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Beginning of a cycle street
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 streets unless this is permitted by a Zusatzzeichen. The permitted types of traffic may also be shown together on one Zusatzzeichen. Other vehicular traffic may cross a cycle street at an intersection to reach the continuing road. 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 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 drive a motor vehicle on a bicycle street only if a Zusatzzeichen expressly permits your type of traffic; simply crossing it at an intersection is permitted. If entry is permitted, the maximum speed is 30 km/h, and you must drive even more slowly if necessary so that cyclists are neither endangered nor obstructed.
Rules
- Cyclists and electric micro-vehicles within the meaning of the eKFV may use the bicycle street; other vehicle traffic is generally not permitted to enter.
- Motor vehicles may enter only if this is permitted by a Zusatzzeichen, for example “Anlieger frei” or a passenger-car symbol.
- A maximum speed of 30 km/h applies to all traffic.
- Cyclists may ride side by side and must not thereby be endangered or obstructed by permitted motor vehicle traffic.
- A bicycle street does not change the Vorfahrt: at intersections, existing priority signs apply or, otherwise, priority to the right generally applies.
Tips
- Before entering by car, immediately check whether a suitable Zusatzzeichen is mounted below the sign.
- If entry is permitted, keep a sufficient distance and adapt to the cyclists; even 30 km/h may be too fast depending on the situation.
- Do not pressure cyclists riding side by side to ride in single file by following too closely or honking.
- Check the Vorfahrt again at every intersection, because a bicycle street is not automatically a Vorfahrtstraße.
Common misunderstandings
- The number 30 is not shown on the sign, yet a maximum of 30 km/h automatically applies on the bicycle street.
- Many people mistake the sign for a cycle path. However, a bicycle street is a road with special rules; motor vehicles may be permitted by a Zusatzzeichen.
- Learner drivers often assume that traffic on the bicycle street always has Vorfahrt. In fact, the normal Vorfahrt rules and the existing signs apply.
Exam tip
Pay particular attention to a Zusatzzeichen in exam questions: without permission, you may not enter the bicycle street by passenger car, but you may cross it at an intersection to reach the continuing road.
Did you know
Bicycle streets were added to the German StVO in 1997. Their end is indicated by Zeichen 244.2.
Frequently asked questions
May I drive a car onto a bicycle street?
Only if a Zusatzzeichen permits motor vehicle traffic or your specific type of traffic. Without such permission, entering by passenger car is prohibited.
How fast may I drive on a bicycle street?
A maximum of 30 km/h applies to all traffic. If cyclists would otherwise be endangered or obstructed, you must drive the motor vehicle even more slowly.
May cyclists ride side by side on a bicycle street?
Yes, riding side by side on bicycles is expressly permitted. Permitted motor vehicle traffic must take this into account and may not pressure them.
Does a bicycle street automatically have Vorfahrt at intersections?
No, Zeichen 244.1 does not establish Vorfahrt. The existing traffic signs apply or, if no other rule applies, priority to the right.
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