Traveling safely together: FEDRO updates the cycling etiquette guide
With the increasing variety of means of transportation, the available road space must be used more and more jointly. On July 1, new regulations for non-motorized traffic will come into force that take this development into account. FEDRO has therefore revised the cycling etiquette booklet "Cycling safely together" and consulted various organizations and accident prevention agencies active in the cycling sector.
Do I have to wear a helmet? Can I give someone a lift in my vehicle? Who has right of way? Who is allowed to ride on the sidewalk? New means of transportation such as e-bikes or e-scooters are in vogue. As a result, road users increasingly have to share the available space. At the same time, new questions arise. Bicycle etiquette not only informs cyclists, but also drivers, pedestrians and other road users about the applicable rules and recommendations. If you are well informed, you will be safer and more relaxed on the road.
The 2025 edition of Velo-Knigge takes into account the new traffic regulations that come into force on July 1. These primarily affect e-bikes: In certain cases, riders of fast e-bikes are now exempt from the obligation to use cycle paths. In other cases, however, they are no longer allowed to use certain shared traffic areas. Detailed information on the new signals for bicycle traffic from July 1, 2025 can be found in the Importance of bicycle traffic signalization.
Furthermore, a new vehicle category will be permitted from July 1: heavy e-bikes with a total weight of up to 450 kg, including load. These cargo bikes are considered motorcycles, even though their speed is limited to 25 km/h, and they must be fitted with a yellow license plate. Other changes are also coming into force, for example with regard to carrying children. The changes are set out in the Overview table for motorcycles visible.
Various organizations and accident prevention agencies active in the bicycle sector were consulted for the update of the "Velo-Knigge", as was already the case when the first edition was compiled. The contents are now available available online. The bicycle etiquette guide can also be downloaded here:
