Hello, I’m quite new to cycling in Germany. As I understand it, when there is a cycle lane, I have to use it. However, in situations like this where there is no cycle lane at all, am I allowed to cycle on the pavement, or do I have to ride on the main road? And if I have to ride on the main road but there are car parks half the part of the main lane so can I ride on the pavement to feel more safe?
Thanks!
https://i.redd.it/5nvct1wv8j5h1.jpeg
Posted by Sufficient_Soup_7940
7 Comments
I would call the Ordnungsamt to get the car towed for parking illegally.
You need to ride on the road. Illegally parked cars aside, there is a €15 fine for riding your bike on the pedestrian path as an adult.
You are legaly obliged to cycle on the street. Only exceptions are: you are a child under the age of 12 or you are the chaperon of a child under the age of 12.
Summary (simplified) of where to ride:
If there is a blue circle sign with a bike on it, you need to ride on the cycle lane. If there is a cycle lane without a blue sign, you can ride there, but don’t have to. Otherwise, you need to ride on the road. You never ride on the pavement.
If you see a blue sign with a bike on It, then you are required to ride in the cycling lane, if the sign has a person on It, then it’s a shared path with pedestrians.
If you see a red circle with a bike inside, then you are not allowed to ride there with a bike.
Welcome to one of our biggest low-key problems.
It’s basically a pain in the ass for bikers. They will park like that and force you into dangerous zone of middle lane of traffic. Situations like that with traffic from all sides are always sketchy and sometimes they happen quite frequent.
They can open the door too so it’s really the worst spot you can be honestly.
Ride safe
You use the street
Legally you only have to use the bike lane if it has the bike sign (blue) at the beginning
BUT : DON’T be a dick and ride on the street when there is an existing bike lane. It’s dangerous for you and cars are just fucking annoyed by this.
If there is only a pedestrian lane, you use the car lane unless a red sign with a bike on it.