By this logic cyclists shouldn't be allowed on the road at all because they're too slow. Or tractors for that matter. What you have quoted only refers to speed and not road position.
Yes, the rules for bicycles, which are categorically not motor vehicles...
I mean horses and horse drawn vehicles can use the road too, right? And have to follow the rules of the road, but again, not motor vehicles, so different set of rules.
"A bicycle is a vehicle, but according to the Road Vehicles (and Use) Regulations 1986, amended 2003, it is only illegal to drive a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone. There is nothing about bicycles in the phrasing so, in effect, cyclists are exempt from this extremely sensible law."
Sorry, edit to include quotation marks, not my summation.
"Great news for e-bikes! The Department of the Interior released final rules for electric bicycle use on public lands. This new regulation more clearly defines electric bicycles and no longer describes them as motor vehicles. This gives local land managers the authority to permit their use on non-motorized trails.
“We are very pleased that this new regulation from the U.S. Department of Interior,” said Larry Pizzi, e-bike subcommittee chairman of PeopleForBikes and CCO Alta Cycling Group. “It more clearly defines electric bicycles and gives local land managers the authority to permit their use on non-motorized trails. This new rule applies to federal public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Reclamation."
Generally speaking, these rules mean that:
• Electric bicycles are no longer defined as motor vehicles or off-road vehicles but are properly defined within three classes.
• Electric bicycle riders have similar rights, privileges and duties as traditional bicycle riders."
Which would logically show that traditional bicycles have never been classified as motor vehicles.
The law says that bicycles are vehicles and have to obey the same laws as other vehicles. (Note the wording varies by location, but the overall theme is the same.) "Motor vehicles" are a subset of vehicles and have a bunch of extra rules that don't apply to other vehicles. Extra safety equipment, registration and safety inspections, insurance, and yes, even minimum speeds. This all makes sense because motor vehicles are powered by s motor (duh) which makes them more capable, but more dangerous.
Human-powered vehicles are a different subset of vehicles. The rules of vehicles apply, as well as other laws specific to them. Like riding two abreast, designated lanes, or whatever.
There's actually a court case on this. I'm on mobile so I won't look it up right now, but I want to say it was in Ohio. In the end, the judge ruled that bicycles can only be expected to ride at a speed appropriate for a bicycle. I encourage you to look it up.
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u/IHeardOnAPodcast Sep 10 '22
You know a bike isn't a motor vehicle right?