The so-called “road knights” here are not the knights of medieval Europe, but there is still some connection between them. What follows is a test — “Do you usually ride a bicycle? Do you consciously ride in the non-motorized lane? Do you know that cycling in urban streets cannot exceed 15 km/h? Would you choose to cycle instead of drive when you’ve been drinking?” It’s said that none of the participants passed. Recently, the Taiyuan Traffic Police Detachment, in collaboration with local media, launched an activity called “Searching for Civilized Knights.” The criteria were simple: as long as a cyclist could successfully pass through six traffic lights without any violations, they would be named a “Civilized Knight” and receive a reward. However, over the course of 31 days, after tracking nearly 600 people, only one “Civilized Knight” was found. The results of this “exam” were somewhat disheartening.
Almost all cyclists believe that cycling on the road is a “freelance profession” — turn whenever you want, weave through traffic as you please — while the police are only there to deal with cars. Few of them know that the “Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law” contain numerous provisions regarding non-motorized vehicles, the most typical being the 15 km/h speed limit. Some cyclists argue that such a speed is insufficient for fitness purposes. Others think the rule may date back to “older times.” But traffic police disagree, stating that “safety is the prerequisite for everything. Cyclists, even those riding for fitness, are first and foremost participants in traffic, and must abide by traffic rules.” In short — on the road, drivers, pedestrians, and “knights” alike have no special privileges.
Traffic experts suggest that choosing a safe cycling environment may effectively help avoid “violations,” ensuring both safety and fitness benefits. On roads with motor vehicle lanes, bicycles must ride in the non-motorized lane; if there is no non-motorized lane, cyclists should ride within 1.5 meters to the right of the motor vehicle lane, not side-by-side, and must not ride on overpasses. Bicycles must be equipped with all necessary safety warning signs before hitting the road, including helmets and gloves, and must have lights for night riding — one car driver commented: “At night, on poorly lit roads, we can only see bicycles with self-illuminating devices at the rear. Those without any lights or reflectors are usually only noticed when they’re very close, which is extremely dangerous.” Additionally, cyclists should slow down and signal with their hand before turning; sudden sharp turns are not allowed, and overtaking must not obstruct the vehicle being passed. Experts refer to hand signaling while cycling as a “life-saving move” — since bicycles lack turn signals, gesturing to the left or right is essential to avoid rear-end collisions or crashes. Also, the stronger hand should always be used to control the bike. Most people have a stronger right hand, so signaling should be done with the left. From this, it’s clear that reflectors and hand signals can also serve as “guardians of life.”
If you’re cycling for fitness, please avoid busy traffic areas; if you’re a commuting cyclist, please strictly follow traffic rules. Also, note: the newly issued “Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law” clearly state that cycling and other non-motorized vehicle use under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Strictly speaking, this holds the same standard as drunk driving a motor vehicle. Many “knights” find the ban on cycling under the influence surprising and are not ready to accept it. The traffic police are patient: it’s okay not to accept it, but you’ll still face penalties — you’ll get used to it eventually. Furthermore, the new regulations state that “bicycles must adhere to the 15 km/h speed limit.” This has also upset some highly skilled riders. Too bad — speeding makes it easy to lose control and may endanger others. It’s reported that in the United States, bicycles must have reflectors at both the front and back. One city in California even stipulates: those who cycle on scenic riverside paths and exceed 24 km/h will be fined $50, and a second violation will result in a $100 fine. Patrol officers regularly use radar speed guns to monitor cyclists, and those caught speeding will be immediately ticketed.