Will bicycles soon be allowed to flash like cars in Germany?
4/1/2024
Translation: machine translated
Indicators on bicycles are currently prohibited. Anyone making a turn must indicate this to other road users using hand signals. However, an amendment to the law is now likely to pave the way for technical solutions.
What has been permitted on bicycles in Switzerland since 2017 could soon also be possible in Germany: electric indicators that show when a cyclist is turning. A corresponding amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) is soon to be passed in parliament. This was first reported by the "Rheinische Post".
The indicators would then be possible, although not mandatory. The plans envisage the authorisation of lights that can be attached to the handlebar ends. A hazard warning function after a fall is also to be included in the regulation.
Further details were not initially disclosed. For example, it is not yet clear whether indicators can be mounted alternatively or additionally, for example on the rear rack of the bike.
It is possible that the new version of the German StVZO is also based on the text of the Swiss Ordinance on Technical Road Vehicles (VTS). There it says in Article 216, paragraph 4:
Direction indicators are permitted. They must be yellow and fitted symmetrically in pairs. They must be clearly recognisable as direction indicators and must not dazzle. If direction indicators are fitted, other flashing lights are not permitted.
Regardless of the exact wording, experts believe that electric indicators increase the safety of cyclists. Extending the right or left hand when turning is currently mandatory. Those who do not comply with the regulation can even be fined ten euros. Nevertheless, everyday life shows that many people forget the hand signal. This repeatedly leads to accidents because cars collide with bicycles that unexpectedly change direction and turn off.
More safety with both hands on the handlebars
So far, direction indicators are only permitted on fast e-bikes (S-pedelecs) in Germany. Multi-track bikes such as rickshaws or cargo bikes were also previously allowed to have indicators. The advantage: the rider can activate the indicator with their thumb and does not have to take one hand off the handlebars.
Source: Lumos
An expert from the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC) interviewed by the "Rheinische Post" cites the fact that electric indicators are easier to recognise in the dark than hand signals as another argument in favour of them. Safety is also increased because the rider always keeps both hands on the handlebars and brakes when turning.
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Cover photo: Firefly/Lumos
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
martin.jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.