Legal Obligations When Cycling in Poland:

Spring is the time when cyclists massively take to the roads and bike paths. The switch to daylight saving time and the increasingly higher sun make the days longer, creating favorable weather conditions for cycling. The bicycle is undoubtedly one of the best means of transport in the city. It helps avoid traffic jams and allows for quick travel from one place to another. It’s not surprising that many food delivery companies such as Uber Eats, Wolt, Pyszne.pl, or Glovo use bicycles as a mode of transport for their employees. This type of work is also extremely popular among foreigners coming to Poland for earning purposes.

However, it’s important to remember that to cycle, one must know the traffic rules and have a properly equipped bicycle. This is particularly important in the city, where traffic is much heavier than in non-urbanized areas. Cyclists must obey the traffic rules just like every other participant. Bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to similar regulations as cars, motorcycles, or mopeds. It is also important that the bicycle is properly equipped. This not only helps avoid penalties but also ensures the safety of the cyclist and other road users.

In Poland, the mandatory equipment for bicycles is regulated by law. The necessary equipment for bicycles is specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment.

What must every bicycle have? Mandatory bicycle equipment:

Mandatory equipment for a bicycle includes:

• At least one front light of white or yellow color, emitting a steady or flashing light, mounted at a height of 25 to 150 cm above the road surface;
• At least one red rear reflector light, of a shape other than a triangle;
• At least one red rear light, emitting a steady or flashing light;
• At least one effectively working brake;
• A bell or another warning signal with a non-scary sound;
• Turn signals – only if the design of the bicycle prevents the cyclist from signaling intentions to change the direction of travel or lane by extending an arm.

The basic equipment of a bicycle does not have to be permanently mounted. Lights on a bicycle are required only from dusk till dawn, so during the day, the absence of lights does not result in a fine. The only light that must be permanently on the bicycle is the rear red reflector light. Other lights can be detachable lamps powered by batteries or accumulators.

Additional (non-mandatory) bicycle equipment:

To further enhance road safety, it is worth equipping oneself and the bicycle with a few useful items:

• A bicycle helmet – protects the head in the event of an accident;
• A front white reflector light;
• Additional reflective elements: tires or wheels with a reflective strip around the entire circumference, yellow lights in the pedals, and side-mounted lights on the spokes;
• A reflective vest or reflective bands – like no other item of clothing, they increase our visibility on the road;
• A lock/block for the bicycle – secures the bicycle against theft and deters potential thieves;
• Bicycle insurance – provides not only reimbursement for the costs associated with the theft of your bicycle but also compensation related to a collision or accident;
• A mirror – a very useful gadget when performing maneuvers.

Employees of Uber Eats, Wolt, Pyszne.pl, and Glovo must also remember about safety when transporting food. Therefore, they should have special bags or backpacks that not only keep the food at the right temperature but above all allow it to be delivered intact, ensuring the comfort and protection of the deliverer.

What are the penalties for lacking mandatory equipment?

The regulations clearly state that the penalty for lacking the proper equipment on a bicycle can be up to 500 PLN. However, it is not specified in detail how much it will be depending on the missing element. In practice, therefore, a fine for lacking a bell on a bicycle may be the same as for not having other mandatory equipment.

In summary, cycling in the city is an excellent way to avoid traffic jams and quickly move from one place to another. Uber Eats, Wolt, Pyszne.pl, and Glovo couriers, who use bicycles to deliver food, should remember to obey traffic rules and safely transport food. The bicycle should be properly equipped according to Polish law.

We encourage you to read our other blog articles and to benefit from our knowledge and experience in other formal-legal areas related to your legal stay and work in Poland.

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