In future, the Ministry of Transport plans to authorise more bicycle indicators than before. This information comes from an answer to a parliamentary enquiry, which was first reported by the "Rheinische Post". A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Transport announced that the new regulation is planned as part of a new version of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations. The ministry expressed its concern about the increasing number of accidents involving pedelecs.
Bicycle indicators: previously only permitted on special models
At present, bicycle indicators or direction indicators may only be used on multi-track bicycles and bicycles with a superstructure. However, the increasing number of pedelecs and their involvement in accidents is a particular reason to increase road safety. Pedelecs are bicycles that can travel at speeds of up to 25 or even 45 km/h with motor assistance, depending on the variant. It is currently necessary to take your hand off the handlebars to indicate a turn. In difficult situations, this can lead to impaired riding stability and altered braking behaviour. The possible solution is to use optional "direction indicators", as the indicators are officially called.
In 2022, the Federal Statistical Office recorded the deaths of 474 cyclists in road traffic. According to the current road traffic licensing regulations, bicycle indicators are only permitted on multi-track bicycles and those with a superstructure such as bicycle rickshaws, where the rider's hand signals are fully or partially concealed.
Bicycle indicators are designed to improve road safety
Valentin Abel, transport politician for the FDP, which also heads the ministry, emphasised that the focus should be on the safety of all road users in order to reduce the risk of accidents at dangerous spots and thus protect lives. In the view of the parliamentary group, the introduction of optional bicycle indicators could help to reduce conflicts with motorised traffic.
The German Cyclists' Federation (ADFC) expressed its approval of this plan. Roland Huhn, a legal expert from the ADFC, explained to the Rheinische Post that the indicators are easier to recognise than the hand signal, especially in the dark. In addition, they also remain effective during the entire turning process during the day, when both hands are often needed to brake. Serious collisions often occur, particularly when turning left, as cyclists are overlooked.
Despite advantages: Scepticism when it comes to bicycle indicators
Siegfried Brockmann, head of the insurers' accident research department, emphasised that a turn indicator is particularly advantageous in the dark, especially if you want to turn and have to stand in the middle to wait for oncoming traffic. At the same time, he pointed out that additional dangers could arise if the indicator is forgotten to be switched off during the day. Overall, this is certainly not a ground-breaking improvement in cycling safety.
Stefan Gelbhaar, transport policy spokesman for the Green parliamentary group in the Bundestag, also expressed scepticism. In his opinion, indicators on normal road bikes will not improve road safety. Even if the current bans were no longer to apply, normal road bikes are too narrow so that the direction indicator can hardly be seen. Gelbhaar emphasised that good infrastructures and appropriate speeds were needed to improve safety. In urban areas in particular, a 30 km/h speed limit could help to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and accident damage. According to road traffic regulations, it is an offence not to indicate when turning with a bicycle.
It is not yet clear when indicators will be permitted on all bicycles. The Ministry of Transport announced that the draft of the new version of the licensing regulations is complex, which is why it is not yet possible to predict when the Federal Council will deal with it.
Maik Schröder
Editor
