On footand by bicycle

Remember. Respect. Think ahead.

2 3

According to law, pedestrians include

people moving on foot, roller skates, kick scooters and kick sleds.

A bicycle is a vehicle and a cyclist

is a person operating a vehicle, but

a person walking a bicycle is a

pedestrian.

On foot and by bicycle

On foot and by bicycle .................................................................................... 3

On their own paths .......................................................................................... 4

Bicycle path and pavement side by side ....................................................... 4

Shared-use path .......................................................................................... 5

Using bicycle lanes ...................................................................................... 5

Pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets ...................................... 6

Crossing the road .............................................................................................. 7

On foot ....................................................................................................... 7

By bicycle .................................................................................................... 8

Toucan crossing ........................................................................................... 8

Pay attention at junctions ............................................................................... 9

Learn the right of way rules ........................................................................ 10

Right of way according to traffic signs ....................................................... 10

The one who is turning gives way ............................................................... 11

Cycling or walking can be prohibited by a traffic sign ................................ 11

Be careful when turning left ......................................................................... 12

The two-step 90-degree turn ...................................................................... 12

Making a left turn from the inside of the lane ........................................... 13

Advanced stop line .................................................................................... 13

Recognise hazards ......................................................................................... 14

Motorist fails to notice the cyclist .............................................................. 14

Cyclist takes an unexpected left turn ......................................................... 15

Cyclist approaches a junction ..................................................................... 15

The door of a stopped car is opened unexpectedly .................................... 15

See and be seen ............................................................................................. 16

Use appropriate equipment .......................................................................... 17

Keep your head, wear a helmet ................................................................. 17

Anticipation when cycling and walking ........................................................ 19

Be alert in traffic ........................................................................................ 19

Plan your route and check the weather in advance .................................... 19

Adjust speed and distance according to the situation.................................. 19

Focus on traffic ......................................................................................... 19

Transporting passengers on a bicycle ......................................................... 19

Illustrations and layout: Jukka FordellPublisher: LiikenneturvaISBN: 978-951-560-200-8

The images are indicative and only include the traffic signs relevant to illustrating the traffic situation in question.

Contents:

Whether you are moving on foot, by bicycle or by car, it is important to know traffic rules.

4 5

Bicycle path and pavement side by side

Pedestrians and cyclists use separate

sides of the path. The two sides can be

separated by a white painted line or

various materials. Traffic signs indicate

which side is for pedestrians and which

side is for cyclists. Cyclists must ride on

the right on their own side of the path.

Shared-use path

The pedestrian walks on the right or

left side of the path The cyclist rides on

the right.

Mopeds are allowed on some bicycle

paths. In this case, an additional sign is

attached to the traffic sign.

A cyclist must ride on the bicycle path

if one is available. If there is no bicycle

path, the cyclist must ride on the verge

on the right of the road. If there is no

verge, the cyclist must ride as close to

the edge of the road on the right as is

safely possible.

Riding a bicycle on the pavement is

only allowed for children under 12

years of age, provided that they do not

disturb others. If there is no pavement

or bicycle path, pedestrians use the left

side of the road. This allows them to

see oncoming cars and stay out of their

way.

Riding on the bicycle lane

Road markings can be used to indicate

a one-way bicycle lane for cyclists and

moped riders. Riding on a bicycle lane

is subject to the same rules as riding on

a road.

Pedestrians and cyclists must use their own paths.

On their own paths

Pavement

Pedestrians only Pedestrians and

cyclists

Pedestrians and

cyclists

Pedestrians and

cyclists

Pedestrians and

cyclists

Bicycle path and

pavement side by side

Shared-use path Pedestrian street Mixed-use residential

street

6 7

Pedestrian streets and mixed-use residential streets

On pedestrian streets and mixed-use

residential streets, the riding speed

must be adjusted to accommodate

pedestrians and it may not exceed 20

km/h. Everyone who is operating a

vehicle, including cyclists, must give

way to pedestrians.Crossing theroad

On foot

Determine whether the motorist has noticed

you. Make sure the car is sufficiently far away

and that the driver is reducing speed before you

cross the road. A cyclist crossing a road by walk-

ing the bicycle is considered a pedestrian.

