Cycling Rules In Italy - Globaloptimizer.com

It’s not so much the sheer volume of bikers in Italy that stands out as much as riding is still a common form of transportation for individuals of all ages. In London, it’s uncommon to see an older person riding a bike, yet it frequently happens in Italy. They are undoubtedly the most practical option for navigating the central areas of many Italian towns.

In several European towns, such as Bozen (Bolzano) and Ferrara, where over 25% of the population uses bicycles daily, the percentage of people who do so is among the greatest. Although civic leaders are happy to tout the number of kilometres of cycle lanes in their city, it’s noticeable that the car still rules paradoxically. Even though these cycle lanes are rarely constructed at the expense of the road space designated for the car, Italy has the highest rate of car ownership in all of Europe.

Cycling has lost ground to Calcio (soccer) as Italy’s top sport, but local bike clubs continue to play a significant role in community life.

Get A Roadworthy Bike

It requires specific equipment for bicycles to be roadworthy in Italy before they may be used in vehicular traffic. It all comes down to being able to stop quickly and being visible at night.

These components should be on your bike:

A red backlight and a white front light.
A red reflector in the back and a white reflector up front (which can be integrated with the light)
operational front and rear brakes
a bell
Two orange reflectors per wheel or reflective stripes around each tyre
Each pedal has two yellow reflectors.

What Are The Rules Of Cycling In Italy?

Using The Horn

The fact that some Italian drivers still use their horns as an alarm rather than to signal “get out of my way” is one factor that may take some getting accustomed to. When approaching a blind corner, some drivers, especially in hilly places, will sound the horn (often with a double toot).

However, drivers of large vehicles, such as buses, still frequently utilise this extremely logical politeness and precaution, which is a sad development. Although this may be a bit of a double-edged sword when you first hear the engine’s rumbling, you suddenly hear a loud horn that sounds more like it belongs on the bridge of an oil tanker than a lorry. They are also generally good at sounding their horns as a warning before overtaking. And occasionally, you will run across the guy who believes that honking his horn gives him the right to pass you too closely and quickly.

Bad Habits

However, this does not imply that all Italian drivers are saints; many (maybe even the majority?) continue to use their mobile devices while driving, even though it is against the law.

The motorist who has been patiently (or more likely impatiently) waiting for the opportunity to overtake unexpectedly and chooses to take it, appearing entirely unconscious of the unfortunate rider approaching from the other direction, is one situation to be on the lookout for.

Without a doubt, it doesn’t occur frequently, but when it does, it’s pretty frightful, so you should be aware of it and alert for it.

Regarding poor behaviours, some Italian drivers have the propensity to chuck their trash out the window.

Pedestrian Crossings

The fact that so many vehicles fail to stop at pedestrian crossings is one of Italy’s worst driving aspects. This isn’t a North-South issue. Some of the worst behaviour witnessed has been in the North. Sadly, local newspapers frequently publish tales of pedestrians—often elderly—who have been killed or maimed while crossing at pedestrian crossings. Once more that many drivers exhibit respectful behaviour. For some reason, certain cities appear to be better than others, but this is a widespread issue.

This can make life problematic for you as a cyclist as well. Our advice would be to stop but be aware of situations where you may be at risk from vehicles behind you who may not be expecting you to stop.

Staying Safe And Sane

As cyclists, difficulties could arise more frequently on quiet roads than on crowded ones. You might believe the road is all to yourself on these routes and begin to veer off course on curves. And so do motorcycle riders and incoming vehicles.

Traffic Tactics

We’ve discovered that most vehicles will ignore you if you ride along the side of the road, but if you ride a few metres in, they’ll notice you’re there and realise they need to do a correct passing manoeuvre. It would be best to use common sense, particularly on tight roads and while approaching bends. Although it is advisable never to do this when there is incoming traffic, on quiet roads with minimal oncoming traffic, you can ride for about a metre and then pull over when you hear a car approaching from behind.

When The Going Gets Tough, Pull Over

On a small route, traffic may come in spurts; for instance, a lorry may be followed by many automobiles or other lorries that cannot pass. Sometimes it’s simpler to pull over to the edge for a while and then continue once the rest of the world has passed you by rather than becoming stressed out and buffeted in the slipstream.

Tunnels

You may go a long distance through Italy without crossing a tunnel. Still, it’s essential to be ready for them as they are common in any hilly region, including most of Italy. There is often a method to avoid these because they are on major routes that you would usually avoid otherwise, but occasionally you have to take them.

In tunnels and other low-light situations, you are legally required to wear high-visibility clothes. A backlight that flashes is more practical, but I’d still carry both. Even though the tunnel appears small, it might be tempting to pass by it, but the tunnel frequently ends up being longer and darker than you anticipated. If a car has a nice ample bright light on the back, you won’t have to worry about whether the driver has noticed you when it is approaching you from behind in a dark tunnel.

Cycleways And Cycle Routes

The country’s North and northeast, particularly the Südtirol and Trentino, have the highest concentrations of excellent cycleways suitable for cycle touring. This region of Italy is the one to visit if you want to take a tour primarily on cycle paths with little to no traffic.

