Latvia, Legislation, Security, Transport

The project has been submitted to the government, which will have to either approve it or turn it down, as the Transport Ministry informed LETA.

The new Traffic Safety Rules specify several traffic safety provisions and introduce new ones, which deal with new traffic signs, new requirements on cyclists and moped drivers, permitting electric automobiles use public transport lanes, and others.

Many of the new additions concern bicycles. For instance, now sidewalks are primarily meant for pedestrians, while cyclists are advised to use cycling lanes, streets safe for cycling, and only then – and if necessary – use sidewalks. Thereby cyclists are urged to act responsibly, plan their routes, and take decisions that are best suited in a given situation, the ministry explains.

In preparing the new Traffic Safety Rules, the Transport Ministry consulted Latvian Cyclists' Union, the Association of Local and Regional Governments of Latvia, and other ministries.

After the government approves the new rules, they will be presented and explained to the public.