200 euro fine per cyclist who crosses the green light
When spring arrives, many leave their car behind to ride a bike, enjoying the sun and fresh air. But, crossing a green traffic light on a bike is not always as simple as it seems.
The Civil Guard has intensified surveillance with the S-13 sign, and cyclists who do not comply may end up with a 200 euro fine. But, which rule is actually being applied?
The S-13 sign and the bicycle: what does the General Traffic Regulations say?
The conflict of crossing a pedestrian crossing with a bicycle
The General Traffic Regulations (GTR) consider the bicycle a vehicle, but when it comes to crossing a pedestrian crossing with the bike, it gets complicated. According to article 65 of the GTR, the pedestrian crossing is exclusive for people on foot, not for mounted cyclists.
This means that the cyclist must get off the bike and cross on foot, pushing it. The regulation leaves no room for interpretation, although many cyclists are unaware of this.
Fines and penalties for non-compliance
Crossing mounted on a bicycle at a pedestrian crossing is a serious offense that carries a 200 euro fine, or 100 euros if paid promptly. The Civil Guard has increased controls to ensure compliance with this rule, especially in areas where the S-13 sign is present.
Priority at pedestrian crossings is for cars, not mounted cyclists, a detail that many overlook and that can end in a penalty.
What do experts and the Civil Guard say about this regulation?
RACE and the official interpretation
RACE experts explain that, although the bicycle is a vehicle, at a conventional pedestrian crossing you must get off and cross on foot. This is a rule to avoid conflicts with vehicles and ensure safety.
The bicycle only has priority if the crossing is specifically marked for cyclists. Otherwise, if you are mounted, the car has priority.
The Civil Guard and intensified controls
In view of the increase in cyclists in cities and on interurban roads, the Civil Guard has reinforced controls to ensure compliance with the GTR and avoid accidents.
Officers remind that ignorance of the rule does not exempt from the fine and that the penalty is justified to preserve road safety.
Other rules and advice for cyclists and pedestrians
Cyclists and right of way
Article 25 of the Traffic Law specifies in which cases a cyclist can have priority over other vehicles, always considering the signage and the specific situation.
It is vital to always respect the rules to avoid conflicts and penalties.
Pedestrians and the bike lane
Pedestrians cannot ride on bike lanes, only cross them at designated points. Walking on the bike lane creates dangerous situations for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Respecting this detail avoids unnecessary risks and possible sanctions.
The reality is that the regulation on pedestrian crossings and cyclists leaves no room for doubt: getting off the bike and crossing on foot is mandatory. The Civil Guard is watching, and the 200 euro fine is very real. So, if you want to avoid problems, better put your foot down before crossing.
