The love for the bicycle?
For some, the cyclist is king; for others, the cyclist, and especially the "grouped cyclist," is a source of annoyance. When King Winter is lurking around the corner, the second category of motorists might heave a sigh of relief. Were it not that avid cyclists simply swap their road bike for a slightly more robust model at that time of year: the mountain bike. During organized tours, cyclist safety is often paramount, but what about private rides? Are cyclists always required to use the bike path? Or are there exceptions?
Group cycling
Group cycling is regulated by the Road Code, specifically in Article 43bis. This article provides for various rules for group cycling, particularly for groups of 15 to 150 cyclists. A distinction is made depending on the number of cyclists in the group:
- For groups of 14 cyclists or fewer, Article 43bis does not apply. These groups must follow the same rules as individual cyclists and are required to use the cycle path.
- For groups of 15 to a maximum of 50 cyclists, they are not required to follow the cycle path. They may always ride two abreast. Furthermore, they may be accompanied by two road captains and may be preceded and followed by an escort car at a distance of approximately 30 meters.
- For groups of 51 to a maximum of 150 cyclists, the same rules apply as for groups of 15 to 50 cyclists. They do not have to use the cycle path and may ride two abreast. In this case, however, they must be accompanied by two road captains, and the group must be preceded and followed by an escort vehicle at a distance of approximately 30 meters.
The legislator is therefore clear: as soon as the group of cycling tourists consists of at least 15 cyclists, different rules apply. The group is then not required to use the cycle paths and may use the roadway. Depending on the size of the group, it may be mandatory to have at least two road captains, and escort vehicles must be present to support the group.
Cycling tourist or cycling terrorist?
However, the determination that a group of recreational cyclists is large enough to be allowed to use the roadway does not constitute a free pass to mingle with other road users in true kamikaze style.
To be allowed to use the roadway, the group of cyclists must consistently ride two abreast and remain grouped together.
If a handful of enthusiasts gains a lead of a few hundred meters over the rest, it can no longer be considered a group of cyclists, causing permission to use the roadway to be revoked. Private fairground races are strictly forbidden!
What about other road users?
Other road users must also adapt to the presence of such grouped cycling tourists. For instance, it is strictly forbidden to endanger more vulnerable road users. In other words, ostentatiously cutting off a group of cycling tourists is completely unacceptable. Moreover, other road users will have to adjust their speed to the presence of the more vulnerable group of cycling tourists.
Regarding adopting an appropriate speed, many road users operate under the erroneous idea that a legally permitted speed automatically implies an appropriate speed. However, nothing could be further from the truth. After all, it is perfectly possible to adopt an inappropriate speed, despite the fact that the legally permitted speed limit is not exceeded.
Mutual respect remains the cornerstone of a safe traffic environment.
An old saying goes: "You argue with two people." Both cyclists and other road users must respect traffic rules, but they should also show a certain degree of mutual respect.
Those cycling in a group would do well, first of all, to simply count the number of people present, respect the relevant regulations regarding road captains and escort vehicles, and then make clear agreements, emphasizing riding as a group.
The other motorists, who are not so keen on cycling, would, in turn, do well to show the necessary understanding for the athletes from their iron cages and adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly.