Spectrum: From January 1st there will be three changes in the Road Traffic Act (StVO) that will affect cyclists. Above all, the new traffic light regulation could cause some problems in the future, although it is to be welcomed.
Pedestrian traffic lights only apply to pedestrians
Probably the biggest change concerns the previously confusing regulation regarding bicycle and pedestrian traffic lights. Until now, if you were cycling on a cycle path next to the sidewalk, the pedestrian traffic light applied at a crossing or an intersection if there were no special bicycle traffic lights. This will change from January 1st: If there are no bicycle traffic lights, the traffic lights will apply in the future.
In our opinion, this is a step in the right direction, but it harbors enormous potential for conflict and danger, especially in large cities. When turning right, many drivers rely on the signal from the pedestrian traffic light - if it is red, many assume "free travel" and save themselves the much-needed glance over the shoulder. Not only is it urgently necessary to raise awareness among drivers, but also to provide information about the change in the rules.
Parents are allowed on the sidewalk with the kids
The second change is interesting for parents with children under the age of 8 years. Until now, they always have to drive on the sidewalk, even if there is a cycle path. In the future, a supervisor (age >16 years) may drive next to the child on the sidewalk at walking speed. In addition, children under the age of eight may also use the cycle path from January 1st, but only if it is structurally separated from the roadway.
E-scooters will also be on the cycle path in the future
Last but not least, another change in the StVO in the area of electromobility: While pedelecs were already allowed to use the cycle paths before, e-scooters and e-mopeds, which drive up to 25 km/h without the driver doing anything, were previously forced to close the lane use. In the future, these electric vehicles will also be allowed to use cycle paths - provided that they are structurally suitable and are also expressly approved for use. This is where it gets a bit confusing: The corresponding special character says "e-bikes free"; This is confusing because e-bikes are commonly referred to as pedelecs, while the legislature means two-wheelers that do not have a crank but a throttle grip.
Helmut says
When the pedestrian traffic light is red, I only drive if I have looked to the left at the drivers behind me. Better to stop once too much than once too little!
Joker says
Oh – you definitely stop 🙂
Jurgen Steinseifer says
Well written information report ! Jürgen Steinseifer Driving aptitude advice
Peter Steffen says
Red stays red and it must remain the same for all road users. It doesn't matter whether I'm walking, cycling or driving. Who else is supposed to know when red is really red? Accidents are inevitable now. This innovation is absolutely nonsensical.
Stefan says
But that also means that we no longer need an extra traffic light for pedestrians (or no extra traffic light for cars, depending on your perspective). Because then it can no longer be the case that pedestrians have red while cars are still allowed to drive.... Would be a great simplification - a crossing / entrance / crossing - a traffic light.
His Bine says
What if the "traffic light" that applies to me is behind me and is therefore not visible to me as a cyclist?
What kind of stupid rule is that?
Schmitt says
Complicated traffic rules that nobody understands (especially children) lead to accidents and lucrative fines (a prankster who thinks badly about it). It should be possible to make lawmakers liable for damages if accidents happen as a result of such regulations.
Kidney says
Crossing areas are often difficult to see - and I'm glad if I'm noticed at all, even with lighting refectors etc. it's often not the case, not even with my 1,90. It doesn't get any better with this rule
Jörg says
I greeted driving with the KFZ-TRAFFIC. Very often I have to stop pointlessly because of a traffic light for pedestrians and wait for the next green phase when the traffic in my direction is released. Of course, you should always pay attention to the drivers who are not careful.
Michael says
This is an important clarification. Because in Hamburg I very often experience that pedestrians who (want to) go through the green light and of course have to cross the cycle path twice to do so, are rang and insulted on both sides of the road by cyclists who are on the cycle path at the red traffic light whizzing by.
Andrew says
Do I understand it correctly: I am allowed to ride my bike when the pedestrian traffic light is red because the traffic light is green
the children waiting at the traffic lights might see this as a reason to start running
great idea if that's the case