According to the reforms applied to the road code for bicycles, we can say that everything was done solely for the safety of cyclists. Indeed, drivers are required to maintain a distance of 1.50 meters from bicycles when overtaking them, and furthermore, they must yield the right of way to cyclists traveling on adjacent bike lanes.
However, cyclists are also subject to certain rules, such as the mandatory use of a helmet for minors under 18 years of age and for those practicing the sport at a competitive level; furthermore, the bicycle must be equipped with adequate gear:
✅ Brakes: independent for each axle
✅ Lights: white or yellow front and red rear
✅ Reflectors: red rear reflectors and yellow side reflectors (also on pedals)
✅ Bell
Specifically, in case of poor visibility, the cyclist must be equipped with a reflective vest or other reflective objects.
Also, to ensure visibility, a "code" has been established to convey intentions to other road users: arm extended laterally to indicate the direction of the turn, or arm raised upward to communicate a stop.
There are also rules that a good cyclist must follow:
- Always wear a helmet
- Be as visible as possible
- Maintain the bicycle
- Ride on the right
- Do not tow other vehicles
- Respect the road code
- Do not transport animals unless using specific equipment (e.g., carts and trailers)
- Do not look at your mobile phone
- Always keep hands on the handlebars, except when signaling
- If riding in a group, travel in single file
Regarding the 10th point, in fact, an article (182) was established that states: "Cyclists must proceed in single file in all cases where traffic conditions require it, and in any case, never side by side in numbers exceeding two; when riding outside urban centers, they must always proceed in single file, unless one of them is a minor under ten years old and proceeds on the right of the other."
In the event of an accident, there are specific steps to follow, if possible:
- Document the accident with photos and videos
- Find witnesses to film while they recount what they saw
- Call for an ambulance
- Complete a friendly settlement form (constatazione amichevole)
- Contact your lawyer (if you have one)
Technology has been activated to help cyclists ride more safely both on the road and when parking on the street:
An airbag that replaces the helmet, designed in Scandinavia, which constantly calculates the cyclist's movements and activates in 0.1 seconds in case of an anomaly, protecting the head from impact.
A multifunctional tool with a smart handlebar featuring an LED spotlight with customizable color, directional indicators (like motorcycles), and a GPS sensor to always locate the bicycle.
High-tech with a 'smart padlock' to be attached to the rear wheel, which unlocks only via an app and also functions as a tracker and notification center for any type of detection.
Monitors the bicycle and reacts to any attempt at theft or tampering. In case of theft, it notifies the owner via phone call and updates the location on the phone map every 30 seconds.
There are also non-technological security systems, such as the bell: its main function is to warn pedestrians or other cyclists of your approach, allowing them to move aside; or the simple code-locked padlock, which, when attached to the bicycle and locked to specific structures, keeps the vehicle safe.
