I. EXTRACT FROM BULGARIAN TRAFFIC LAWS
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
PARTICULAR REGULATIONS
REGARDING SOME TRAFFIC PARTICIPANTS
Art. 80. A bike rider is obliged to drive as close as possible to the right limit of the roadway.
Art. 81. A two-wheel rider is not allowed:
1. to drive parallel to another two-wheel vehicle;
2. to drive without taking hold of the handle-bar or to release the pedals with which is controlling the bike;
3. to drive in a contiguity to another vehicle, or to take hold of it;
4. to carry, to tow, or to push objects impeding the control of the bike, or exposing to danger the other traffic participants;
5. to drive the bike on areas designed for pedestrians only; this prohibition does not apply for riders less than 12 years old.
Art. 82. It is not allowed to cyclists to ride in a group for training purposes, if there is not escorting car or motorbike in front of and behind the group.
Here is a collection of FAQ by riders intending to participate in SVS2002 (1200km):
II. ROADS AND TRAFFIC PARTICULARITIES IN BULGARIA
1. How are the roads: surface, traffic, climbing,
Road surfaces will differ from smooth and well-indicated to some very poor sections. All of these sections will be indicated in the cue sheet.
Traffic will be predominantly rare and slow. There will be exceptions of course indicated in the cue sheet.
Bulgarian drivers are similar to drivers in Southern Italy or Turkey: driving a little bit more aggressively and showing little respect for cyclists.
Climbing is discussed with great details in the Route section of the WEB page. At least 10000m of total climbing is expected.
2. Weather conditions expected during the ride period.
As was said on the WEB page, it can be very hot in sunny weather (28-35 C), cool at night, short, but heavy rains possible. Some days it can be 20C degrees and rainy especially in the mountains above 600 m. Nighttime temperatures may fall to 10C there.
3. Are there any safety issues?
Every participant will be warned in a very detailed route description about all of the peculiarities of the road (and around it), that can cause some problem or danger. All of the traffic police directors along the route will be warned about the ride. We will have two safety cars: one behind the last rider, the other moving forth and back. A list of hotline phone numbers will be delivered to the participants.
4. Will language be a big problem?
Yes and no. Language can be a problem on the streets of small villages. You will have no language problems in bigger cities and at control points. Many of the local riders speak at least English. Significant number of British riders is expected as well.
