Bicycle: unknown rules and laws for cycling
Berlin. Cycling past traffic jams, taking a shortcut across the sidewalk, or riding two abreast on the road – are cyclists actually allowed to do that? One thing is certain: Anyone who violates traffic laws while cycling can lose their license or face warnings and fines. Here are ten little-known rules for safe riding.
According to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), riding on the road is not prohibited. However, if a cycle path is available and marked as mandatory (blue sign and white bicycle silhouette), cyclists must use it. An exception is only made if the path is impassable, for example, because cars are parked on it, potholes pose a hazard, or construction is blocking it. A bumpy surface is not sufficient.
If the cycle path is marked with a blue sign with a white bicycle, then cyclists are only allowed to ride here and not on the road (archive image).
Source: Arne Dedert/dpa
What many people don't know: Riding side by side is allowed on the road. At least as long as it doesn't obstruct other road users. It's always permitted with two exceptions: on bicycle lanes and when at least 16 people are riding bicycles in a group.
No, of course not. Or is it? There's a special rule known only to true cycling nerds. Here, too, the magic number is "16." As soon as that many people cycle together, they count as a group. This group is allowed to cross the street together. So, if a green light turns red even though part of the group hasn't yet crossed the street, those people are still allowed to continue riding with the group. This rule is used, for example, at the regular "Critical Mass" bicycle demonstration in various German cities.
At the Critical Mass, several hundred people sometimes ride as a convoy (archive photo).
Source: imago images /Jonas Walzberg
Most of the time, yes. Picking up a cell phone is taboo; it costs €55. It's also forbidden to be distracted by a smartphone mounted on your bike. Listening to music, however, is fine, as long as it's not so loud that you block out police or ambulance signals. This also carries a €15 fine.
No, unless otherwise indicated. The sidewalk is for pedestrians only. Anyone caught by the police riding a bicycle here can expect a €55 fine. If others are endangered, the fine rises to €80, and anyone causing damage must pay €100. One exception: Children (under the age of eleven) are allowed to cycle on the sidewalk alone or with an accompanying adult (over the age of 16). They are required to do so until their eighth birthday, or on structurally separated bike paths—a lane on the road is not enough.
Cyclists live dangerously! That's the thesis of the fourth part of our special feature on mobility. With 15 theses on 15 topics, we invite you to consider together how we will move from A to B in the future – quickly, safely, and with the least possible impact on the climate, the environment, and living spaces. We'll be looking for answers over two themed weeks. In your print newspaper as well as on its digital channels.
Yes, cyclists are allowed to overtake on the right in this situation as an exception. But only if they pass between cars and the curb. However, the occupants of the car do not have to leave enough space for this. Riding between two lines of vehicles is not permitted.
Yes. According to the traffic sign catalog, this sign is considered a supplementary sign and is not listed as an official traffic sign in the German Road Traffic Act (StVO). If it stands alone, it can be ignored. It is often used in conjunction with other signs and can alter their effect. The recommendation "Cyclists dismount" can also be interpreted as a warning, and the StVO explicitly states that road users must be considerate of one another. Anyone involved in an accident here as a cyclist could face a worse outcome in court.
North of Rothenburg, the Oder-Neisse cycle path is so badly damaged that it requires extensive repairs. Here, cyclists are even advised to dismount!
Source: André Schulze
Actually, not. At least one hand must be touching the handlebars at all times. Otherwise, you face a five-euro fine.
No. One-way streets apply to all road users, including cyclists. However, sometimes an additional sign indicates "cyclists allowed" or shows a picture of a bicycle with two arrows pointing in opposite directions. In this case, traffic is free in both directions. This only occurs on one-way streets where the maximum speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour and the roadway meets a minimum width.
No, cyclists do not automatically have right of way here. Regular right-of-way rules apply. However, on cycle streets, they have access to the entire width of the road. Cars, motorcycles, or similar vehicles are only permitted to use them if a separate sign permits them. Even then, the speed limit is 30 km/h.
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