Anyone travelling with bikes on a bike rack should pay attention to a few things. The editorial team of our sister magazine TOUR asked Katharina Lucà, company spokesperson at ADAC in Munich, what this means for load securing and what rules apply on the road.
TOUR: How often should the bike rack attachment be checked during a journey, and what should be paid particular attention to?
Katharina Lucà: An initial check of the seat on the trailer coupling, tensioning straps, retaining arms and a check of the lights should be carried out after ten to twenty kilometres, then before each new journey. Regular checks should then be carried out approximately every 100 to 200 kilometres, especially on longer journeys. It is important to regularly ensure that the carrier and wheels are firmly attached and that there are no loose parts or signs of wear.
TOUR: Are there any tips or rules of thumb on how to ensure that the clutch can bear the additional load permanently without being damaged?
Katharina Lucà: The coupling may carry the load intended for the bike carrier and the bikes; this is usually 75 kilograms and can vary depending on the vehicle model and coupling. Information on this can be found in the vehicle manual or on the type plate of the coupling. Make sure that the clutch is clean and free of grease and does not show any signs of wear. Overloading can result in damage to the clutch and vehicle. In addition, uncontrollable driving situations can occur in extreme cases.
TOUR: Are there any legal requirements in Germany or the EU regarding the maximum speed of cars with a bike rack?
Katharina Lucà: In Germany and the EU, there are no legal speed limits for vehicles with a bike carrier that explicitly refer to the carrier. However, the following important note applies: Follow the manufacturer's instructions! Many bike rack manufacturers recommend a reduced speed, often 130 km/h, especially when the rack is fitted and the bikes are loaded.
TOUR: Under what circumstances is an additional licence plate required for the bike rack, and what regulations apply?
Katharina Lucà: An additional licence plate for the bicycle carrier is required if the vehicle's licence plate is no longer visible, for example because the carrier and/or the bicycles obscure the view of the licence plate. It makes sense to have a repeat licence plate that is permanently attached to the bike carrier.
TOUR: What special regulations or restrictions apply to vehicles with mounted bike racks when using ferries?
Katharina Lucà: Specific rules and safety regulations often apply to the transport of vehicles with mounted bike racks on ferries: some ferry companies require the bike rack to be removed before loading to ensure stability and safe stowage on the vehicle deck. In some cases, an additional fee is charged for transporting the bike rack or bikes, or extra costs are incurred due to the increased length of the vehicle. Make sure that the total height of your vehicle with the carrier fitted does not exceed the possible limit of the ferry.
TOUR: What measures do you recommend to protect bikes and the bike rack itself from theft, especially during longer breaks or overnight stays?
Katharina Lucà: To protect the bike and the bike carrier, the ADAC recommends the use of high-quality bike locks that are attached to the carrier and not just to the bike. A lockable carrier and an additional anti-theft device for the carrier itself can reduce the risk. If possible, avoid longer breaks where the carrier and bikes are left unattended. When staying overnight, the vehicle should be parked in a secure area.
TOUR: Are there specific regulations or safety aspects that are often overlooked, such as the maximum width or the overhang of the bikes?
Katharina Lucà: Some often overlooked regulations and safety aspects are, for example, that the vehicle with carrier and bicycles must not exceed a maximum width of 2.55 metres, otherwise it is considered a wide vehicle. If the bicycles protrude beyond the rear of the vehicle, they must be properly secured and labelled (e.g. warning signs) to avoid endangering other road users. If the bicycles protrude so far that the permitted protrusion from the rear lights on the rear carrier is exceeded, additional lighting would be required in such cases. However, there are hardly any products on the market that are easy to install and can be easily integrated into the existing vehicle electronics.
TOUR: What else is there to consider?
Katharina Lucà: Many users protect their bikes from dirt and water with tarpaulins. This creates veritable "parachutes" at the rear, which can develop considerable forces due to the wind. This additional wind load can quickly exceed the load limits of the structure - with potentially dangerous chain reactions.
TOUR: What differences are there in the regulations for bike racks between Germany and other European countries that travellers should be aware of?
Katharina Lucà: It is generally advisable to find out about the applicable regulations in your destination country before travelling. Here are a few important examples: In France, bicycles that protrude beyond the rear of the vehicle must also be labelled with red warning signs, There are no specific speed limits for carriers in ItalyHowever, the maximum width of 2.55 metres should not be exceeded here either and in Austria - as in Germany - an additional licence plate is required for the bicycle carrier if it obscures the view of the vehicle registration plate.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
