NoIn recent years, bicycles have taken on an increasingly central role in urban mobility, offering an ecological and healthy alternative to traditional means of transport. It is also true, however, that particularly in large cities, using two wheels has also become very dangerous, for the lack of attention and respect of both cyclists and motorists. To encourage the spread of this beautiful means of transport, but above all to guarantee greater safety for cyclists, from 14 December, the latter will have to deal with a Traffic Laws renovated. Law no. 177 of 25 November 2024, made some changes that affect several crucial aspects of two-wheel traffic.
Change the Highway Code for bicycles
One of the most significant innovations concerns overtaking: Motorists, when road conditions permit, will now have to maintain a lateral distance of at least 1.5 meters when overtaking a cyclist. This measure, essential for the safety of cyclistsoffers them greater space to maneuver and reduces the risk of accidents caused by risky overtaking.
You don’t go on the lanes reserved for buses
Goodbye to bicycles that zigzag between buses: the new law expressly prohibits the circulation of cyclists on lanes reserved for public transport. This decision, aimed at smoothing traffic and preventing potentially dangerous situationshighlights the importance of a clear separation between different modes of transport.
Sustainable mobility changes the rules to increase the safety of all bicycles traveling through cities (Getty Images)
Pedal side by side
On urban cycle streets, on cycle/pedestrian routes and in cycle zones, those who use bicycles will finally be able to pedal side by side without restrictions. The previous rule, which required single file in most cases, is thus softened in dedicated contexts, encouraging sociality and communication between those who choose the bicycle.
Bicycles always visible
Cycling safety also depends on good visibility. Because of this, the new legislation extends the obligation to keep their side lights on to cyclists not only at nightbut also in conditions of poor daytime visibility, such as in case of fog, heavy rain or inside tunnels. A simple but effective measure to make cyclists more visible to other road users.
Free location in cycle areas
In cycle areas, in urban cycle streets and in cycle zones, cyclists will have greater freedom of positioning on the road. The obligation to keep as close as possible to the right marginvalid in other contexts, does not apply in these spaces dedicated to cycling mobility.
Caution and respect for bicycles
The new law, in addition to introducing specific rules, calls all road users, motorists and cyclists, to responsibility and mutual respect. In pedestrian areas, urban cycle streets and cycle zones, motorists will have to pay particular attention to pedestrians and cyclistsobserving the rules of precedence and adopting prudent driving. On cycle lanes delimited by a discontinuous stripe, motor vehicles must always give precedence to bicycles.
Red light? In the landing area you can change direction
A final innovation concerns the cycle areas at the traffic lights: during the red phase, cyclists will be able to change direction within this area without having to report the maneuver. However, it is important to remember that the obligation to signal a change of direction or lane remains valid in other contexts.
Better coexistence on the road
The new rules introduced by law no. 177/2024 they represent a step forward towards greater safety for cyclists and better coexistence between different modes of transport. Knowledge and respect for these rules by all road users is essential to create a safer and more harmonious circulation environment. Which is very useful, given that the number of cyclists involved in road accidents in Italy has grown worryingly.
The silent massacre of cyclists
A phenomenon, often described as a real “silent massacre”the result of an intertwining of responsibilities and unresolved problems. From distracted drivers, to infrastructures that seem designed to exclude, rather than welcome, those who choose to move in a sustainable way.
From the poor culture of sharing the road compared to other European countries, up to the imprudent behavior of some cyclists, which contributes significantly to increasing the risk. In short, a context where the role of institutions would be fundamental. But, so far, responses have been slow and often insufficient due to the lack of a clear and courageous vision on sustainable mobility.
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