Motorists must give way to pedestrians on a

zebra crossing.

Look out for cars on the next lane.

Always use a zebra crossing if one is available.

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By bicycle

A cyclist on a bicycle path may ride the

bike across the road using a toucan

crossing, but must give way to motor-

ists coming from the left as well as the

right.

• Approach the junction cautiously,

keeping an eye on what others are

doing.

• Be prepared to give way and stop

as necessary.

Motorists must give way when required

to yield by a traffic sign and when

making a turn across a toucan crossing.

Toucan crossingA toucan crossing can be marked in

three different ways:

You must pay careful attention at junctions. There are many things going on simultaneously at junctions, and you do not have time to take note of everything.

Pay attention at junctions

9

10 11

Learn the right of way rules

The basic rule for junctions is that

cyclists and motorists must give way to

vehicles approaching from the right.

This rule also applies between cyclists

at junctions of bicycle paths.

Right of way according to traffic signs

Right of way can be affected by traf-

fic signs. The obligation to give way at

a junction is indicated by a yield sign

in the shape of an inverted triangle,

or a stop sign. Motorists and cyclists

approaching a junction from behind an

inverted triangle or stop sign must give

way to vehicles coming from both the

left and the right.

Turning vehicles give way

Motorists making a turn must give

way to pedestrians and cyclists who

are crossing the road the car is turning

onto. A motorist entering and exiting

a roundabout must give way to both

pedestrians and cyclists.

Cycling or walking can be prohibited by a traffic sign

Yield sign for junctions, the inverted

triangle

No vehiclesMandatory stop and yield sign,

the stop sign

No bicycles or mopedsNo entry No pedestrians, bicycles or mopeds

12 13

Taking a left turn when cycling on the road requires vigilance. A left turn can be made by getting into the appropriate lane, or as a 90-degree turn.

Be careful when turning left

12

The two-step 90-degree turn

1. Give the turning signal early and

keep an eye on traffic around you.

Ride directly across the junction and

stop at the corner to look both

ways.

2. When the road is clear, ride or walk

your bicycle across the road and

then continue on the right of the

road.

Making a left turn from the inside of the lane

Give the turning signal early and move

left, close to the centre line. Give way

to oncoming traffic and stop if neces-

sary. When the road is clear, make the

left turn.

Advanced stop line

An advanced stop line is a space

reserved for cyclists at junctions with

traffic lights. It allows cyclists to take

the inside lane in front of cars and wait

for the light to change.

• If the light is green or the lights are

not in use, ride past the advanced

stop line without stopping.

• If the light is red, take the

bicycle lane past any cars and wait

at the advanced stop line.

• Move to the left of the lane if you

are making a left turn at the

junction.

• Move to the right of the lane if you

are making a right turn.

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Cyclist takes an unexpected left turn

When you are about to take a left turn,

give the turning signal early and keep

an eye on the traffic around you. Stop

if necessary, and cross the road when

there is no traffic. This way you will not

take motorists by surprise.

Cyclist approaches a junction

Always approach roads in such a way

that others can see you early enough.

Conversely, you will also be able to see

other road users and stop if necessary.

The door of a stopped car is opened unexpectedly

When passing stopped cars, leave

enough space for their doors to open.

Recognise hazards

Motorist fails to notice the cyclist

A motorist approaching a junction from

behind a yield sign is about to make a

right turn, and his attention is focused

on cars coming from the left. Cyclists

approaching from the right can often

go unnoticed by motorists. Motorists

making turns may also fail to notice

cyclists.

Approach junctions cautiously and keep a close eye on what motorists around

you are doing.

Give the turning signal early and keep an eye on the traffic around you.

Always give way when emerging onto a road from a courtyard, a mixed-use residen-

tial street or other similar place.

