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Bicycle traffic
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect cyclists to cross the carriageway or unexpectedly enter your path. Reduce your speed if necessary, pay particular attention to cycle paths and the edges of the road, and be ready to brake; however, the sign alone does not regulate Vorfahrt.
Rules
- Zeichen 138 is a warning sign and warns of a location where cyclists are particularly likely to be encountered.
- Adapt your speed and driving so that you can react in good time to cyclists crossing or entering the road.
- The sign does not automatically give cyclists Vorfahrt; traffic lights, Vorfahrt signs, the traffic layout and the general Vorfahrt rules are decisive.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, warning signs are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard; a different distance may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
Tips
- Scan both sides of the road well in advance for cycle paths, crossings and junctions with limited visibility.
- Expect cyclists to reach the conflict point more quickly than their initial distance might suggest.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead so that you can brake safely if cyclists suddenly cross your path.
- Pay particular attention to children or groups of cyclists, as their behaviour can be more difficult to predict.
Common misunderstandings
- The triangular sign is confused with the blue circular Zeichen 237. Zeichen 138 warns of cyclists, whereas Zeichen 237 indicates a cycle path that must be used.
- Many learner drivers believe that cyclists automatically have Vorfahrt because of the warning sign. Zeichen 138 does not change the Vorfahrt.
- Some drivers only react when they are immediately beside the sign, even though outside built-up areas the hazard is generally 150 to 250 metres beyond it.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is the claim that cyclists always have priority at this location. The correct answer is: You must expect cyclists and adapt your driving, but the Vorfahrt does not result from Zeichen 138; it is determined by the specific signs and traffic layout.
Did you know
Zeichen 138 is often installed before locations where a cycle path crosses a road or where, due to the local road layout, cyclists may unexpectedly enter the carriageway. Its red triangular border clearly identifies it as a warning and not as an instruction for cyclists.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop at Zeichen 138?
No. You only have to stop if the traffic situation, a traffic light or another rule requires it; in general, you should drive at an appropriate speed and be ready to brake.
Do cyclists crossing the road have Vorfahrt because of Zeichen 138?
No, the warning sign does not grant priority. Decisive factors include, for example, Vorfahrt signs, traffic lights, a possible cycle crossing and the specific traffic layout.
Where is the announced hazard located?
Inside built-up areas, the sign is usually positioned close to the hazard. Outside built-up areas, the distance is generally 150 to 250 metres, unless a Zusatzzeichen indicates a different distance.
Is Zeichen 138 a cycle-path sign?
No. It is a triangular warning sign for motor traffic and warns of cyclists; blue circular traffic signs indicate cycle paths that must be used.
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