Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users: 92,273 cyclists were involved in accidents in 2020, 426 of which were fatal (Federal Statistical Office). This makes it all the more important that cyclists know the traffic rules. The German automobile club ADAC asked 4,500 cyclists aged 14 and over to complete a knowledge test throughout Germany. The result: only one per cent were able to answer almost all the test questions correctly (90 or more per cent), with an average of 60 per cent of the answers being correct.
Among other things, respondents were asked about their knowledge of cycle paths, children on the pavement, alcohol limits and mobile phone use. In addition to the often incomplete or incorrect answers, there was a wide gap between self-assessment and actual knowledge of the regulations: almost 80 per cent of respondents said they abide by the rules, but are only partially aware of them.
Only 18 per cent knew that children up to the age of eight must use the pavement when cycling. Only 15 per cent were able to say that this is permitted up to the age of ten as long as there is neither a cycle path nor a hard shoulder. Only a quarter of respondents were also aware of the obligation to use the cycle path as soon as a blue cycle path sign is erected. More than a third were also wrongly convinced that cycling against the one-way street is permitted. 40 percent were unaware that the law classifies drink-driving as a criminal offence above 1.6 per mille, which is punishable by points and a fine, as well as the loss of a driving licence.
It is remarkable that most people are not aware of the amendment to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) from April last year and its new regulations for cycling: for example, the symbol for cycle highways or the ban on overtaking single-lane vehicles such as bicycles or mopeds.
In other areas, however, many cyclists were well informed. For example, almost 80 per cent knew the rule that cyclists are not allowed to ride in pedestrian zones. And almost two thirds (63 per cent) were aware that they are not allowed to use bus lanes.
The ADAC recommends creating a solid awareness of traffic rules in kindergarten and school. For example, the club offers free cycling tournaments in schools or at events where children can practise cycling. Parents should also set a good example and practise cycling with their children. The club advises cyclists to ride carefully and in accordance with the rules and to give way at junctions rather than being overlooked and risking an accident. Cyclists should also be aware that offences against the road traffic regulations can be expensive: For example, using a mobile phone on a bike costs 55 euros, and you may even have to pay 100 euros if you ride through a red light that has been red for more than a second.
ADAC Traffic President Gerhard Hillebrand: "Fortunately, the new road traffic regulations take the needs of cyclists very much into account. The following applies to all road users: ignorance can be dangerous because it increases the risk of conflicts and, in the worst case, leads to accidents. It would be good if everyone, motorists and cyclists alike, regularly informed themselves about new developments and refreshed their knowledge of the rules."
Further information is available here.
Source: ADAC