16 17

Headlight

side reflector pedal reflectors

bellreflectorchild seat

brake

brake

Important safety equipment bicycle helmet bicycle helmet

rear reflector or tail light

front reflector

According to law, pedestrians must use reflectors and cyclists headlights when it is dark. Reflectors and headlights help others notice pedestrians and cyclists. It is important to be visible from every direction.

For safe and pleasant cycling, use a good bicycle and appropriate equipment.The best bicycle is one that is the right

size for its user and easy to ride. When

buying a bicycle, consider what types

of brakes and gears you need and

what kind of maintenance the bicycle

will require.

Also consider whether the bicycle will

be used in the winter, used to transport

children or groceries, or used to ride

long distances.

Keep your head, wear a helmet

The majority of the serious injuries suf-

fered by cyclists are the result of head

impacts. In most cases, a helmet would

have prevented or at least reduced the

injuries. According to law, cyclists and

people riding on bicycles as passen-

gers must generally wear an appropri-

ate protective helmet. Approved bicycle

helmets carry the CE mark.

Your bicycle helmet must be properly

fitted. The straps must be tightened to

ensure that the helmet does not come

off in an accident. Bicycle helmets must

be discarded from use after being sub-

jected to impacts or cuts.

Bicycle helmets are only intended for

cycling. They must not be used for

other purposes, such as for climbing, as

the buckle on the strap will not release

if the child falls and is left hanging by

the helmet.

See and be seen Use appropriate equipment Reflectors are also important in urban

areas. Especially in the autumn and in

rainy conditions, it is almost impossible for

motorists to notice pedestrians or cyclists

without reflectors or headlights, even if

the streetlights are on.

A bicycle must have reflectors at the front,

side, back and on the pedals. When riding

in the dark, a bicycle must have a head-

light. The headlight beam must be white

or light yellow in colour. If the bicycle has a

tail light, the light must be red.

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Most bicycles include the most impor-tant safety equipment as standard.

Make sure that your bicycle has at least the following equipment:

• effective brakes • reflectors visible from different directions• lights • a bicycle bell to give a warning signal. to others

Learn to control your bicycle and remember the importance of regular maintenance.

18 19

Be alert in traffic

Fatigue, intoxicants, certain medical

conditions and medicines can compro-

mise your ability to notice important

things. They also make it more difficult

to walk and control a bicycle.

Plan your route and check the weather in advance

Choose a safe route. Use routes with

pedestrian and bicycle paths whenever

possible. Reserve enough time for your

journey, as being in a hurry often leads

to hazardous situations.

In slippery conditions, use shoes with

good grip and anti-slip devices. Cyclists

riding their bicycles in the winter are

recommended to use studded tyres.

Adjust speed and distance according to the situation

Pedestrians and cyclists should adjust

their speed according to the condi-

tions. For example, commuting hours

in the winter can be dark, slippery and

busy, all at the same time.

Maintain sufficient distance to other

road users. When moving in a group,

always assess the situation for yourself

when crossing a road, for example.

Focus on traffic

Using a mobile phone or a headset

while cycling or walking makes it more

difficult to focus on traffic. Even pedes-

trians, particularly children and the

elderly, should stop when talking on

the phone or sending a text message.

Transporting passengers on a bicycle

Bicycles are generally intended for sin-

gle person transportation. However,

a person aged 15 or older is allowed

to transport no more than one child

aged 10 or younger on a bicycle, and a

person aged 18 or older is allowed to

transport no more than two children

aged 6 or younger.

When transporting children on a bicy-

cle, you must use an appropriate seat

and leg protection. A child bicycle seat

must be used for transporting small

children. When transporting two chil-

dren, the bicycle must have two sepa-

rate braking devices.

Anticipation when cycling and walkingEveryone can influence their own traffic safety and that of other people. Take other road users into consideration and ensure that they notice you.

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Remember. Respect. Think ahead.

Sitratie 7, P.O. Box 29, 00421 HELSINKI, FINLANDTel. +358 (0)207 282 300www.liikenneturva.fi

2014