On December 3, 2019, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the Draft Law №0963 on Amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Traffic” concerning the organization of traffic for persons moving in wheelchairs. ”  The document aims to protect the rights of people with disabilities moving in wheelchairs, as well as other members of low-mobility groups.

According to the changes, persons moving in wheelchairs have the right to:

• navigate sidewalks, pedestrian or bicycle lanes at pedestrian speeds while following pedestrian traffic rules;
• move along the roadway, street or roadside, following the rules for cyclists.

Persons moving in wheelchairs with pedestrian speed on sidewalks, pedestrians or bicycle paths have the right to preferentially cross the carriageway along marked pedestrian crossings.

Persons traveling in wheelchairs on the edge of the carriageway, street or on the side shall move in the direction of traffic of vehicles on the right lane, turn left and turn on roads with one lane to drive in each direction and without tram in the middle.

In addition, persons moving in wheelchairs are required to use only technically sound and properly equipped wheelchairs;  do not carry obstructive loads;  do not tow trailers;  not to carry passengers.

Wheel chairs must be equipped with reflective elements, and when driving in the dark at the edge of the carriageway, street or on the side, with external lighting.

It should be emphasized that prior to the adoption of this Law, persons moving in wheelchairs with an engine were not referred to road users at all, ie they were effectively deprived of the right to safe movement.

The law shall enter into force on the day following its publication and six months after its entry into force.