Although there are many excellent cycleways, there must be a nationwide network of cycle paths. Despite the valiant efforts of the FIAB national cyclists organisation to promote a national network, local governments often appear to act independently, giving cycleways distinctive names and signage in their communities.

Additionally, they appear to be promoting the cycleways as separate, independent entities since, even though cycleways often have excellent signage, the placards nearly invariably end at the cycleway. Rarely do bicycles have designated on-road routes (although there are notable exceptions in Piemonte and Toscana). Local tourist organisations seldom advertise long-distance routes, preferring to promote cycleways as attractions in and of themselves (for entirely logical reasons).

Signs On Cycleways

There are frequently several signs letting you know that you are on a cycleway. Other signage is much more inconsistent; although it can be excellent in certain regions (like the Mantova region), it can also be quite troublesome in others:

The signage on the eurovelo routes is much more sporadic, while significant routes like the Via Claudia Augusta, München-Venezia, and Ciclovia Alpe-Adria Radweg are well signposted;
The sign will use the regional or local authority’s preferred local name when cycleways are signposted. For the significant cycleways, this is less of an issue, but it still helps to be familiar with the regional names;
A GPS with a detailed Open Street Maps map is required if you’re on routes that use quiet roads.

Cycle lanes and cycleways

There are three types of cycleways:

Although you might find that farmers are permitted to use them to access their fields, dedicated off-road ciclopedonali are intended solely for the use of cyclists and pedestrians.
Cycle lanes that are designated as a separate lane on the road typically have some form of safety.;
a pavement-mounted bike lane

These are the signs:

Cycleway signs

As you can see, the bicycle on the blue background is frequently used to denote a recommended cycle route open to other vehicles.

Warning sign —motor vehicle traffic route on bicycles

We know that using a cycleway or bike lane is not required. The sole restriction we are aware of is that bicycles must stay in “their” lane on routes with separate lanes for them and walkers.

Bicyclists are well-served in several Italian cities. Many physically segregated two-way cycling lanes run parallel to the rest of the road. These are frequently great, but they do have drawbacks, at least from the perspective of a rider unfamiliar with the region.

Switching to the cycle lane is simple if it is on your side of the road (i.e., your right-hand side). Still, if it is on the other side, you may decide whether to cross over and run the risk of discovering that the cycle lane runs out a short distance up the road, necessitating a return crossing.

Pedestrians And Pedestrian Zones

Indication of a pedestrian-only zone Eccetto velocipede denotes that bicycles are exempt from vehicle prohibition.

The abundance of Zona Traffico Limitato, also known as zona pedonale, in Italian towns is one of the best things about cycling there. Only residents (and delivery vehicles, etc.) are permitted in a zone traffico limitato, whereas only pedestrians are allowed in a zone pedonale.

Cycling is frequently permitted in pedestrian zones (look for words like “eccetto velocipede,” which is legalese for “cyclists”)

Practically speaking, the streets in the historic centre of most towns can be very narrow, so if you plan to cycle there, ride slowly, take care, and be ready to get off and push if necessary.

Legal Requirements

The laws governing bicycles are similar to those in other nations. The obligation to wear a high-visibility gilet in tunnels or outside populated areas between dawn and night will be the primary distinction for some readers (strictly speaking, half an hour after dusk and half an hour before dawn). These prerequisites should be considered.

For those who are interested, this is the section of the Codice Stradale that lists the requirements for cyclists:

When traffic conditions demand it, cyclists must ride in single file and never more than two abreast. Except when one of the riders is under ten years old and is riding to the right of the other, they must always ride in single file when travelling outside of major population centres.
Cyclists must always be able to see in front of and to either side of them, make the necessary manoeuvres, and always have their arms and hands-free to control the handlebar with at least one hand.
Except as provided by law, pulling a vehicle is not permitted by cyclists. They cannot be pulled by another vehicle or be in charge of an animal.
When a cyclist may present a hazard or obstacle to pedestrians, they must dismount and walk with their bikes. In these circumstances, they become pedestrians and must behave prudently.
In situations where the bike is built correctly and equipped, cyclists are prohibited from transporting other people on their bikes. An adult may carry a child up to eight if they are properly restrained and using the equipment described in Article 68, Paragraph 5.
Only the driver may ride bicycles designed and licenced for passenger transportation.
Vehicles covered by paragraph 6 are limited to four adults, including the driver, and two children under ten.
The transport of animals is subject to the requirements of Article 170.
Except where prohibited by regulations, cyclists must ride on the cycle lanes or cycleways [piste] designated for them where such facilities exist.
A retro-reflective, high-visibility gilet or bretelle that satisfies the criteria of paragraph 4 of article 16 must be worn by cyclists travelling outside of populated areas between one-half hour after dusk and one-half hour before dawn or travelling through tunnels.2.

Staying Healthy — Hydration And Heat

The abundance of public water fountains is what we like best about Italy. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to bring a lot of water. If you have one water bottle cage, consider adding another or finding another method of water transportation. Consider purchasing larger water bottles if you currently use smaller ones.

