Rules for the cycle path: when you have to use it, when not
Few cyclists know the exact rules for the use of bike paths. For example, some people prefer to drive on the road despite the existing cycle paths. Read here if and when such a thing is allowed at all.
There are legal regulations for the use of cycle paths
Basically, the use of bicycle paths regulates the road traffic regulations (StVO). This says: In Germany there is an obligation to use the wheelbase for routes marked accordingly.
- As soon as the traffic signs number Z237, Z240 or Z241 are set up - these are the blue, white-edged and round signs with a white wheel depicted on them, sometimes supplemented by pedestrians - the following applies to cyclists: they must use this cycle or footpath.
- If there are no such official cycle path signs, instead only a bicycle is recorded on the bottom of a bicycle lane or path, you can choose freely: cycle path or street.
Exceptions confirm the rule: free choice of use
The obligation to use cycle paths does not apply without restriction. There are exceptions you should know as a cyclist. In these cases, you can also use the road despite the signposting of the bike path.
- Exceptions: The bike path is unusable or unreasonable. If there are obstacles waiting for you on the bike path, sometimes you can actually not use it.
- Construction sites or parked cars, fallen branches, garbage cans - there are many things that can hinder your journey. Then confidently switch to the street, unless this seems too dangerous for you.
- In some cases, for example if there are areas shared with pedestrians, there are simply too many people in the way. For safety's sake it makes sense - at least for a short time - to switch to the street.
- In winter there may be a disproportionate amount of snow on the bike path, or it may be too slick due to the weather. This is also an exception to the change to the road, since then the cycle path would be too dangerous.
- Broken glass, poor paving or deep holes, slippery leaves in autumn, but also frequent changes of the road side with crossing a street are unreasonable. In these cases you can hide the obligation to use the cycle path.
- If the cycle path cannot be used every few hundred meters due to obstacles, it does not have to be used. Otherwise, it is only allowed to switch to the street for the unusable area.
Further regulations for safe bicycle traffic
Of course, there are also other rules that make safe cycling on the road easier. Sometimes other circumstances require that the highway be used by cyclists.
- For example, the obligation to use the wheelbase is lifted for groups of 16 people or more. In such "travel groups" you can even drive in pairs on the road.
- The general rule is: The direction of travel on bike paths must be selected so that the signs clearly stand in the way of you. Most bike paths are to the right of the lane.
- Two-way cycle paths in oncoming traffic are often only marked with the sign "cycle traffic free", provided the tour runs to the left of the road. In this case there is no right of use.
- The following applies to children: up to the age of eight they must remain on the footpath, even if there is a cycle path. You can continue to do so voluntarily until the age of ten.
- According to this, the rules of adults are binding for children from the age of nine or eleven years. However, it is always advisable for children: keep a distance from the flowing road traffic, but still remain as visible as possible for all road users.
Find out in another practical tip which regulations the road traffic regulations provide for the roadworthiness of your bike. Check everything, so drive safely.