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Shared footway and cycle path
Requirement or prohibition 1. Cycle traffic may not use the carriageway but must use the shared footway and cycle path (mandatory cycle-path use). Consideration must be given to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians may neither be endangered nor obstructed. If necessary, speed must be adapted to pedestrian traffic. 2. Other traffic may not use it. 3. If a Zusatzzeichen permits another type of traffic to use a shared footway and cycle path, that traffic must take pedestrian and cycle traffic into consideration. If necessary, vehicular traffic must adapt its speed to pedestrian traffic. 4. § 2 paragraph 4 sentence 6 remains unaffected. Explanation The sign also marks the footway (§ 25 paragraph 1 sentence 1).
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When you see the Zeichen
Motor vehicles are generally not allowed to use the shared foot and cycle path. As a cyclist, you must use the designated path instead of the carriageway and adjust your speed so that pedestrian traffic is neither endangered nor obstructed.
Rules
- Cyclists must use the shared foot and cycle path and are generally not allowed to ride on the carriageway.
- Pedestrians and cyclists use the same traffic area without any structural or marked separation.
- Cyclists must show particular consideration for pedestrians and ride more slowly when necessary.
- Other traffic may use the path only if this is expressly permitted by a Zusatzzeichen.
- Other traffic that is permitted to use the path must also show consideration for pedestrians and cyclists and adjust its speed when necessary.
Tips
- Always expect children, people with dogs or pedestrians who suddenly change direction on the shared path.
- Only overtake pedestrians slowly and with sufficient lateral clearance; announce your approach in good time if necessary, without startling them.
- Pay particular attention when turning or crossing the path to cyclists travelling along it.
- Identify Zeichen 240 by the fact that the pedestrian and bicycle symbols are not separated by a vertical line.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 240 is confused with Zeichen 241: With Zeichen 240, pedestrians and cyclists share the same area, whereas with Zeichen 241 their areas are separated.
- Some driving-school students believe that cyclists may simply move onto the carriageway when there are many pedestrians. This generally does not remove the obligation to use the cycle path; instead, speed must be adjusted.
- The sign is sometimes understood to indicate a cycle path only. However, it also indicates a footpath where pedestrian traffic must be expected.
Exam tip
In exam questions, look for the missing dividing line between the pedestrian and bicycle symbols: With Zeichen 240, there is a shared area, and cyclists must adjust their speed to pedestrian traffic when necessary.
Did you know
Under the StVO, Zeichen 240 indicates not only a cycle path that must be used, but also a footpath. Unlike Zeichen 241, there is no separation of the types of traffic represented by a line.
Frequently asked questions
Are cyclists allowed to ride on the carriageway despite Zeichen 240?
Generally, no, because the sign makes use of the cycle path mandatory. If the path is objectively unusable, for example because it is completely blocked, moving onto the carriageway may be necessary and permissible.
Do cyclists and pedestrians each have their own area?
No, both use the same traffic area. Cyclists must therefore ride with particular care and must neither endanger nor obstruct pedestrian traffic.
Is there a fixed maximum speed on the shared foot and cycle path?
The sign does not specify a fixed maximum speed. However, cyclists must ride as slowly as necessary to ensure safety and take account of the pedestrian traffic present.
Are motor vehicles allowed to use the path with a Zusatzzeichen?
Only if a Zusatzzeichen expressly permits the relevant type of traffic to use it. In that case, motor traffic must show particular consideration and adjust its speed to pedestrian traffic when necessary.
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