Together on the road

It’s summer and that means more cyclists on the roads. Since accidents often occur between cyclists and motor vehicles, we would like to remind all road users of a few important things.

For motorists

The ACL appeals to drivers of motor vehicles to be especially attentive and to follow the traffic code:

• Cyclists are road users by right; apart from specific cases quoted in the traffic code, they have an automatic right to be on the road;
• You need to leave a distance of 1.5 m between you when overtaking a bicycle. The side wind from a passing vehicle can easily unbalance a cyclist;
• Other vehicles are not allowed to use cycles lanes;
• Watch out for cyclists when opening a car door;
• Be aware that cyclists may go around stationary vehicles at an intersection or level crossing on the right – with extreme care.

For cyclists

Cyclists must also obey the legal traffic regulations and ensure that their equipment complies with the road traffic regulations. This applies to conventional bicycles as well as pedal-assist and electric bicycles.
The police require the following equipment: a bell, two independently operating brakes, a white or yellow light in the front, white or yellow reflectors on the spokes or tires with white or yellow reflective sides, white or yellow reflectors on the pedals, a red reflector and a red rear light. Cyclists who ride a bicycle that is not equipped accordingly risk a fine of between 49 and 74 euros.

Although there is no legal requirement, the police advise wearing a helmet. It should not cover the ears so that ambient noise can be perceived. In addition, it is strongly discouraged to wear headphones.

Children from the age of 6 are allowed to ride a bicycle on the road if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old. From the age of 10, children are allowed to ride alone on the road. Up to the age of 13, children may use the sidewalk in parks, residential areas and pedestrian zones. However, cyclists and people on pedal scooters who ride on the sidewalk must adjust their behavior and speed, because pedestrians always have the right of way here! From the age of 14, cyclists must ride on the road.

The police also recommend the following:

• Make sure you are visible: Wear a safety vest and turn on your lights.
• Signal a lane or direction change in a timely manner with your arm.
• Do not insist on your right of way, give way to less vulnerable road users.
• Never stand next to a truck or bus so that the driver may overlook you.
• Be careful when passing trucks or buses, especially because of air suction.
• Do not drive between stationary rows of vehicles and watch out for vehicle doors that could be opened at any time.
• Be mindful of other road users and anticipate their mistakes.
• If you are cycling on the road, use the right-hand lane.
• If you are pushing your bike, you must use the sidewalk or the right lane if there is no sidewalk.
• If you have the option of using a bike lane, do so.