Replace your plastic water bottles with stainless steel double-wall bottles instead. These had kept my water cool even on days when my bike was scorching to the touch. They are worth the slight increase in weight.

We believe that taking steps to prevent cramps is equally essential. Electrolyte pills should be kept on hand. I can avoid sports drinks loaded with sugar and ingredients, which appear to work.

Jars of Isostar powder mix are commonly available in supermarkets, so you may save money (and avoid throwing away plastic bottles) if you still drink sports drinks.

Riding In The Heat

Be aware of the dangers of biking in weather exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (i.e. mid-eighties and above). Our suggestions are:

Make the most of the cooler morning hours by getting going early.;
Avoid steep ascents early in the afternoon.;
Take breaks to rest in the shade to keep cool.;
Expect to travel fewer miles than you would in the cooler months.;
Go high; every 1000 metres of altitude results in a 6-degree drop in temperature.
It’s also a great time to ride in the late afternoon and early evening, but it’s essential to have a good set of lights in case you need to get where you’re going in time for sunset.

First-Aid And Medicines

The majority of the supplies in a first-aid kit are meant to treat minor injuries rather than life-threatening situations. Examples include removing splinters and thorns, bandaging blisters, and treating infected mosquito bites.

In Italy, over-the-counter medications can be highly pricey (e.g. 5 euros for a few aspirins). Plasters and comparable products are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets.

Staying Sane: Mosquitoes

The Zanzibari is among the worst aspects of riding in Italy in the summer (mosquitoes). Mosquitoes may be found almost anywhere, although they are more common along rivers and lakes and up to an altitude of about 800 metres.

The worst periods of the day are early in the morning and evening. Here are my suggestions for keeping mosquitoes from turning you into a meal.

Avoid the temptation to lounge around in your riding attire at the end of the day by covering up in the evenings with long-sleeved tops and pants.;
Put on socks to protect your feet and ankles;
You don’t want to spend the night with a hungry mosquito, so keep your inner tent as tightly closed as possible.

Travel Insurance

It makes perfect sense to purchase travel insurance for you and your bike. Without it, we wouldn’t leave.

How To Lock Your Bike In Italy

Since riding is so every day in Italy, bike theft is also common. Your bike must be secured with a high-quality lock against a bike rack, light pole, traffic sign pole, or another object to avoid theft in the first place.

Get Bicycle Theft Insurance

You should consider getting bicycle theft insurance if you have invested in a high-quality bike and would only be able to replace it after it was stolen. If you recently purchased or plan to purchase a high-quality bike, they are affordable and worth the investment.

Do You Need A Bicycle License In Italy

No, you cannot ride a traditional bicycle in Italy without a license.

Is It compulsory To Wear A Helmet When Cycling In Italy?

No, in Italy, it is not a requirement to wear a helmet when riding a regular bike.

Rules For Motorised Bicycles (E-Bike And Pedelec) In Italy

From a legal perspective, an e-bike and a pedelec are very different.

An auxiliary electronic motor on a pedelec (electric pedal cycle) assists you as you ride up hills or against headwinds. Only when you pedal does the electric motor operate.

Since an e-bike (electronic bicycle) has an electronic motor that runs without your pedalling, it is no longer regarded as a bicycle. It is instead classified as a motorised cycle.

In Italy, e-bikes can go at a top speed of 25 km/h on major roads, but they are restricted to 6 km/h on pedestrian paths. 500 W is the highest motor power permitted.

You must be at least 14 years old to ride an e-bike.

Riders between the ages of 14 and 18 must wear a helmet.

A driver’s licence or insurance is not required.

General Rules

Here is a list of e-bike riders’ best general practices.

Keep to the right side of the road in a bike lane or designated area.
Please signal your turns to other cars.
Always keep one hand on the handlebars at all times.
When they are available, use the bike lanes.
If not, your nation must have laws defining where you should ride in their place.
With your e-bike, avoid pulling or pushing any objects.
You are a pedestrian if you ride your electric bike on foot.
This means that, if necessary, you may use the sidewalk.

What To Do In Case Of An Bike Accident?

In case you get into an accident while cycling, you should follow these steps:

Protect the accident site and assist the injured.
If you have serious injuries, dial 112 to get an ambulance.
Call the police if anyone has been hurt or if there is a chance that someone has been hurt but doesn’t show up for a few days (like back pain). If there is a disagreement among the persons involved over how the accident happened, you should notify the police.
Please take pictures of the accident scene and other vehicles involved, including their license plates.

Try to clean up the accident scene if there are only minor damages and injuries so that traffic can continue.
Any witnesses should have their names, phone numbers, and addresses noted.

Together with the other party involved, fill out an accident report form (typically carried by automobiles or the police). This form is not an admission of guilt; rather, it is intended to gather essential information on the cyclists and the automobile driver, including their names, residences, licence plate numbers, liability insurance information, and phone numbers, if any.

If your bicycle sustains damage, seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. If your bike sustained significant damage, you should have a professional estimate of the cost of repairs.

You should speak with a lawyer to assist you with settlement and compensation if you have been hurt. The worst-case scenario is one in which legal insurance might be beneficial.