NOV. 9, 2018

Road sharing law came into force this Sunday

The new law, which amends the transit law, establishes rights and responsibilities for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. The main changes in the law are related to use of the sidewalk, advanced stop lines, speed limits and reflective clothing for cyclists.

The new Law on Coexisting Modes (of Transport) –better known as the Road Sharing Law- came into force this Sunday, November 11th. It aims to regulate use and the relationships between different vehicles, especially non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles. The law regulates where these vehicles can and cannot circulate, the minimum distance between cyclists and motor vehicles, equipment and advanced stop lines.

The objective of the law is to position all modes of transportation on an equal basis, equalizing use of the road space and thus preventing arguments about who has the right of way as people travel across the city.

The final draft of the law was approved by the Senate in early March 2018, and has  since received active support from more than 100 cyclist organizations and pedestrians who have been victims of traffic accident.

 

What are the main changes in the Law?

 

Sidewalk use:

The law emphasizes that bicycles –including those that are motorized– along with skateboards, skates and scooters must ride on bike lanes (where they exist) or on the road..

The following exceptions are allowed to ride on the sidewalk: adults on bicycles accompanying children under 7 years of age, unaccompanied children under 14, as well as people with disabilities and senior citizens.

Exceptions are also made when lighting or weather conditions impede compliance with the general rule of riding on the road or bike lane, in which case, cyclists are authorized to ride on the sidewalk.

Fines for those who violate the law range from 10,000 to 24,000 Chilean pesos.

 

Regulations on cyclist equipment:

The law establishes the obligation of cyclists to have head and tail lights on the bicycle, wear reflective clothing and use seats and restraint mechanisms for minors, noting the obligation to uphold minimum standards for these seats and carriages.

 

Minimum distance:

The new regulations set a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when passing a cyclist, thus making it safer for them to ride on the road.

 

Bike lane standards:

The law establishes that the Transport and Telecommunications Ministry can establish and certify minimum technical, performance, operating and safety conditions for bike lanes. The law also aims to make bike lane standards uniform throughout the country. Those lanes that do not meet the standards must make the improvements within three years.

 

Reduced speed limits in residential areas:

Municipalities will be empowered to implement reduced speed limits in residential areas with high foot traffic and in areas adjacent to schools. Speed limits (e.g. 30 kph) may be set in these areas to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Advanced stop lines (motorcycles and bicycles):

Municipalities will be able to create Advanced Stop Lines for motorcycles and cyclists. These stopping areas before a pedestrian cross walk are exclusively for motorcycles/bicycles and enable them to position themselves ahead of other vehicles at a red light and get a head start when the light turns green.

The law also allows bicycles and motorcycles to pass vehicles on their way to the advanced stop lines, as long as they are stationary.

 

Road Safety and the driver’s test:

The theoretical test includes information on roadway behavior, which is addressed through road sharing and safety, so that drivers are better prepared and drive with more respect for pedestrians and cyclists.