A comment on the government’s permission for cyclists to cross crossings: it will be clearer and safer



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On Wednesday, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft Road Safety Law registered in the Seimas, according to which the driver of a bicycle or motorcycle can cross the road. After receiving the Government’s conclusion, the Seimas will consider and vote on the project.

“The position of the Ministry of Transport and Communications was stated by the Minister that we still have events related to cyclists at crossings.” I believe that the rule of law is to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and car drivers alike.

Therefore, the proposed legal regulation of the initiators of the law should bring more security. In either case, cyclists would be forced to stop in front of the crosswalk, make sure it is not safe to disturb pedestrians and other road users, pass them, and then be able to cross the crosswalk.

Until a final decision is made and all municipalities install and mark the maximum bicycle paths that cross the road at crosswalks, this proposal is relevant.

It will definitely bring more clarity and security than now. Because cyclists continue to travel in violation of the rules and breach of crosswalks, “the prime minister told reporters after the government meeting.

During the Government meeting, the Minister of Transport and Communications J. Narkevičius proposed to reject this proposal due to security.

“The position of the ministry does not change: we do not support the bill, which proposes to allow cyclists to cross the road at crosswalks.

The crosswalk is an element of the organization of traffic intended exclusively for pedestrians, pedestrians must feel safe in the crosswalk and legislators must ensure their safety, “said J. Narkevičius, but the Prime Minister noted during the meeting that the opposite will happen and that accidents will decrease because traffic at crossings will be regulated.

According to the Minister of Transport and Communications, in 2017 there were 27 collisions involving pedestrians at crosswalks, one person died, in 2018 – 25 collisions, in 2019 – 37 collisions.

Environment Minister Kęstutis Mažeika stated that the Environment Ministry supports the amendments: “The common goal of all of us is to make cyclists feel safe. The goal is to encourage cycling and as many people as possible to use bicycles. “

The project presented by Seimas members belonging to different factions of the group allows the driver of a bicycle or motorcycle to cross the road in a regulated and unregulated crosswalk while riding a bicycle or motorcycle.

When a bicycle enters an unregulated crosswalk, the motorcycle rider must stop, jump vehicles on the roadway, start driving only when he is convinced that his actions will not force other road users to change direction, and speed.

Quarantine lifted in Lithuania

Due to the spread of coronavirus infection, the quarantine regime was in effect in the country for three months, from March 16 to June 16.

Although the quarantine has ended in Lithuania, specialists from the Ministry of Health recommend continuing to take care of personal and environmental hygiene and use nose and mouth protectors on public transport, events in closed public spaces and other places where it is not possible to maintain a safe distance. Between people.

It is also recommended to postpone personal celebrations if possible, and if they are organized anyway, it is advisable to limit yourself to those closest to you. The celebrations are not open to people with signs of upper respiratory tract infections or those who require isolation.

Experts still advise postponing unnecessary domestic and international travel. And in preparation for the trip, assess the epidemic situation of coronavirus infection in that country and the need for the trip and the risk of a possible quarantine (isolation).

Special care should be taken with people with chronic diseases and the elderly, who are more likely to develop serious and serious complications. They must continue to maintain a safe distance from others, restrict access to meeting places (pharmacies, stores, events, etc.) and use remote medical care. Also carefully follow personal and environmental hygiene.

If you have been in close contact with a person infected with a coronavirus, you should continue to isolate yourself and monitor your health for 14 days. If at least one of the signs of an acute viral respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.) occurs within two weeks, call the Coronavir hotline at 1808 immediately.

As has been the case so far, a safe distance must be maintained: in cafes and restaurants, the distance between tables is still two meters. From Wednesday, up to 700 spectators can participate in events held in open spaces, and up to 150 in closed spaces. From July 1 to 16, these numbers will be higher, up to 1,000 and 200 viewers, respectively.

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