Netlujkovucycling every day: a guide for adults and children

An independent guide to everyday cycling. Not connected with politics, politicians, parties or the authorities, not a shop or a repair workshop, and not connected with the former website on this domain.

Sections

Guide sections

The guide is divided into four topics that cover almost everything an everyday cyclist comes across. First, the rules: where you may ride and how to behave around pedestrians and cars. Next, safety and visibility. The third topic is about looking after your bike, and the fourth is about children who are just learning to ride or already ride on their own.

The rules for cyclists are shorter than people tend to think, and bike care is simpler than it looks in a workshop. The key is to know a few basics and not to put off small checks until later.

— Editors' view

The sections include only what you can do yourself, without special tools and without risk to yourself or others. Everything about the rules is checked against the text of the Russian traffic rules (rules differ by country, so check your local ones), and where a mechanic is needed, we say so plainly.

Rules

A cyclist is a full road user and has duties of their own. Here are the main ones in plain words.

  • Where an adult rides

    Cyclists over 14 should ride on cycle paths and cycle lanes, and if there are none, at the right edge of the road or, in certain cases, on the shoulder or sidewalk.

  • Pedestrian crossing

    Why you walk your bike alongside you over the roadway at a crossing, and how to avoid getting in pedestrians' way on the sidewalk.

  • Types of paths

    How a cycle path differs from a shared cycle-pedestrian path, and what a cycle lane and a pedestrian zone are.

Safety

Others need to see you and understand you. Lights, reflectors, a helmet and clear hand signals take care of most of it.

  • Lights in the dark

    When front and rear lights are required, and why it is worth switching them on at dusk rather than in full darkness.

  • Helmet and protection

    How a helmet should sit on your head, when it is time to replace it, and what clothing helps in cool and rainy weather.

  • Hand signals

    How to signal a turn or a stop in advance so that drivers and other cyclists understand your intentions.

Care

A clean chain, properly inflated tyres and working brakes: three things that determine both comfort and safety.

  • Getting ready for the season

    A step-by-step spring check of your bike with sample cases and a checklist at the end.

  • Chain and lubrication

    How to tell the chain needs attention, what to clean it with, and why too much lube does as much harm as too little.

  • Storage and theft protection

    Where to keep your bike in winter, how to lock it securely outdoors, and why you should note the frame serial number.

Children

The rules set aside separate places for children to ride depending on their age. It helps parents to know these limits in advance.

  • Guides

    How to get your bike ready for the season: what to prepare, steps with sample cases, mistakes and a checklist. Plus the article catalogue.

  • Questions

    Short answers on where you may ride, how to cross the road, how to care for the chain and where children can ride.

  • Collections

    Reading routes: your first season riding in town, cycling with a child, autumn rides at dusk.

  • Reference

    Glossary: types of paths, pedestrian zone, hand signals, frame, drivetrain, brakes, tyre, seasonal service.

Sources

  • Road Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation, sections 19 and 24

Information on the rules follows the text of the Russian traffic rules as of the date the material was prepared; it is worth checking the current version before you ride, and riders elsewhere should check their local traffic rules. Care tips are general: if your bike's manual says otherwise, follow the manual, and leave complex repairs, especially brakes, to a mechanic.