The Yucatán state government publishes new traffic rules for cyclists
A new set of rules outlining the rights and obligations of cyclists in Yucatán has been published online.
According to state authorities, the new rules are designed to protect the safety of cyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike.
Under these new rules, cyclists are obliged to respect the indications of authorities such as traffic officers and obey all signage.
The rule has been made explicit to cyclists after motorists have long complained that people on bicycles often ignore traffic signs and conduct themselves in a reckless manner.
Cyclists must also now keep to lanes designed for their use and obey the direction of traffic. This means that cyclists will not be permitted to cycle on sidewalks, except for children under 8.
Earlier: A confused public is driven mad by Mérida’s new bike lanes
It is also now explicitly illegal to operate a bicycle when under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that may impair judgment.
Cyclists will only be allowed to carry one additional passenger and are prohibited from hanging on to motor vehicles as a means to build up speed.
The new rules also do away with some previous requirements. For example, cyclists are now no longer obliged to wear reflective vests or equip their bicycles with front facing lights.
The rulebook distinguishes between two types of bicycle lanes. Those which are delineated only with paint are referred to as ciclocarriles, and those that are enclosed by physical boundaries are called ciclovías. However, the use of both is mandated only for vehicles that use human propulsion. This detail is interesting as any person using a human-powered vehicle, such as a skateboard, could be allowed to use these lanes.
Yellow parallel lines indicate spaces where a cyclist should be given the right of way while parking spaces are enclosed in white.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
