Bike pathIceland
Traffic rules
Iceland
1. Bike path
A bike path is a part of a road or a separate route intended primarily or exclusively for people riding bicycles. It may be physically separated from motor traffic, marked on the road surface or identified by traffic signs.
Bike paths may be one-way, two-way or shared with other road users. The permitted users, direction of travel, priority rules and obligation to use the path depend on local traffic signs and regulations.
How does Iceland distinguish a cycle path from a cycle lane?
A hjólastígur is a signed path separated from the carriageway or an independent cycling route. A hjólarein is a cycling lane on the road. Both definitions also include the permitted first class of light mopeds.
Must cyclists always leave the carriageway for an Icelandic cycle path?
The Act recognises riding on a cycle path, in a cycle lane or near the right edge of the right-hand traffic lane. It does not impose a blanket requirement to use every nearby path. Follow direction signs and the rules of the surface you actually use.
🔗 althingi.is • Act 77/2019, Arts 3, 17, 42 and 43
Mandatory path for cyclists.
English • Traffic sign 410 • Cycle path. Reserved exclusively for bicycles and class I light motorcycles.
Íslenska • Umferðarmerki 410 • Hjólastígur. Merki þetta gefur til kynna að stígur sé eingöngu ætlaður umferð reiðhjóla og léttra bifhjóla í flokki I.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Reglugerd.is • Reglugerð nr. 250/2024 • 17. gr.
SVG source: Gigillo83, drawn by original of Umferðastrofa • Public domain • Original revision 2012-12-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Should I use the pavement when an Icelandic cycle path runs beside it?
Normally use the cycle path where it runs beside a pavement or pedestrian path. Using the adjoining walking surface instead requires the utmost care and no more than normal walking pace. Cyclists must also yield to pedestrians and must not cause them danger or inconvenience.
