Cycle paths and cycling rules
Not all cycle paths are the same. There are a variety of options for cyclists: cycle lanes, protective lanes, cycle streets, etc. In addition, there are always new features, such as the "protected bike lane". And the 2020 amendment to the Road Traffic Act has also brought about changes, particularly in favor of cycling. What certain traffic signs mean for cycling, what they allow (or perhaps prohibit) and how to behave correctly as a cyclist in road traffic is summarized briefly and concisely on this page.
Compulsory use of cycle paths
Wherever blue and white signposted cycle paths, separate or shared footpaths and cycle paths are designated, there is an obligation to use them. This means that the cycle path must be used as long as it is passable, e.g. free of obstacles.
In addition, there are various places where cyclists are free to choose whether they want to ride there. Following a court ruling, this is now the case on all inner-city footpaths where there is no danger due to the traffic situation and therefore no justification for making it compulsory for cyclists to use cycle paths. In Haltern am See, too, many cycle paths have therefore been re-signposted as "footpath - cycle traffic free". Cyclists who feel unsafe on the road may also ride on the sidewalk. However, consideration must then be given to pedestrians. This also applies, for example, to sections in pedestrian zones ("Pedestrian zone - cycle traffic free").
Haltern cycle promenade
The cycle promenade in Haltern am See is a network element in the cycling network. It runs along the route Lippmauer - Richthof - Turmstraße - Wehrstraße around the old town and is therefore the central hub in and around the town center. The cycle promenade is located in a traffic-calmed area. In such signposted areas, all road users are required to walk at walking speed, as the so-called "play street" has a recreational function. For this reason, there are no structurally separated sidewalks. Within a traffic-calmed area, the rule is "right before left".
Cycle lanes
Cycle lanes are 1.85 m wide lanes for cyclists that run alongside motor vehicle traffic on the road. They are signposted with the blue and white cycle path sign and must therefore be used. The solid boundary line prohibits motor vehicles from driving on the cycle lane - this also applies to evasive maneuvers. Motor vehicles are also prohibited from stopping or parking in cycle lanes, although cycle lanes may be crossed when turning in and out and to reach parking spaces. Cycle lanes are a convenient and fast way for cyclists to get from A to B.
Protective lanes
Protective lanes are somewhat narrower than cycle lanes and - marked by the dashed line - may be used by motor vehicles if necessary (except for parking and stopping). Protective lanes are generally used where it is not possible to create cycle lanes due to limited space and the average traffic volumes are comparatively low. Cyclists are only obliged to use the lane if they are riding on the road (right-hand drive requirement).
Protected Bike Lane
Protected bike lanes are, as the name suggests, comparable to cycle lanes. They differ from them in that they are generally even wider and are additionally separated from the motor vehicle lane by protective elements such as bollards. This further increases protection from motorized traffic - especially on busy roads, where they are primarily used. They are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. In some cases, their feasibility is initially being tested in the form of "pop-up cycle paths". They are not yet available in Haltern am See.
Cycle lane
Cyclists set the tone in cycle streets. Motor vehicles are only permitted here in exceptional cases and only if a corresponding additional sign, e.g. "Kfz frei" or "Anlieger frei", indicates this. If cars are allowed to use a cycle lane, they must be subordinate to cyclists. The speed of traffic must therefore be adjusted accordingly and should not exceed 30 km/h. Cyclists are allowed to ride side by side here, which makes riding together particularly attractive. Nevertheless, cyclists must keep to the right so that oncoming traffic can pass.
Bicycle zone
The 2020 amendment to the Road Traffic Act introduced the bicycle zone in addition to the bicycle lane. Similar to 30 km/h zones, the bicycle zone is extended to district level. This means that each road section no longer has to be signposted separately, but the prevailing rules apply in all connected streets as in a cycle lane until the zone end sign removes them. There are currently no bicycle zones in the city of Haltern.
30 km/h zone
30 km/h zones are located in areas where the main purpose of the speed limit is to protect the public, cyclists and pedestrians. This means that additional protective facilities such as cycle lanes, crosswalks ("crosswalks") or even traffic lights are not required or are not permitted. In 30 km/h zones, the right-before-left rule always applies. Cyclists are on an equal footing with other road users. For example, riding side by side is therefore only permitted if it does not hinder others.
Crosswalk
Crosswalks, also known as "crosswalks", are crossing aids for pedestrians. Vehicles on the road (with the exception of rail vehicles) must slow down or even stop when pedestrians want to cross. Cyclists often also use such crossing points, but frequently without dismounting first. However, dismounting, however inconvenient it may be, is part of the process, because anyone who drives up quickly and uses the crosswalk, for example, does not indicate their intention to cross in time and may be noticed too late by vehicles on the road. Cyclists therefore have no special status under traffic law at crosswalks.
General regulations
- Since the 2020 amendment to the StVO, motor vehicles must maintain a minimum distance of 1.50 m (outside built-up areas: at least 2.00 m) from cyclists when overtaking.
- Children up to the age of 8 must ride on sidewalks and structurally separated cycle paths. They may be accompanied by adults on the sidewalk. Children between the ages of 8 and 10 are already allowed to ride on the road, but can also continue to use sidewalks - especially if they still feel unsafe when cycling. From the age of 10, children should no longer ride on the sidewalk but use cycle paths and roads. Of course, sidewalks that are additionally signposted with "cyclist free" are excluded.
- E-scooters may not be ridden on footpaths (even when the motor is switched off), but belong on cycle paths and cycle lanes.
- Pedelecs (= motor-assisted bicycles up to max. 25 km/h) may be ridden wherever normal bicycles are permitted. However, the situation is different for S-pedelecs (= motor-assisted bicycles up to max. 45 km/h). They are comparable to mopeds or scooters and may only be ridden on the road. They may also not be parked on footpaths.
- E-bikes (= motor-assisted bicycles without pedaling) may be ridden on cycle paths up to 25 km/h outside built-up areas. In urban areas, this is only permitted if there is a sign saying "e-bike free" or "moped free". E-bikes that can travel faster than 25 km/h are not allowed on cycle paths at all.
A clear brochure on rules of conduct for pedelecs, e-bikes and the like can be found in the media library of the Working Group of Pedestrian and Bicycle Friendly Cities in NRW (AGFS NRW).
