Bicycle: traffic rules and safety

In short: Cyclists are full road users with rights and duties. Lighting, cycle paths and priority rules are important for one’s own safety.

In more detail: A roadworthy bicycle needs working brakes, lights and reflectors.

In detail

• Cycle paths: Mandatory cycle paths (blue sign) must be used.
• Lighting: White light at the front, red at the back, reflectors in the dark.
• Helmet: Not compulsory but strongly recommended (fahrradhelm-richtig-waehlen).
• Ride on the right: On cycle paths and roads on the right, not on pavements (compulsory up to age 8, allowed at 10).
• Hand signals: Announce turning with hand signals.
• Alcohol: Limits also apply to cyclists (1.6 per mille absolute).
• Phone: Forbidden while holding the handlebars.
• Visibility: Bright clothing, distance to parked cars (dooring) (vorfahrtsregeln-und-rechts-vor-links, pedelec-und-e-bike-klassen).