Where am I allowed to cycle?
Conditional: cycle on a bike lane or the right edge of the road — not the pavement. Under Law 5209/2025: use the bike lane where it exists, otherwise the right-hand edge of the carriageway, with the flow of traffic. A helmet is mandatory only for children under 12; for adults it's recommended, not compulsory. Children under 12 wear a helmet and are accompanied by someone 16+. Riding two abreast is banned (single file only). Required: bell, front/rear lights, reflectors and reflective clothing at night. In short: bike lane or the right of the road, with equipment.
📋 The rules
- Bike lane where it exists; otherwise the right edge of the road
- Helmet mandatory only for children under 12
- Ride in single file (not two abreast)
- Required: bell, lights, reflectors
- Children <12: helmet + accompanied by someone 16+
🔓 Exceptions
- "Calm-traffic/bicycle roads": special rules
- Accompanied under-12s: the realistic pavement exception
- Adult helmet: recommended, not mandatory
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Violations are fined in graduated bands from €30 (e.g. no helmet where required, missing lights/reflectors). Beware a myth: "adult cyclists must wear a helmet" — wrong; the helmet is mandatory only for children under 12 and for e-scooter riders. Don't confuse a bicycle with an e-scooter (EPIO), which has separate rules (helmet mandatory, minimum age 16). A pedelec (up to 0.25 kW, cut-off at 25 km/h) is legally a bicycle. To stay compliant: ride on a bike lane or the right of the road, don't go up on the pavement, fit lights/reflectors, and put a helmet on children under 12.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cycle on the pavement?
No, as a rule. You must use the bike lane where it exists, otherwise the right-hand edge of the carriageway, with the flow of traffic. The pavement is for pedestrians. The only realistic exception is small children under 12 who are accompanied.
Is a bicycle helmet mandatory?
For adults, a helmet is recommended but not mandatory. It's mandatory only for children under 12. It's a myth that every cyclist must wear a helmet. On e-scooters, by contrast, a helmet is mandatory for everyone.
Can I cycle next to a friend?
No. Riding two or more cyclists abreast is banned; you must ride in single file. This improves safety and visibility on the road. You also need a bell, front and rear lights and reflectors, especially at night.
What equipment must the bicycle have?
The bicycle must have a bell, a front and rear light and reflectors. At night reflective clothing is also recommended. Missing lights or reflectors are fined from about €30. Proper equipment is crucial for safety.
Does an electric bike have the same rules?
A true pedelec, with a motor up to 0.25 kW and assistance cutting off at 25 km/h, is legally a bicycle and follows the same rules. An e-scooter (EPIO) is different, with its own rules, a mandatory helmet and a minimum age of 16.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cycling pavement law”
- “bicycle helmet mandatory”
- “bicycle road code rules”
- “bicycle lights reflectors”
- “cycling right of road”
- “child bike helmet 12”