A Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan’s Cycling Policies: From Infrastructure to Legal Protections for Cyclists

Taiwan’s cycling policies have undergone dramatic changes over the past two decades. From being regarded as a low-tier mode of transportation in the early days to now being actively promoted by the government as green transport and a healthy lifestyle, the legal status and policy support for bicycles in Taiwan have improved significantly. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Taiwan’s government policies related to cycling, helping every cyclist understand their rights and obligations.

Bicycle Lane Construction Policies

Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program

In the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program, the Taiwanese government has listed bicycle lane construction as a key project. Tens of billions of NT dollars have been allocated to build and upgrade the bicycle lane network across the island. The goal is to upgrade bicycle lanes from “leisure routes” to “commuter networks,” making them a genuine part of urban transportation.

Round-the-Island Bicycle Lane Network

The Round-the-Island Route 1 is one of Taiwan’s most important bicycle lane construction projects. This cycling route, approximately 968 km in length, connects major cities and attractions across the main island of Taiwan. Along the way, it features a unified signage system, distance markers, and rest stops, making it one of the few complete round-the-island cycling routes in the world.

Features of Round-the-Island Route 1:

• Dedicated bicycle lane signage and guidance along the entire route
• Connections to TRA stations for staged riding
• Supply stations and emergency contact points along the way
• Regular maintenance and route condition updates

Urban Bicycle Lane Programs

Each major city has its own bicycle lane construction program:

Taipei City:

• Riverside bicycle lane system: A network of lanes built along the Keelung River, Tamsui River, Xindian Creek, and other waterways, with a total length exceeding 100 km
• Urban bicycle lanes: Dedicated or priority bicycle lanes marked on major roads
• Bicycle-friendly roads: Creating shared road environments friendly to cyclists through reduced speed limits and road marking design

Taichung City:

• Connecting major urban attractions via greenways and bicycle lanes
• The Tanzih-Yashe Greenway is Taichung’s most famous bicycle-only path
• Continuous expansion of the urban bicycle lane network

Kaohsiung City:

• The Cianjhen Star bicycle lane is Kaohsiung’s iconic cycling infrastructure
• A well-developed bicycle lane system along the Love River and Lotus Pond
• Promoting integration between bicycles and the light rail system for transfers

Traffic Regulations and Cyclist Rights

Regulations Governing Bicycles in the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act

Taiwan’s “Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act” and “Road Traffic Safety Regulations” contain clear provisions regarding bicycles:

Basic Rules:

• Bicycles fall under the “slow vehicle” category
• Must ride in slow lanes or dedicated bicycle lanes
• When no slow lane exists, ride along the right side of the road
• Prohibited from riding in fast lanes (except when making turns)
• Must yield to pedestrians when crossing crosswalks

Safety Equipment Requirements:

• Lights must be turned on when riding at night
• Bicycles must be equipped with braking devices
• Helmets are recommended (mandatory for children in some areas)
• Reflective devices are required on the rear of the bicycle

Penalties for Violations:

• Running a red light: Fine of NT$300 to NT$600
• Riding on sidewalks (in non-permitted sections): Fine of NT$300 to NT$600
• Riding at night without lights: Fine of NT$180
• Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol: Fine of NT$300 to NT$600

Important Regulatory Amendments

In recent years, several significant amendments have been made to Taiwan’s cycling-related regulations:

Safe Passing Distance Requirement:
Regulations require motor vehicles to maintain a safe distance when overtaking bicycles. On roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or below, a distance of at least 1 meter must be maintained; on roads with a speed limit exceeding 50 km/h, a distance of at least 1.5 meters must be maintained. Violators are subject to fines.

This regulation represents a major advancement for cycling safety in Taiwan, drawing directly on the legislative experience of advanced European countries.

Electric-Assisted Bicycle Regulations:
Electric-assisted bicycles (e-Bikes) are classified as bicycles in Taiwan but must meet specific standards:

• Maximum assisted speed not exceeding 25 km/h
• Motor power not exceeding 250 W
• Must have pedals (the motor is activated only through human pedaling)
• Must pass inspection and certification by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs

Electric-assisted bicycles that meet these standards do not require license plates or a driver’s license and may use bicycle lanes.

Regulations on Carrying Children on Bicycles:
Regulations permit bicycles to carry young children under specific conditions:

• Child age limits and carrier specifications must comply with regulations
• Approved child seats must be used
• The child being carried must wear a helmet

Public Bicycle Policies

YouBike Policy Support

Local governments have provided substantial policy support for public bicycle systems such as YouBike:

• Fare subsidies: Some counties and cities subsidize the first 30 minutes as free or at reduced rates
• Station expansion: Continuous addition of stations to improve service coverage
• Transfer discounts: Fare discounts for transfers between bicycles and public transportation
• Infrastructure integration: YouBike stations placed adjacent to MRT stations, train stations, and bus stops

Bicycle Parking Policies

• Public spaces are required to provide bicycle parking areas
• New buildings must include bicycle parking spaces
• Businesses are encouraged to provide bicycle parking facilities for employees
• Some MRT stations offer bicycle parking lots and lockers

Bicycle-on-Train Policies

TRA Bicycle Trains

The Taiwan Railways Administration offers two ways to bring bicycles on trains:

Regular Train Services:

• Bicycles must have the front wheel removed and be placed in a bike bag
• The bike bag size limit is a combined length, width, and height not exceeding 220 cm
• Bicycles must be placed in luggage areas or next to seats

Bicycle Trains:

• Specific train services feature dedicated bicycle carriages
• Bicycles do not need to be disassembled and can be wheeled directly into the carriage and secured
• Advance reservation of the bicycle space is required
• Fees are calculated based on the distance traveled

High-Speed Rail Regulations

Taiwan High Speed Rail allows bicycles to be brought on board, but with strict regulations:

• Bicycles must be fully covered in a bike bag
• Size limit is a combined length, width, and height not exceeding 220 cm
• Bicycles must be placed in the large luggage area
• There is a limit on the number of bicycles per train

Buses and Ferries

• Some bus routes allow bicycles to be placed in the luggage compartment
• Ferries to outlying islands generally allow bicycles, but an additional fee applies
• It is recommended to confirm each operator’s regulations in advance

Bicycle Industry Policies

Industry Upgrade Programs

Government support policies for the bicycle manufacturing industry include:

• R&D subsidies: Subsidies for bicycle-related research and development projects, particularly for electric bicycles and smart cycling technology
• International exhibition subsidies: Support for manufacturers to participate in international bicycle exhibitions and expand overseas markets
• Talent cultivation: Collaboration with schools to train professionals needed by the bicycle industry
• Industry cluster support: Maintaining and strengthening the bicycle industry cluster in the Taichung-Changhua region

Cycling Tourism Policies

• The Tourism Administration has listed cycling tourism as a key promotional focus
• Subsidies for local governments to build tourism-oriented bicycle lanes
• Promotion of brand events such as the “Taiwan Cycling Festival”
• Collaboration with international tourism organizations to promote cycling tourism in Taiwan

Safety and Insurance Policies

Bicycle Insurance

Insurance companies in Taiwan offer a variety of bicycle-related insurance products:

• Personal accident insurance: Covers accidental injuries sustained while riding
• Third-party liability insurance: Compensates for injury or property damage caused to others while riding
• Bicycle theft insurance: Protection against theft for high-value bicycles
• Event insurance: Short-term insurance designed specifically for participation in cycling events

Some bicycle brands include basic accident insurance when purchasing a bike. Cyclists are advised to proactively learn about and purchase additional coverage.

Accident Handling

In the event of a cycling traffic accident:

1. Ensure everyone’s safety, and call 119 for help if necessary
2. Preserve the scene and take photos for documentation
3. Call 110 to report the incident and obtain an accident report
4. Record the other party’s information (license plate number, contact details, etc.)
5. Keep all medical receipts when seeking treatment
6. Contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process

Energy Saving, Carbon Reduction, and Green Transport

Cycling Commute Incentives

Some businesses and government agencies have introduced cycling commute incentive programs:

• Provision of bicycle parking spaces and shower facilities
• Accumulation of rewards based on cycling commute mileage
• Tax benefits for businesses that purchase bicycles for employee use

Carbon Emission Calculations

According to data from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, replacing motorcycle commutes with bicycles can reduce each person’s carbon emissions by several hundred kilograms per year. The government encourages citizens to calculate and track their carbon reduction contributions, and some counties and cities offer apps with carbon reduction tracking features.

Future Policy Outlook

Taiwan’s cycling policies are developing in the following directions:

Short-Term Goals

• Improve the urban cycling lane network, especially commuter routes
• Enhance the quality and safety of cycling lanes
• Promote the adoption of electric-assist bicycles
• Strengthen cycling traffic safety education

Mid-Term Goals

• Establish a complete cycling commuting infrastructure
• Achieve seamless integration between cycling and public transportation
• Develop intelligent cycling traffic management systems
• Promote cycling-friendly urban planning

Long-Term Vision

• Raise cycling rates to the level of advanced European countries
• Establish a comprehensive legal protection system for cycling
• Make every Taiwanese city a “Cycling-Friendly City”
• Position cycling as a key mode of transport for achieving net-zero carbon emissions

Action Recommendations for Riders

As a cyclist in Taiwan, here is what you can do:

1. Understand the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with cycling-related rules in traffic laws and be a law-abiding rider
2. Make Good Use of Policies: Take advantage of government-provided cycling lanes, public bicycles, and transfer discounts
3. Participate in Advocacy: Join cycling rights organizations and speak up for a better riding environment
4. Report Problems: Report deficiencies or safety hazards in cycling lanes to the relevant authorities
5. Lead by Example: Follow traffic rules and present a good image of cyclists
6. Purchase Insurance: Buy appropriate cycling insurance to protect yourself and others

Taiwan’s cycling policies still have significant room for improvement, but the direction is correct. Every rider is both a beneficiary of these policies and a participant in their advancement. Let us work together to create a more friendly riding environment.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Cycling Lane Construction: Government-Invested Island-Wide Cycling Network
• Taiwan Cycling Lane Planning: Government Investment and Future Development Outlook
• Introduction to Taiwan’s Cycling Lane System: National Cycling Lanes No. 1 to No. 6
• Introduction to Taiwan’s Cycling Lane System: Features and Connections of County and City Cycling Lanes