New Highway Code: cyclists will be allowed to cross at zebra crossings, but must dismount if there are pedestrians

How should cyclists cross the road? They should, as a matter of priority, use the cycle crossings designated for them. However, as we know, this type of signage is in place to link up cycle routes, which are not yet very widespread, despite considerable efforts in this regard.

The second option – and also the one that occurs most frequently, statistically speaking – is to use pedestrian crossings, taking the necessary care as required by the regulations. But do they have to get off their bikes? According to the draft of the new code, the model cyclist must stop before entering the road, and must dismount if there are pedestrians crossing, to avoid any danger to the pedestrians themselves.

The provision does not differ significantly from the regulations currently in force, as set out in Article 377 of Presidential Decree 495/1992 – namely, the Highway Code – which states verbatim: When crossing carriageways with particularly heavy traffic and, in general, where circumstances so require, cyclists are required to cross whilst leading their bicycle by hand. As can be seen, the situation appears to be left to the circumstances of the case and the cyclist’s subjective judgement.

It must be acknowledged that the future approach represents a step forward compared with the present situation, in that it makes it clear that pedestrians – the most vulnerable road users par excellence – are the group requiring the greatest protection. If this matter seems trivial to you, bear in mind that the Court of Cassation has dealt with it on several occasions and that, following judgements and orders, the wording of the legislation has been interpreted in a way that is certainly not straightforward and not exactly in line with the way any of us would read the provision in question.

In particular, Order No. 2363 of 2026 – which is therefore very recent – has established that, pursuant to Article 182(4) of the Highway Code, and Article 377(2) of its implementing regulations, the text of which we have quoted above, a cyclist using a pedestrian crossing is required to walk their unless said crossing is situated at the junction of a shared pedestrian and cycle path; in any case, even in this instance, they must lead the bicycle by hand whenever, due to traffic conditions, its speed poses an obstruction or a danger to pedestrians. So what, then? The Supreme Court’s systematic interpretation appears to be very rigorous, and the draft of the new Highway Code seeks to rewrite the rules.