Teorio
Separate cycle path and footway
Requirement or prohibition 1. Cycle traffic may not use the carriageway but must use the cycle path of the separate cycle path and footway (mandatory cycle-path use). 2. Other traffic may not use it. 3. If a Zusatzzeichen permits another type of traffic to use a separate footway and cycle path, it may use only the part of the separate footway and cycle path intended for cycle traffic. 4. The other type of traffic must take cycle traffic into consideration. Other vehicular traffic must, where necessary, adapt its speed to cycle traffic. 5. § 2 paragraph 4 sentence 6 remains unaffected. Explanation The sign also marks the footway (§ 25 paragraph 1 sentence 1).
Download Teorio and practise for the theory exam.
When you see the Zeichen
As a cyclist, you must use the cycle path indicated by the sign and stay in the section designated for cycle traffic. As a motor vehicle driver, you are generally not allowed to use the physically separated cycle and footpath; an exception may be permitted by a Zusatzzeichen.
Rules
- Cycle traffic must use the indicated cycle path and is generally not allowed to travel on the carriageway.
- Cycle and pedestrian traffic use areas separated from each other either structurally or by markings; the symbols on the sign indicate the respective side.
- Other traffic may use the path only if this is expressly permitted by a Zusatzzeichen, and may then use only the section designated for cycle traffic.
- Other vehicle traffic that is permitted to use the path must take cycle traffic into consideration and adjust its speed if necessary.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, mopeds and E-Bikes as defined in the StVO may also use the cycle path without special permission.
Tips
- Look for the vertical dividing line on the sign: It indicates separate areas and distinguishes Zeichen 241 from the shared foot and cycle path.
- Use the symbols as well as road markings or different surfaces to identify the correct section.
- Expect motor vehicles to cross your path at junctions and property entrances, even though you are riding on a cycle path that you are required to use.
- If a Zusatzzeichen permits, for example, mopeds to use the path, you as a motor vehicle driver may use only the expressly permitted type of traffic and only the cycle-path section.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 241 is confused with Zeichen 240: With Zeichen 241, the footpath and cycle path are separate, whereas with Zeichen 240 they are shared.
- Some cyclists believe that using the path is optional. However, the sign generally imposes an obligation to use the cycle path.
- Permission for another type of traffic is incorrectly interpreted as also applying to the footpath section; only the cycle-path section may be used.
Exam tip
In exam questions, the distinction from Zeichen 240 is often the trap: With Zeichen 241, cyclists and pedestrians remain on separate surfaces; the side on which the bicycle symbol appears identifies the cycle-path section.
Did you know
The vertical white line between the bicycle and pedestrian symbols is the key identifying feature of Zeichen 241. The symbols may be arranged as mirror images and indicate which side the cycle path and the footpath are on.
Frequently asked questions
As a cyclist, am I allowed to ride on the carriageway despite Zeichen 241?
Generally not, because Zeichen 241 imposes an obligation to use the cycle path. If the cycle path is objectively unusable, for example because of an obstacle that cannot be avoided, moving onto the carriageway may be necessary and permitted.
Are pedestrians allowed to walk in the cycle-path section?
They should use the indicated footpath section. The vertical separation shown on the sign and the layout at the location determine which area is designated for pedestrians.
Is a passenger car allowed to use the separated cycle and footpath?
Generally not. Only a suitable Zusatzzeichen can permit another type of traffic; that traffic may then use only the cycle-path section and must take cycle traffic into consideration.
What is the difference between Zeichen 241 and Zeichen 237?
Zeichen 237 indicates only a cycle path that must be used. Zeichen 241, on the other hand, indicates a separated cycle and footpath, with a separate area for cyclists and pedestrians.
Study for the Theorieprüfung
Teorio has all the theory material in your own language. Download the app and study whenever it suits you.
