Equipment requirements
Helmet
Bicyclists in Norway are not obliged to wear a helmet. However, for your own safety this is highly recommended!
Brakes
The bike must have two separate brakes that work independently of each other, so that the bicycle can be stopped in a safe, efficient and expeditious manner. One of the brakes must work on the front wheel and the other on the rear wheel.
Maintenance of bike brakes
The brakes must work immediately when you start braking. Therefore, use the brake handles' tightening screw to retighten the brake wire regularly. The brakes must not "hang" or work tardy, insert a little oil in the outer casing when needed. Also make sure that the brake pads on rim brakes are correctly placed. In rest position they should be approximately 2 mm from the rim. They must touch the center of the rim when braking, never the tyre. Brake pads should be replaced when they become too worn.
Lights, reflectors, and bell
The bike must have red reflectors at the rear and yellow or white reflectors on both sides of the pedals. If your bike is used in darkness or weather with poor visibility, it must have a yellow or white light in front and a red light in the rear. Reflectors lose effect if they are covered in dirt and mud. Therefore, wash reflexes when you see that it is needed. The bike must also have a bell.
Requirements for electric bicycles
Electric bicycles must comply with the requirements for regular bicycles. Additionally, there are separate requirements for the power and operation of the auxiliary engine:
- The auxiliary engine must not have a rated power greater than 0.25 kW. There are two exceptions:
- Bicycles with two seats allocated or loaned as aids from the Labor and Welfare Administration may have a nominal power of not more than 0.5 kW.
- Bicycle with three wheels and three or more seats may have a nominal power of 0.5 kW. This is not governed by the regulations but by a general decision taken by the Road Directorate.
- The help engine may only provide power when pedaling the pedals (or using armrests for arms).
- The engine alone may still propel up to 6 km / h, so-called ?boot assistance?.
- The assisting motor must disconnect when the bike reaches a speed of 25 km / h or earlier if the cyclist stops pedalling / weaving.
You can use the electric bike in the same areas as regular bicycles and you are not required to register the bike. The use of a helmet is not required, but we encourage all cyclists to use one.
Cycling on the road
When you are cycling on the road, you have the same rights and obligations as the motorized traffic, including giving way to traffic from the right, to pedestrians on zebra crossings etc. You should make yourself clearly visible, with reflective equipment on your bike and your clothing, and with bike lights.
Keep sufficient distance from the kerb or the roadside ditch, so that passing cars will need to make a genuine overtaking manoeuvre. Pay attention to parked cars, whose doors may open as you pass. It is best to keep a sufficient distance from parked cars. Give way to other traffic in situations where drivers are obliged to do so. Make room for pedestrians who are crossing the road at a zebra crossing.
Cycling on pedestrian and cycle paths
While on pedestrian and cycle paths, cyclists must seek to ensure the best possible interaction with other road users. Cycle paths and combined pedestrian/cycle paths are physically separated from the driving lane by a minimum barrier.
When you are cycling on a pedestrian/cycle path that crosses a road, you as a cyclist must give way to all other motorized traffic (except on exits). This applies also when the cycle path you are on runs alongside a priority road. Most often, shared pedestrian/cycle paths are intended for two-way traffic. Unless there are many people walking on these paths, you should choose to ride there, rather than in the driving lane.
Cycling on pavements
Pavements (including pedestrianized streets and squares) are primarily for pedestrians. You may cycle on the pavement when there are few walkers there, and your cycling is not a hazard or an obstacle to them. You should pass those who are walking at a safe distance and at near walking speed. You may not use your bicycle bell to request pedestrians to let you through.
If you as a cyclist come from the pavement and want to enter or cross the driving lane, you must invariably give way to other road users. Cars making a right turn are no longer obligated to give way to cyclists coming from the pavement.
Cycling on zebra crossings
You may cycle over a zebra crossing, but motorists are not obligated to give way to you. To achieve the same rights as pedestrians, i.e. so that cars must give way and stop for you at the zebra crossing, you have to dismount from your bike and wheel it.
Cycling in bicycle lanes
If you are cycling in a bicycle lane, i.e. a lane for cyclists separated from the driving lane by a white line, you may only ride on the right side of the road. The rule on giving way to traffic coming from the right applies, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise.
When you are in a bicycle lane, cars must give way to you when they are making a right turn, in contrast to the rule for those cycling on pedestrian/cycle paths or on the pavement.
Cycling at intersections
Most serious cycling accidents happen at intersections. Therefore, it is crucial for cyclists to pay extra attention here. You should make sure that you are seen by other road users, and that you indicate clearly what you intend to do.
In front of the intersection you may pass the cars on the inside. Make sure, however, that the motorist has seen you and does not make a sudden right turn! You should also watch out for oncoming cars which are making a left turn. Make sure that they have seen you and give way to you.
If you want to make a left turn, you should change to the left lane well ahead of the intersection. Cycle so as to prevent cars continuing ahead from overtaking you on the left side. Give way to oncoming traffic.
Cycling at roundabouts
The road traffic legislation has no specific rules for cycling at roundabouts. As a cyclist, you should be especially alert and make sure that you are well visible and not hidden behind other vehicles. Stay in the middle of your lane when approaching and when on the roundabout. Make a clear sign to the right when you are about to leave the roundabout. You should not cycle along the right edge of the roundabout, since motorists will not be aware of you there.
You may cycle on the pavement encircling the roundabout and cross the streets one by one. If so, you must be especially alert to cars leaving the roundabout. To achieve the same rights as pedestrians you have to dismount from your bike and wheel it. If you remain on your bike, you must give way to other vehicles when you are coming from the pavement.
Cycling prohibited
Cycling is prohibited on motorways, on ramps leading onto motorways and in some tunnels. The “Tunnel Guide for Cyclists” (1997), issued by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, lists the tunnels on the public road network that are off-limits to cyclists. You can order the guide from Norwegian Traffic Information, tel. 175.