6.22. Is it allowed for cyclists to ride in two rows if there are no oncoming vehicles?
UAЧи дозволено велосипедистам рухатися в два ряди, якщо зустрічні транспортні засоби відсутні?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safety of cyclists in general traffic flow and the rules for their positioning on the roadway. Such requirements are important not only for comfort but primarily for reducing the risk of traffic accidents: when cyclists occupy more lane width, it becomes more difficult for drivers behind to safely overtake or pass, and any maneuver requires more time and space.
The question checks the section of the traffic rules regarding the duties of cyclists when riding on the road, specifically clause 6.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. According to this clause, cyclists riding on the roadway must keep as far to the right as possible and ride in a single file. This requirement applies regardless of whether there are oncoming vehicles, as it regulates the organization of movement in the same direction and ensures the possibility of overtaking by faster vehicles.
The analysis of the answer options in the context of the theoretical exam is straightforward: the statement about the possibility of riding side by side in two rows contradicts the direct provision of clause 6.3, and therefore cannot be correct even if the oncoming lane is "empty." At the same time, it is important to distinguish between constant side-by-side riding and short-term overtaking: during overtaking, one cyclist may temporarily move to the left, but after completing the maneuver must return to riding in a single file as far to the right as possible.
Clause 6.3
Cyclists moving on the carriageway must ride as far to the right as possible, in a single file. Riding on the shoulder is allowed if it does not create obstacles for pedestrians.
Explanation of application: the requirement "in a single file" means that riding "two abreast" (side by side) on the carriageway is prohibited regardless of the presence or absence of oncoming vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Shoulder")
Shoulder — an element of the road, structurally separated or marked by a solid line of road marking, directly adjacent to the carriageway, located at the same level with it, and not intended for the movement of vehicles (except in cases provided by these Rules).
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, cyclists on the carriageway are required to ride as far to the right as possible in a single file, and not side by side in two rows.
When cyclists enter the roadway, they become participants in the general flow of traffic and must position themselves so as not to create unnecessary obstacles for other vehicles. That is why the Rules establish a clear procedure for their movement on the road.
Clause 6.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine requires cyclists on the roadway to ride as far to the right as possible and in a single file, that is, one after another. This rule applies regardless of whether there are oncoming vehicles, as it concerns not oncoming passing, but the organization of movement in the same direction.
If cyclists ride in two rows, they occupy more lane width and make it more difficult for faster vehicles to overtake or pass. Even in the absence of oncoming cars, a driver behind needs more space and time to safely bypass such a group, which increases the risk of dangerous proximity and forces other road users to make sudden maneuvers.
It is important to distinguish between riding in two rows and the brief overtaking of one cyclist by another: during overtaking, a cyclist may temporarily move to the left, but constant "side-by-side" riding on the roadway is not allowed by the Rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since according to clause 6.3, cyclists on the roadway must ride in a single file as far to the right as possible, so as not to impede overtaking and passing by faster vehicles.