Watch out! These are the six new traffic signs that motorcyclists must respect

In Colombia's traffic accident statistics, motorcyclists appear at the top of the list. To reduce the role of motorcycles in road accidents , the Ministry of Transport created new traffic signs.

The new traffic signs for motorcycles are set out in the update of the Road Sign Manual carried out by the Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Agency.

The new manual was adopted by resolution No. 20243040045005 of September 17, 2024.

For motorcycle drivers, the Manual provides for the creation of motovías, a type of roadway intended exclusively for motorcycles.

The document establishes that the main function of motorcycle lanes is to provide a space dedicated wholly or partially to motorcycles in order to minimize conflicts with other motor vehicles.

According to the Manual, motorcycle lanes may or may not be separated from the rest of the lanes, depending on technical studies and specific regulations, and are intended to reduce conflicts between motorcyclists and other motor vehicles.

Cycle lanes can be 'inclusive' or 'exclusive'. The Manual defined cycle lanes, inclusive motorcycle lanes, as being installed on an existing road and typically located on the outside of the main roadway(s) for each direction of traffic.

The Road Sign Manual establishes that motorcycle lanes and designated areas for motorcyclists are the new signs and would be identified as follows:

The Manual states that "motorcycle lanes may or may not be segregated from the rest of the lanes, depending on technical studies and specific regulations, and are intended to reduce conflicts between motorcyclists and other motor vehicles."

The same document stipulates that "motorway lanes must comply with specific demarcation criteria similar to those used in bicycle infrastructure, with adaptations that guarantee the safety and visibility of motorcyclists."

The Handbook notes that motorcycles are an increasingly popular mode of transportation due to their low price, easy parking, and low operating costs. However, unlike other modes of motorized transportation, motorcycle riders and passengers have very little protection when involved in a collision, crash, or fall.

The document added that the use of motorcycles is very varied, which requires different strategies and security and infrastructure measures.

The Manual also states that motorcycles have very different characteristics from other types of motor vehicles, such as a slimmer profile, which can present themselves in unexpected positions for other road users, and that motorcycle riders can perform maneuvers that are impossible for other motor vehicles.

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