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Beginning of a cycle zone
Requirement or prohibition 1. Traffic consisting of vehicles other than cycle traffic and electrically powered small vehicles within the meaning of the eKFV may not use cycle zones unless this is permitted by a Zusatzzeichen. The permitted types of traffic may also be shown together on one Zusatzzeichen. 2. A maximum speed of 30 km/h applies to vehicular traffic. Cycle traffic may neither be endangered nor obstructed. If necessary, motor vehicle traffic must reduce its speed further. 3. Riding bicycles and electrically powered small vehicles within the meaning of the eKFV side by side is permitted. 4. Otherwise, the provisions on use of the carriageway and on Vorfahrt apply.
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When you see the Zeichen
You may only drive a motor vehicle in the bicycle zone if a Zusatzzeichen explicitly permits your type of traffic. If entry is permitted, the maximum speed is 30 km/h; you must not endanger or obstruct bicycle traffic and must drive even more slowly if necessary.
Rules
- Without a Zusatzzeichen permitting access, only bicycles and electric micro-vehicles as defined by the eKFV may use the bicycle zone.
- A maximum speed of 30 km/h applies to all traffic.
- Bicycle traffic must not be endangered or obstructed; motor vehicles must reduce their speed further if necessary.
- Bicycles and electric micro-vehicles may travel side by side. The general rules on using the carriageway and Vorfahrt continue to apply.
Tips
- When entering, immediately check whether a Zusatzzeichen such as „Kfz frei“ or „Anlieger frei“ permits you to drive there.
- Expect cyclists to ride side by side and keep a sufficient distance instead of pressuring them to ride one behind the other by following too closely.
- At intersections within the zone, continue to look out for Vorfahrt signs; if there are no signs or traffic lights, the general rule is priority to the right.
- When leaving the bicycle zone, check whether Zeichen 244.4 marks the end and which speed limit applies afterwards.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is not merely a recommendation for bicycle traffic: motor vehicles may not enter the zone without a suitable Zusatzzeichen.
- 30 km/h is only the maximum speed. In heavy bicycle traffic, a significantly lower speed may be necessary.
- Cyclists are not generally required to ride one behind the other in the bicycle zone; riding side by side is expressly permitted.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is the combination with a Zusatzzeichen such as „Kfz frei“: this allows motor vehicles to enter, but the maximum speed remains 30 km/h and the special duty to show consideration for bicycle traffic still applies.
Did you know
The bicycle zone was introduced as a separate traffic regulation with the 2020 amendment to the StVO. Unlike a single Fahrradstraße, it can encompass a connected network of several roads.
Frequently asked questions
May I drive my car into a bicycle zone?
Only if a Zusatzzeichen permits passenger-car or motor-vehicle traffic, for example „Kfz frei“ or, under the applicable conditions, „Anlieger frei“. Without such permission, entering by car is prohibited.
Do cyclists always have Vorfahrt in a bicycle zone?
No. The bicycle zone does not change the general Vorfahrt rules; Vorfahrt signs and traffic lights must be obeyed. Otherwise, the general rule is priority to the right.
May bicycles ride side by side in a bicycle zone?
Yes, riding side by side on bicycles is expressly permitted. Motor vehicles must not pressure or obstruct cyclists by doing so.
Does the 30 km/h limit also apply to bicycles and electric micro-vehicles?
Yes, the maximum speed of 30 km/h applies to all traffic in the bicycle zone. Because of bicycle traffic, motor vehicles may additionally be required to travel at a lower speed.
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