Helmet and insurance required: how the new Mobility Ordinance affects bicycles and scooters

September 11 was the day marked on the calendar for the entry into force of several ordinances that modify mobility in the city as we knew it until now. On the one hand, the Low Emission Zone, which, although it will have a period of awareness and adaptation, is already operational since this Wednesday. And, on the other hand, the new Mobility Ordinance, whose application has received many complaints from cycling groups. This puts on the table the obligation to wear a helmet to circulate in Zaragoza, but above all the need to take out specific bicycle insurance.

Specifically, the Urban Mobility Ordinance specifies the use of helmets for scooter riders of any age. In the case of bicycles, this is limited to those under 16 years of age. In any case, however, the use of a helmet is always recommended for any cyclist.

Likewise, the need to have the corresponding civil liability guarantee is established. This means that from now on it is mandatory to have specific insurance for the circulation of both scooters and bicycles, which covers possible damages to users and third parties or, failing that, home insurance that covers this contingency. It is very important to bear in mind, in this case, that drivers must carry a copy of the policy at all times in paper or computer format.

OTHER ARTICLES THAT AFFECT BICYCLES

The new Mobility Ordinance also includes other articles that affect bicycles, such as the prohibition of riding on sidewalks, roads or pedestrian zones. They may not ride on lanes or platforms reserved for public transport. They may, for example, pass traffic lights that do not regulate traffic at intersections and only indicate a pedestrian crossing.

In addition, these vehicles must be driven with the approved front and rear lighting devices on at any time of day or night or, failing that, front and rear reflective elements. In the case of VMP vehicles, the regulations are exactly the same.

Among other measures, it is also recalled that minors under 12 years of age who ride bicycles are allowed to ride on sidewalks and pedestrian areas that have not been declared as special protection areas for pedestrians, as long as they are accompanied by an adult on foot and do not exceed 5 kilometers per hour under any circumstances.