Anyone who drives too fast can expect a ticket. Especially if you do that in a place where there is a speed camera. But what happens if you cycle past it too fast? Radio Drenthe presenter René Steenbergen and weatherman Roland van der Zwaag wondered this, because Roland often steps on the pedals at a 30 kilometer sign.
“If I see a sign 30, I think ‘fat finger’ and then I go faster. I go way over that,” the weatherman laughs when René asks him if he ever cycles too fast on his racing bike. Followed by the question: “Can you actually get a fine for that?”
René knew what to do and sent the question to Find out!.
The rules for the maximum speed in traffic are laid down in the ‘traffic rules and traffic signs regulations’. But these speed limits do not apply to cyclists. In principle, you will not receive a fine if you, as a cyclist, go faster than permitted.
There is a maximum speed of thirty kilometers per hour on cycle paths, but that is only for mopeds and disabled vehicles equipped with a motor. As long as you only use your own legs, you can speed past everyone as fast as you want.
There is a ‘but’ attached to it. Yes, you can cycle as fast as you want. But you have to do that safely. If you behave dangerously, an officer can still fine you. Article 5 of the Road Traffic Act states: ‘Everyone is prohibited from behaving in such a way that causes danger on the road’.
And what about that flash? Does it take a photo if you speed past on your bike above the speed limit? Yes, he certainly does. The speed camera registers everything that passes above the maximum speed, so a cyclist who races past is also flashed. You shouldn’t expect a fine, because as long as you don’t have a license plate, they don’t know who you are. And that brings us back to ‘you can go as fast as you want with your own leg power as long as you do it safely’.
An exception applies to speed pedelecs. These are electric bicycles that go up to 45 kilometers per hour, but work solely on leg power (but with firm support). These speed bikes are mopeds by law and therefore also have a yellow license plate. A helmet is mandatory, as is insurance.
With such a bicycle you are allowed a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour on the moped path, you are not allowed on the cycle path. On the normal road you also have to adhere to the applicable speed limit. If you are flashed, you can expect a picture on the mat.
The so-called fat bike is increasingly popular. This is an electric bicycle with fat tires and the appearance is somewhat reminiscent of an old-fashioned moped. A fat bike, just like a regular electric bicycle, can travel up to 25 kilometers per hour and is completely legal. The cyclists’ association does see a problem in that these bicycles can be upgraded in a fairly simple way to reach much higher speeds. Anyone caught riding a souped-up electric bicycle can expect a hefty fine, just like with souped-up mopeds and scooters.
Do you also have a question? Cycle it in!
