The owners of the so-called Fixie bikes have to make some changes to adapt to the General Vehicle Regulations in Spain
Article 22 of the General Regulations of Vehicles in Spain states that in order for a bicycle to be ridden on public roads, it must have an adequate braking system acting on the front and rear wheels, a bell and the use of any other device is prohibited. other than those. In addition
to circulate at night They must have front and rear light, rear, side and pedal reflectors.
A regulation that users of this type of vehicle are not well aware of and which could also limit the circulation of fashionable bicycles,
Fixie calls. Also called fixed gear bikes, they have a single gear, a fixed gear and no neutral, so you only have to drive forward, brake and reverse using the pedals.
That is, they have no brakes on either of the two wheels, as they brake with their feet, stop pedaling, or pedal backwards, operating the pedals on the rear wheels to stop their movement.
Bearing in mind that the Fixie bike does not include brakes as such, it would be illegal,
although they pose no risk for road safety because it does have a braking system.
To be able to use a Fixie bicycle without any problems, it is therefore advisable to mount a brake on the front wheel to avoid fines.
According to reports from Mapfre, Fixie bicycles were destined to disappear after their appearance in 1880, but their aesthetic was the main claim for a group of users who began using them as a means of transportation.
to move around the cityespecially in New York and London. But also from a road safety point of view, doubts have arisen about its legality.
For the insurer’s experts, in Spain, it is necessary to comply with the General Regulations for Vehicles in order to run a bicycle on public roads. This standard states that «to be able to circulate, the bicycles must have: an adequately functioning braking system
on front and rear wheels, and a bell, which prohibits the use of any acoustic device other than that. Taking into account the simplicity of fixie bikes and the fact that they do not contain a brake as such, they would border on illegality. “Despite this, the structure does not really pose a risk to road safety, as the bicycle can be stopped by performing the movement known as a counter pedal acting on the rear wheel, which in these cases is the motor,” they add from Mapfre.
The explanation is that the
Highway code requires a braking system on both wheels. It is clear that with the Fixie we brake with the rear wheel, but the front wheel would be missing, which is included to comply with Code requirements.
Despite these doubts about its legality, this type of bicycle has a number of important advantages for the user. One is that they require minimal maintenance and are the best option for many users to get around in urban environments, especially when the terrain is flat and short journeys are made.
The speed that can be achieved with them it is higher than on a conventional bicycle.
The Fixie also offers more freedom of movement, as you can go forward and backward by simply moving the pedals in that direction. But go this way
requires more technique and balance compared to conventional bicycles. they also require more concentration, reflexes and responsiveness.
Bicycle insurance is not mandatory; There is currently no law requiring this. But if it is recommended, especially in the event of a traffic accident or before the possibility of causing damage to third parties. According to reports from Mapfre, the necessary documentation comes with a bike insurance policy
doesn’t differ too much than is necessary for other types of insurance. In most cases, however, it is essential to present proof of purchase for the bicycle and to justify other details in order to establish the limit of the possible reimbursement.
Despite the fact that many cyclists are not aware of it, the bell is mandatory. Not taking it on the bike will result in a fine of 80 euros. It is a mandatory item. No other type of system is also valid
a horn, bell, etc. You are not allowed to use your mobile phone in any way while cycling. If you want to use it, you have to stop the march. Headphones or hands-free are also prohibited. They limit your hearing and significantly reduce your ability to react in the event of an unforeseen event. The fine for using a mobile phone or headphones can be up to 200 euros.
Seeing is just as important as being seen on a bike. Driving through underpasses or tunnels at night can be dangerous. The DGT says it has to
install a white position light at the front of the bicycle. At the rear a red position light and a non-triangular reflector of the same colour.
The helmet is mandatory when driving on interurban roads and for children under the age of 16 on any type of road. The helmet must be approved and its use is only exempt for medical reasons. The fine for violating this rule is up to 200 euros.
Driving any type of vehicle after consuming alcohol is prohibited, as it is for any other type of vehicle.
The maximum allowed rates they are the same as for drivers in general (0.5 g/l alcohol in blood or 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air). In the case of minors, no positive alcohol percentage is allowed, always have to give 0.0.
Cyclists must also know and follow the rules. For example, crossing a zebra crossing without getting off the bike is punishable by 200 euros. no
riding on the shoulder When this can be done safely, there is a fine of 200 euros and the use of the mobile phone, even if only the browser, is fined 200 euros.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
