Lithuanian cyclists protest proposed road safety rule changes

The Lithuanian cycling community is expressing serious concern regarding proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Rules (KET) by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The proposed changes include removing the mandatory minimum safe distance required when motorists overtake cyclists and altering regulations regarding cycling on roadsides.

Currently, drivers must maintain a lateral distance of at least 1 meter when traveling up to 50 km/h and at least 1.5 meters at higher speeds. The Ministry proposes changing these mandatory requirements to mere recommendations. Loreta Šlėguvienė, president of the non-governmental organization ‘Minam100’, warns that this would significantly reduce the legal protection of cyclists and increase the risk of accidents.

The NGO ‘Minam100’ has appealed to the President, the Speaker of the Seimas, the Government, and the Ministry. This appeal is supported by the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee, various cycling federations, and the organizers of the ‘Velomaratonas’ event. While opposing the reduction of safety distances, cyclists have suggested allowing drivers to overtake them by crossing solid lines under certain conditions.