Cycling by the rules

Recently on Seinsheimstraße: A cyclist uses the road instead of cycling on the narrow cycle path at the side. A taxi overtakes, the impatient driver calls out
from the open window: "We still need to practise cycling on the cycle path!" Scene change: A cyclist rides on the pavement on Mergentheimer Straße, a man has to get out of her way and is still grumbling after her, long after she is out of
earshot. Both show: Where cyclists, motorists and pedestrians meet,
trouble is inevitable. And it is by no means simply avoidable, as some claim – only "slow down and show consideration" does not help here. The reason is simple: when three such different road users have to share the space, different interests often clash. The most important thing: time. Anyone sitting in a car wants to make progress as smoothly as possible. But cyclists can only keep up with motorised vehicles downhill or if well trained, and otherwise become an obstacle. Quite apart from the fact that many cycle simply because they enjoy being in the fresh air. When they then clog up the cycle paths at the first spring-like temperatures, even keen cyclists suddenly understand why motorists often react so impatiently – being stopped in the flow of driving really does get on your nerves. It looks quite different when pedestrians and cyclists meet. Particularly in the city centre, for example on Schönbornstraße, strollers value undisturbed wandering from shop to shop – cyclists crossing their path quickly become a nuisance. Or even a threat, because quick turns and high speeds seem quite unpredictable and unclear from the outside, even though the cyclist has everything in view. Ideally. Because such different interests clash, mutual consideration alone is not enough. Space must be created for cyclists, namely good cycle paths with sufficient room. For so-called "purpose-built cycle paths", for example, the General Administrative Regulation on the Road Traffic Act prescribes a minimum of 1.50 m and recommends 2 m. Unfortunately, not all cycle paths meet this requirement; it is only small consolation that as a cyclist you do not have to use such "fake cycle paths", as this normally does not require a corresponding sign. Speaking of which: which cycle path must be used and which not is explained by ADFC Würzburg on its website. There
the cycling club provides an information sheet on cycle path obligation. Because only if one of three specific signs is put up (the round blue ones with a bicycle and/or pedestrian), must a cycle path be used – otherwise the cyclist can ride on the road where cars also travel. On Seinsheimstraße, for example, such signs are missing – so riding on the road is completely correct if the parked cars at the side make you nervous (in English, "dooring" refers to the process when a carelessly opened car door throws the cyclist off the bike). Swerving onto the pavement, however, is not permitted. The Road Traffic Act only allows children up to ten years old to use the pavement (children up to eight years old must use it – and then, for example, the father can also ride on the pavement with them). No money for a car, consideration for the environment, need for exercise: there are many reasons to take the bike. But for it to be an equal means of transport, a lot still needs to change.

Information on cycle path obligation also at:
http://www.adfc-wuerzburg.de