Traffic rules for cyclists in Germany are sometimes more confusing than for motorists
Only ride on bike paths?
Yes, but only on lanes marked with a special blue sign. When a designated bike path is covered with snow, ice, or under repair, riding on the sidewalk is not prohibited. If the blue signs are absent, you may ride safely, observing traffic rules and sign instructions. In any case, the cyclist's path must only go through safe places. Riding in unauthorized areas or in the wrong direction carries a fine of 20 to 35 euros.
What about crossing a zebra crossing?
Cycling across a pedestrian crossing is not prohibited, but in that case the cyclist has no priority over motorists. Get off the saddle – and you become a pedestrian, whom the driver must let pass.
Can you ride on the sidewalk with children?
If a child is under ten years old, they are allowed to travel on pedestrian paths. Surprisingly, accompanying parents cannot ride alongside; such an offense carries a fine of 15 euros.
For several years now, Germany has been debating this contradictory rule. The Federal Ministry of Transport promises to correct the misunderstanding soon. The restrictions do not apply to bike paths.
What speed can you reach?
The general rules for motorists – no more than 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h outside – do not apply to cyclists. It is unlikely to exceed this limit on two wheels. The situation is different in zones with speed limits – for example, in so-called "calmed traffic" zones. Violating the speed limit on these sections results in a fine of 30 to 35 euros.
Is there a fine for improper parking?
No, this is not provided for by the rules. In pedestrian zones, squares in the city center, or near highways, you can leave your bike anywhere if there is no parking ban. It is important that the bike does not obstruct traffic and is visible at night while parked.
Can you ride without hands?
On a bike, as in a car, you can only talk using a mobile hands-free set. Chatting on the phone while riding will cost you a 25 euro fine in Germany. Music lovers with loud speakers on their bike – 15 euros. Daredevils who ride without hands – 5 euros. However, walking a dog while riding a bike, holding the leash in one hand, is not forbidden. This rule only applies to dog owners.
What about riding in a group?
It is forbidden to distract and converse with a cyclist moving next to you – this can be considered an obstruction to other road users. The offense carries a fine of 20 to 30 euros.
When riding in a column of more than 15 people, cyclists have advantages. For example, they are allowed to ride on the highway even if there is a bike path. Additionally, if the first cyclist manages to pass before the red light turns on, the others may follow. The "right-hand rule" does not always apply when riding in a group: motorists on the right must let the column pass.
Can you ride after a party?
In case of dangerous riding with a blood alcohol concentration of no more than 0.3‰, you may get off with a warning. However, if more than 1.6‰ is detected, you face a monetary penalty, which in most cases equals a month's salary. Additionally, three penalty points in the Federal Motor Transport Authority's registry, a ban on cycling for up to six months, and a medical-psychological assessment (MPU), commonly called the "idiot test" (Idiotentest). The MPU is feared because failure to appear or passing the exam can result in loss of driving license and/or a lifelong ban on cycling.
Can you give someone a ride on the luggage rack?
Only personal items are allowed to be transported. Children up to seven years old can be carried by cyclists over 16 exclusively in special seats. You cannot give friends a ride on the luggage rack.
Is an e-bike considered a motorcycle?
No. Moreover, as with regular bicycles, riding an e-bike does not require a helmet, driver's license, or special markings. But for those riding high-speed electric bikes (S-Pedelec), special rules apply: you must have a liability insurance policy (Haftpflichtversicherung), ride exclusively with a helmet, and have a license plate.
Since the S-Pedelec can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, you can only ride it with a category M driver's license. An important detail: this type of vehicle is allowed on bike paths only if the path is also designated for mopeds.