34.14. Is a cyclist allowed to ride in a lane for route vehicles designated by the specified road sign?
UAЧи дозволено велосипедисту рухатись смугою для маршрутних транспортних засобів позначеній вказаним дорожнім знаком?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the organization of road traffic and safety on city streets, where separate lanes are allocated for public transport. Such lanes are necessary so that route vehicles can move steadily and not be stuck in the general flow, and so that drivers of other vehicles clearly understand who is allowed to use the designated section.
The question tests knowledge of Section 17 "Movement of Route Vehicles" and Section 33 "Road Signs" of the traffic rules, in particular the meaning of sign 5.11 "Lane for Route Vehicles." It is important to remember: this lane is not "exclusively for buses," since the traffic rules explicitly provide exceptions. According to clause 17.2, on lanes marked with signs 5.8 or 5.11, movement of other vehicles is generally prohibited, but cyclists are among those allowed to use it (as well as route vehicles and taxis, and also mopeds and motorcycles with reservations). The description of sign 5.11 in section 33.5.11 further confirms this permission, and marking 1.27 only indicates that the lane is a "route lane."
The analysis of options in the theoretical exam boils down to a simple rule: the statement about the possibility for a cyclist to use this lane corresponds to the traffic rules, because this is directly stated in clauses 17.2 and 33.5.11. On the other hand, the option about prohibition is a typical mistake, when students perceive the lane under sign 5.11 as closed to everyone except buses, although the traffic rules establish a clear list of permitted users. In practice, this knowledge helps to correctly choose the lane, not violate the requirements of the signs, and not create conflicts with public transport.
Clause 17.2 — 17 “Movement of route vehicles”
On lanes for the movement of route vehicles, marked by road signs 5.8 or 5.11, movement and stopping of other vehicles are prohibited, except for route vehicles, taxis, cyclists, mopeds, and motorcycles (except motorcycles with a sidecar, motor carriages, and three-wheeled vehicles).
Explanation of the application of the clause: this clause directly establishes an exception to the prohibition — cyclists are allowed to move in the lane for route vehicles if it is marked with sign 5.11 (or 5.8).
Clause 33.5.11 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and guiding signs”, sign 5.11 “Lane for route vehicles”
Indicates a lane intended for the movement of route vehicles. Taxis, cyclists, mopeds, and motorcycles (except motorcycles with a sidecar, motor carriages, and three-wheeled vehicles) are also allowed to move in this lane.
Explanation of the application of the clause: sign 5.11 specifically defines the “lane for route vehicles” and indicates that cyclists are allowed to move in it.
Clause 34.1.27 — 34 “Road markings”, 1 “Horizontal markings”, marking 1.27
Indicates a lane intended for the movement of route vehicles.
Explanation of the application of the clause: marking 1.27 additionally duplicates that the lane is a “route lane” (but the permission for cyclists to move in it follows from clause 17.2 and/or the description of sign 5.11).
Thus, the correct answer is “Allowed.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a lane marked with sign 5.11 is a lane for route vehicles, and clause 17.2 directly allows cyclists to move in it (as an exception to the general prohibition for other vehicles).
When sign 5.11 is installed on the road, it indicates that the outermost lane of the carriageway is designated for the movement of route vehicles. This means it is a specially organized lane where general traffic is restricted to ensure stable movement of public transport.
An important nuance is that the lane marked by sign 5.11 is not “bus only.” According to the meaning of this sign, it is explicitly provided that, in addition to route vehicles, other specified road users, including cyclists, are also allowed to use this lane. Therefore, the mere presence of sign 5.11 does not prohibit a cyclist from entering this lane and continuing to ride in it.
In practice, this looks as follows: if a cyclist is riding on a street where the lane for route vehicles is marked on the right with sign 5.11 (often together with corresponding road markings), they have the right to use this lane, provided they comply with general safety requirements and do not obstruct route vehicles and taxis, which are also permitted to use it.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Allowed," since sign 5.11 designates a lane for route vehicles, but the rules also permit cyclists to use this lane.