The dramatic accident last Sunday which occurred in Rivanonte Agordino, in the province of Belluno, during the 29th edition of the Sportful Dolomiti Race, in which three cyclists were involved who were suddenly hit by a motorist who refused to stop at the of the race direction, has once again turned the spotlight on the topic of road safety and how it is important and good practice to know the rules to follow when you encounter a cycling race. Stefano Cecchini, a 46-year-old cyclist from Lucca, has had a tough time: he is still in hospital and will be operated on today.
“In the meantime, we should go and look at article 9 of the highway code with the rules regarding the race and traffic obligations – explains Pier Luigi Poli, historic owner of “Biciclette Poli“ -. In broad terms this is how it works: when a motorist encounters a cycling race, the regulations require that a car passes first with the words “race start” at this point the vehicle is obliged to stop on its right. This race car is usually also accompanied by a technical escort of motorcycles that do in turn, a sign to stop vehicles is another thing when you meet a volunteer with a flag at a road intersection, in this case you have to stop and wait for the signal to be given to continue”.
Simple basic rules which, if respected and known, can prevent the repetition of accidents like the one that happened last Sunday in Veneto and which also involved a young cyclist from Lucca. “Unfortunately – continues Pier Luigi Poli – it is not always easy, when a person stops, to explain our role and that we are authorized to stop traffic. The problem is that this rule is not taught in driving schools: when you see the At the beginning of the race it is necessary to stop and wait for the last car to pass, which in turn signals the end of the race, thus allowing the entire race to pass”. And the Italian Cycling Federation has also moved at a national level to ensure that these simple road safety rules are taught in Italian driving schools.
Andrea Falaschi
