6.5. In which case is a cyclist prohibited from riding on the carriageway?
UAУ якому випадку велосипедисту заборонено рухатися проїзною частиною?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning cyclist safety and the proper choice of where to ride on the road. The logic of the traffic rules is simple: where separate infrastructure has been created for bicycles, the cyclist must use it to minimize conflicts with cars, overtaking, and dangerous maneuvers near intersections and exits.
The question tests knowledge of Section 6 "Cyclist Movement," specifically clause 6.6 (b), which prohibits entering the carriageway if there is a bicycle path in the same direction nearby (by definition, a bicycle path is indicated by sign 4.14). That is why the option about the presence of an equipped bike path is the only correct one: in such a situation, riding alongside on the carriageway is not allowed, even if it seems "more convenient" or "faster." This is a typical topic for the theoretical exam, where the priority of specially designated road elements is often tested.
The other answer options do not meet the requirements of the Traffic Rules: narrowing of the carriageway by itself is not a reason to prohibit a cyclist from riding on it (in the absence of a bike path/bike lane, it is allowed to ride further to the right). And the combined option with two reasons becomes incorrect because it contains a false statement about "narrowing" as a separate prohibition. In practice, this means: if there is a bike path or bike lane nearby (marked with the appropriate signs), the cyclist must use it, and the carriageway is used only when such elements are absent.
Clause 6.6 b) (Section 6 "Movement of Cyclists")
On motorways and roads for motor vehicles, traffic is organized at speeds not lower than 40 km/h, therefore cyclists are prohibited from entering such roads. To ensure the safety of cyclists, they are prohibited from entering the carriageway if there is a bicycle path nearby that goes in the desired direction of the cyclist's movement.
Explanation of application: if there is an equipped bicycle path next to the carriageway in the required direction, the cyclist is obliged to use it, and movement on the carriageway in this case is prohibited by this clause.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Bicycle path")
Bicycle path — a paved path intended for cycling, marked with road sign 4.14.
That is, the correct answer is "If there is an equipped bicycle path nearby," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a cyclist is prohibited from moving on the carriageway when there is a bicycle path in the required direction nearby (clause 6.6 b).
When riding a bicycle, it is important to understand that the carriageway is primarily intended for the movement of motor vehicles. Therefore, the Traffic Rules provide cyclists with a separate, safer infrastructure, and establish a rule of priority: if there is a specially designated place for cycling, it should be used.
According to clause 6.6 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a cyclist is prohibited from entering the carriageway when there is a bicycle path nearby, the direction of which coincides with where you intend to go. The logic is simple: the bicycle path separates the cyclist from the flow of cars, reduces the risk of collisions during overtaking, maneuvers, and at intersections, and also makes movement more predictable for all road users.
In practice, it looks like this: you are riding down the street, and to the right along the road there is a bicycle path (its presence is usually indicated by the appropriate road sign). If your route coincides with its direction, you must ride on this path, not on the adjacent carriageway. Even if the carriageway is wide or it seems “more convenient” to you, this does not give you the right to ignore the bicycle path.
Thus, the correct answer is "If a bicycle path is equipped nearby," since the Traffic Rules require the cyclist to use the bicycle path in the same direction and prohibit riding on the carriageway in such a case.