6.20. Is it also permitted for motorcycles to travel on a bicycle lane?
UAВелосипедна смуга дозволяє також рух мотоциклів по ній?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the proper allocation of space on the roadway among different road users. Bicycle infrastructure is created to separate cyclists from the general traffic flow, reduce conflicts, and increase the predictability of maneuvers, so understanding its purpose is important for everyone taking the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of terms and definitions in the traffic rules, specifically point 1.10 (the term "Bicycle lane"). By definition, a bicycle lane is a specially designated space on the roadway intended specifically for cyclists and visually separated from general lanes by markings. Therefore, mechanical vehicles such as motorcycles do not have the right to use it just because it is located on the roadway.
The mistake in the "Yes" option lies in equating a bicycle lane with a regular traffic lane: a motorcycle cannot use it to bypass a traffic jam or for "faster" travel. The "No" option is correct, since according to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a bicycle lane is intended for cyclists, while motorcycles and other vehicles must use the general lanes of the roadway, following the requirements of signs and markings, which are usually repeated after intersections until the end of the lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Bicycle lane")
A bicycle lane is a space on the roadway that is designated for the movement of cyclists and visually separates cyclists from motor vehicle traffic. Bicycle lanes are recommended to be arranged on moderately busy streets with significant bicycle traffic. Bicycle lanes are a visible, quick, and flexible solution for use on existing roads, requiring only the application of road markings. A bicycle lane can be an alternative to a bicycle path when there is a lack of road space, but only where sufficient safety can be ensured.
Explanation of application: since a bicycle lane, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, is designated specifically for the movement of cyclists, it is not a lane for motorcycles (as mechanical vehicles).
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the bicycle lane is designated (intended) for the movement of cyclists, not for the movement of motorcycles.
A bicycle lane is a part of the roadway specifically designated for the movement of cyclists. It is created precisely to separate bicycle traffic from general vehicle traffic and to increase road safety.
Since the purpose of the bicycle lane is clearly defined as a place for cyclists to travel, other vehicles do not have the right to use it just because it is on the roadway. A motorcycle is a motor vehicle and must travel in the general lanes of the roadway, not in the designated bicycle lane.
In practice, this means: if there is a bicycle lane marking on the right and the corresponding sign is installed, a motorcyclist cannot "occupy" this lane to bypass a traffic jam or to travel faster. It is reserved for cyclists, and after intersections, its validity is usually confirmed by repeating the sign until the end of the lane.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No," since the bicycle lane is intended for cyclists, and motorcycles must travel in the general lanes of the roadway.