Pedal and low-powered cycles are governed by regulations issued in 2004 which provide, among other things, how the cycles and their drivers need to be registered, that cyclists have to wear a helmet, and that they must drive/pedal with the flow of traffic.
Two persons died recently in accidents involving motorised bicycles, one of them last Tuesday, leading many people to wonder whether regulations exist for such activities.
The Pedal and Low-Powered Cycles Regulations 2004 lay down that no one may ride a power assisted cycle, including a pedelec, on a public road unless it is registered with the Transport Authority.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and they must undergo a theory test to satisfy the Authority that they have 'some knowledge' of the Highway Code.
Power assisted cycle must feature a plate showing the name of the manufacturer, the nominal voltage in the case of an electric motor and the continuous rated output.
The power assisted cycle must also have an identification number stamped on the frame, an effective braking system, a bell or horn and front and rear lights.
Riders are required to wear a bicycle helmet and they cannot drive at night unless they wear reflective strips or a reflective vest.
The regulations say that no one may ride a pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle along a promenade, in a pedestrian subway, in road tunnels or on footpaths.
Pedal cycles may be ridden, with prudence, on footpaths along bypasses, with a speed limit of not more than 6KM per hour and giving way to pedestrians. In any case, small pedal cycles may be ridden on footpaths and promenades by children
aged under 12 years.
When riding a pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle on a road, a person has to keep to the nearside left of the road as possible in the direction of traffic except on the approach to an intersection.
Any person who rides any pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle on a road has to observe and abide by all traffic regulations.
The regulations say that it is an offence for more than one person to ride, or be
carried on, a pedal cycle or a power assisted cycle unless the said vehicle is adapted to carry more than one person.