding bicycles, they cannot be carried into country parks in any form. This means that if there is a country park with public toilets or water dispensers near the route you are passing, you may be issued a ticket even if you want to push the cart for a supply break throughout the journey.
Road bikes are extremely valuable, and no matter how many locks you add, just leaving them out of your sight is like giving them away to a thief. Therefore, locking the bicycle on the side of the road and then walking to a resting point in a country park is like taking a risk and is not feasible.
Section 4 of Chapter 208A of the Laws of Hong Kong prohibits bringing vehicles into country parks and special areas
(1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall, except with the consent of the Commissioner, bring any vehicle or cycle into a country park or special area, or drive, use or control any vehicle or bicycle in a country park or special area. Any vehicles or bicycles .
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply—
(a) A person who drives, uses or has in his possession a vehicle or cycle on a road designated and marked by the Authority for the driving, use or possession of a vehicle or cycle, or in a parking lot so designated by the Authority; or
(b) A person who ordinarily resides in a country park or special area and rides a bicycle in the country park or special area.
(3) Any person who parks a vehicle in a car park designated by the Commissioner shall pay the fee prescribed in Schedule 1. (L.N. 63 of 2005)
(4) If the Commissioner has—
(a) close the car park designated by him to the public; and
(b) display a notice in Chinese and English regarding the closure at a strategic location or entrance to the car park, no person shall drive into or park a vehicle in the car park without the consent of the Superintendent. (L.N. 63 of 2005)
2. Install more than one bell or alarm device
A bicycle bell can be said to be a necessary equipment for every bicycle, and the law also explicitly requires that a "sufficient alarm bell" be installed on the bicycle. Used to inform other road users of your position to avoid hitting other pedestrians or vehicles. However, the law also requires you not to install more alarm devices. If you install an extra bell, it is actually illegal.
Chapter 374A, Laws of Hong Kong Section 88 Alarm devices for bicycles and tricycles
(1) Every bicycle and tricycle shall be equipped with a clock capable of giving adequate warning of its approach or presence.
(2) No other alarm device other than a clock shall be installed on a bicycle or tricycle.
3. Holding any other vehicle
During a road cycling race, it can be said that cyclists holding on to the supply truck to exchange water bottles is an inevitable action. However, since there are generally no special road closures, if you accidentally lose your balance and fall while supporting other vehicles, it may indeed cause a serious traffic accident. Therefore, even for daily practice, you must be careful about the driving conditions around you.
4. Towing any other vehicle
You can imagine that your friend breaks down his bike or loses his chain, and you need to help him push the bike away. You hold the handle with one hand and help his bicycle move forward with the other. Although this action seems to be without any problems, it has inadvertently violated the law.
5. Driving side by side
During long journeys, it is inevitable to want to chat with your companions. Bicycles are not as wide as cars. It is not a problem to accommodate 4-5 bicycles at the same time in the same traffic lane. However, the law requires that teams move in single file except when overtaking.
6. Carrying people on the highway
Whether it’s the tail seat of a bicycle or just the pedals, you must have had the experience of carrying or being carried people when you were a child. You could even easily jump off a friend’s walking bicycle. However, the regulations for bicycles are not as good as those for motorcycles, and they cannot carry people on the road.
7. Release the handle with both hands
You may have seen the scene of a cyclist crossing the finish line from international events such as the Tour de France, letting go of the controller and opening his hands to celebrate winning the race. You may want to give it a try in reality. But in fact, from the moment you start riding a bicycle, you need one less hand to hold the handle. Of course, because the movement is risky, the editor does not recommend that you open your hands on the road.
Additional rules for bicycles, tricycles and rickshaws under Section 51 of Chapter 374G of the Laws of Hong Kong
(1) Subject to subsection (7), a person riding a bicycle or tricycle or in charge of a rickshaw on a road shall, except when overtaking, proceed in a single file . (L.N. 305 of 1989)
(2) A person who rides a bicycle or tricycle or is in charge of a rickshaw on a road shall not—
(a) holds in his hands any other vehicle or allows his vehicle to be towed by any other vehicle; or
(b) Tow any other vehicle .
(3) Persons riding bicycles or tricycles on the road shall not carry ——
(a) any other person; or
(b) any animal or object which obstructs his view or prevents him from having full control of his vehicle.
(4) A person riding a bicycle or tricycle on a road shall hold the handle with at least one hand while so riding.
(5) No person shall ride a bicycle or tricycle on any other part of a road designated for the use of bicycles or tricycles.
(6) No person shall ride a cycle or tricycle or be in charge of a rickshaw on a road during dark hours or in conditions of poor visibility unless he displays a white light at the front of the vehicle and a red light at the rear.
(7) Subsection (1) shall not apply to any person who rides a bicycle or tricycle on a road or part of a road on which a traffic sign of the type shown in Figure No. 137 or 138 in Schedule 1 is erected or placed. (L.N. 305 of 1989)
Be familiar with the laws to protect yourself
Hong Kong’s bicycle laws are not particularly friendly to cyclists. In many cases, they not only inadvertently violate the law, but also restrict the development of road bicycles. Be familiar with the laws regarding bicycles to avoid possible troubles in the future!
