In order to keep the ability to ride a bike on public transport from becoming an issue, or cause accidents, we clarify in this blog: What cyclists are allowed to do - and what they are not allowed to do. Cyclists are considered the weaker road users compared to car drivers. Nevertheless, rules in road traffic also apply to them, and they must abide by them.
As with motorists, it is forbidden to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol. Even a blood alcohol level of 0.3 per mille can get you into a lot of trouble. From a blood alcohol level of 1.6 per mille, cycling even becomes a criminal offense and you could be fined. In addition, it can happen that you have to take part in a medical-psychological examination (MPU). If you refuse to participate in or fail this test, your driver's license will be confiscated for some time.
There is also a general driving ban for cyclists in pedestrian zones and on sidewalks. For children, however, a special rule applies here for safety reasons. Up to the age of eight, they must use the sidewalk; between the age of eight and ten, they have the choice between using the sidewalk or the street.
It is also not uncommon for tensions to arise between car drivers and cyclists at red lights. Here, cyclists are not required to wait in line at a red light. They are allowed to pass cars on the right when traffic is stationary. However, they must be careful to drive slowly and act prudently to avoid accidents.
Running a red light is prohibited for cyclists as it is for motorists and is punishable by a fine of up to 100 euros. However, should this also result in endangering other road users, in addition to a high fine of up to 160 euros, the driver must also accept a point in the Flensburg traffic register. If there is a traffic light with a bicycle symbol, all cyclists on the bike path must obey it.
If you want to listen to music while riding your bike, you can do so as long as you can hear the traffic around you. Nevertheless, a study proved that listening to music, even at a low volume, already leads to a reduced reaction time of up to 20 percent. This increases the risk of an accident enormously, so you should consider foregoing the headphones and enjoying the sound of the traffic.
Even though cyclists riding on the road are often a thorn in the side of motorists, they are not obliged to use the side paths. However, if a bike lane is explicitly marked for use, cyclists must use it unless it is not accessible due to construction sites, parked cars or the like. Cyclists are also required to drive on the right. If you do not follow this rule, you risk a fine of 15 euros and contributory negligence in the event of an accident.
Just like behind the wheel of a car, it is forbidden to use the telephone on a bicycle. Anyone who does not comply with this must expect a fine of 25 euros.
Even though wearing helmets on a bicycle is highly recommended in many situations, there is no helmet obligation in Germany. Even those who do not want to use their racing bike for transportation, but for sporting exercise, are not obligated to wear a helmet.
Lighting on bicycles also plays a major role in road traffic. In the past, dynamo lighting was compulsory, with the exception of racing bikes weighing up to 11 kg, which were also allowed to have a battery light. But over time, the battery light became more and more popular and was also technically equal to the dynamo. For this reason, a renewal of the law arose, which states that now a combination of dynamo headlight and battery taillight is allowed. In addition, front headlights and rear lights must have a test mark (the so-called K-number) from the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority).
Some lights also have a flashing function. However, these flashing lights are prohibited because they make it difficult for other road users to locate the cyclist and thus increase the risk of an accident. For this reason, only permanent lights are permitted in road traffic.
It is clear that cyclists have to fight their way through a jungle of rules and regulations every day. We hope you now have a clear perspective.
