If you want to navigate safely and legally through the urban jungle on a road bike, you have to comply with regulations that sometimes stand in the way of sporting ambition and riding flow. If you disregard them, you could face fines or worse.
Anyone who believes that the German Road Traffic Act (StVO) would reverently stop at racing bikes and gravel bikes is mistaken. Because in the legal sense, a bike is a bike, and the law makes no distinction between a full-carbon racing bike and a step-through Dutch bike. At least as long as there is no motor installed that supports you at more than 25 km/h.
This is where worlds collide: while designers do everything they can to make the bike cleaner, cooler, lighter and more powerful, legislators demand features that look as out of place on a high-end racer as a towbar on a sports convertible. Although the dynamo requirement was fortunately retired in 2013, other regulations are stricter than most people realise.
Performance on the tarmac: rules and show acts
In principle, we are allowed to ride our road bikes on almost any public road as long as there is no explicit prohibition sign prohibiting the fun from the outset. The classics apply: ride on the right, show consideration and keep your arm out when turning. And be careful when putting on a show: two-wheeled acrobatics such as hands-free riding should not be performed in front of a police patrol. The StVO requires that you must be able to control your vehicle "safely at all times". This would be difficult to prove if you hide both hands in your trouser pockets instead of clasping them around the handlebars. So if a law enforcement officer is in a bad mood or you anger a passer-by, the artistic performance becomes a disdainful misdemeanour for lack of vehicle control - and not just when the show ends in a fruit or vegetable stall.
Speaking of which, almost every public road ...
Cyclists have reportedly been spotted on motorways and dual carriageways. Of course you can make a mistake and get lost, but there are a few road signs where you should pause for a moment, scratch your head and then get out of the way as quickly as possible. It's best to go over the balustrade and off through the bushes - otherwise you'll find yourself in the local section of the local newspaper at best, and at worst ...
In addition to the hopefully familiar signs for motorways (blue sign with two white lanes and bridge) and motorways (blue sign with white car), there are special prohibition signs that don't really need any explanation either. We'll do it anyway:
- The round white sign with a red border and a bicycle symbol in the centre: No cycling
- White round sign with red border: Nothing with wheels is allowed here
- The classic one-way street ("No entry"): You may only enter here if the additional sign "Cyclist free" is displayed under the prohibition sign
- Pedestrian zones and pavements: You are not allowed to ride here without the additional sign "Cyclist free". On footpaths: Only children up to the age of 10 may/must ride there
- Tunnels and bridges with special regulations: Sometimes cycling in tunnels or on certain bridges is prohibited by specific prohibition signs, often for safety reasons due to lack of ventilation or extreme narrowness
Cycle paths: constraint or freedom?
The cycle path is a chapter in itself. Sure, some cycle paths are as smooth as a beetroot field. But if the round blue sign with the white bicycle greets you, then you have to use it according to the road traffic regulations. If the sign is missing, you can choose between the road and the cycle path. But be careful in the right direction: ghost cycling is not only frowned upon, but is also a real liability killer in the event of an accident.
Forest and woodland: Unlimited driving fun?
In Germany, cycling in the forest is generally permitted as long as you cycle on paths. Our neighbours in Austria take a much more restrictive view: there, forest paths are often taboo without the explicit permission of the owner. The Swiss, on the other hand, are more relaxed and usually let you go ahead. But no matter where: anyone who knocks hikers off the gravel at 50 kilometres an hour will be met with the anger of their fellow human beings and the law.
The forgotten doorbell and the light dilemma
For some cyclists, doing without a bell is still a matter of honour, but for the law it is an invitation to a fine. A "bright bell" is mandatory - unfortunately, electronic horns do not count as a legal substitute - nor does the friendly shout "Watch out!", nor does the less friendly exclamation "Away!".
Things get even more complicated when it comes to light. In bright sunshine, the bell is sufficient, but as soon as dusk sets in, rain clouds the view or the fog rolls in, even the thoroughbred racer needs it:
- A red tail light
- one fixed white front light
- Various reflectors
And no, the €5 bulb from the discounter is often not enough. The lights need the official test mark of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (the famous wavy line with the "K" number). Battery-powered lights are now permitted, but they must be firmly attached and must not dazzle anyone. Also important: Indicator lights on bikes are prohibited. If you want to flash, you can clip the lights to your helmet or jersey - a permanent light is mandatory on the frame itself. The beloved 2000-lumen helmet light for gravel night riding is only an "add-on" in road traffic and never replaces the light on the handlebars.
Reflectors: The true "final boss"
The subject of reflectors is the point at which many sports cyclists get pimples as big as pomegranate seeds. After all, you don't put hubcaps on the 285 tyres of a 911 Porsche. But it is what it is - if you want to pedal through the urban jungle in 100 per cent compliance with the law, you need:
- A white reflector at the front
- One red rear reflector (Z marking)
- Yellow reflectors on the pedals (to the front and rear)
Alternatively, spoke reflectors (two per wheel), reflective tyre sidewalls or spoke sticks would also do the trick each Spoke. Decide for yourself which solution looks more like a fairground cart. You could say: screw it, it's worth the 20 euros to me before I roll through the city centre like a Christmas tree. But in the worst-case scenario, a small fine is not enough. Because what costs just the equivalent of two Dürüm doner kebabs in Munich city centre can lead to financial bankruptcy if there's a crash. Insurance companies love to construe contributory negligence because you were less visible without the conspicuous up and down movement of the pedal reflectors. Tip: If you don't want to completely ruin your style, use discreet reflective tape with a test mark - it's better than nothing at all.
What the fun costs: A small catalogue of fines
If you are really caught by the long arm of the law, the following sentences will be due:
- No bell: 15 Euro
- Light broken or missing: 20 to 60 Euro
- Wrong direction on the cycle path: 15 to 25 Euro
- Hands-free driving with danger: Can lead to charges being brought (expensive!)
Conclusion
Cycling in public spaces is a legal balancing act. The bottom line is that even the slickest carbon fibre bike is still a normal bike in legal terms. If you want to enjoy urban cycling, there's no getting round at least having a bell, lights and knowledge of the rules.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
