Information package on bicycles and light electric vehicles

New Road Traffic Act – changes for cyclists @Velogi (in Finnish)

What will change from the cyclist’s point of view? (in Finnish)

New traffic signs concerning cycling

• Obligation to give way to cyclists at a road crossing point. The sign indicates that vehicles and trams must give way to cyclists crossing the carriageway on a bicycle path extension. Cycling path extensions equipped with this sign are always structurally elevated.
• Bicycle lane. In the future, bicycle lanes will be marked with a traffic sign, while they are currently marked with road markings only.
• An additional sign allowing two-way bicycle traffic may be used in connection with the signs for a one-way road and no entry.
• Bicycle street and its end sing. When a vehicle is driven on a bicycle street indicated by a traffic sign, cyclists must be given unobstructed access. The driving speed must be adjusted to cycling speed.
• Information signs for cyclists.

Bicycle equipment

In addition to a white or light yellow front light, bicycles must also be equipped with a red rear light when riding on the road during dark or at dusk or when visibility is reduced due to weather or other conditions. Instead of using bicycle-mounted lights, the lights may also be attached to the cyclist, e.g. to the helmet.   

Riding a bicycle

• Cyclists riding on a bicycle lane must also give way to buses leaving bus stops.
• If the bicycle lane passes the bus stop on its right side, unobstructed access must be given to those leaving the bus.

Riding a light electric vehicle

• Riders of light electric vehicles or motorised bicycles must follow the traffic regulations and traffic control devices applicable to cyclists.
• A self-balancing light electric vehicle that remains in balance even when the vehicle is not moving or has no driver may also be driven on the pavement. In that case, the driver must give unobstructed access to pedestrians.

Transport of passengers by bicycle and light electric vehicles

• Passengers may be transported by bicycle and light electric vehicles regardless of the age of the rider and the passenger. However, the number of passengers may not exceed the number for which the bicycle or light electric vehicle was built. The transport of a passenger is permitted only if the bicycle or light electric vehicle is equipped with a seat suitable for a passenger. If transporting passengers, the bicycle must be equipped with two separate brakes.
• Passengers may be transported in a bicycle, motorised bicycle and light electric vehicle trailer. This requires that the trailer and its connection to the towing vehicle are intended for passenger transport and appropriate with regard to the transported mass. Passengers must have an appropriate seat and the trailer structure must prevent the passenger from coming into contact with the trailer wheels or the road. In addition, the bicycle must have at least two separate braking devices and, in the case of a vehicle combination, at least two wheels equipped with brakes.