The dark mornings and nights of autumn are here again. For many cyclists, the darkest time of the year always comes as a surprise. For motorists, a darkly clothed cyclist appearing in front of their car from behind a corner is also a surprise.
In the next few weeks, the police will monitor cyclists in many police department districts, focusing on the condition of bicycles and visibility. In addition, cyclists who have forgotten where bicycling is permitted will be targeted.
The police can issue a EUR 40 summary penal fee to cyclists caught with no lights in traffic during the twilight or dark hours.
Motorists are obliged to give way to cyclists when they have an obligation to give way, indicated by a traffic sign, or when the motorist is turning across an extension to a cycle path. In other cases, the cyclist must always give way.
Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio of the National Police Board reminds cyclists that it is crucial to ensure visibility in traffic when it is dark.
“Cyclists can enhance their visibility by switching the bicycle lights on, ensuring that the bike's reflectors are in order, wearing colourful outfits with reflectors, or a special reflector vest,” Kallio says.
Under Finnish law, bicycles must be equipped with a white or pale yellow front light whenever riding during the twilight or dark hours, as well as reflectors in the front, back and sides. Instead of a fixed front light, a light attached to the cyclist, such as a headlamp, can be used, provided that the light is the same kind of white or pale yellow. A red light may only be used at the rear. Cycling helmets should be worn at all times when riding a bike.
In Finland, every year 27 cyclists on average die in road traffic and 800 are injured in various kinds of accidents.
