A cycle lane is a special path for cyclists. It separates the flow of traffic more than a hard shoulder. Cycle lanes are separated from the carriageway by a wide solid line and are marked with the blue cycle path sign (sign 237 of the German Road Traffic Regulations).

This sign also indicates the obligation to use the lane: People on e-scooters are also permitted to use it. All other road users are generally not permitted to drive over it.

There is only one exception: motorists may cross a cycle path if they want to reach parking spaces or a driveway that is next to the cycle lane.

Stopping and parking is not permitted in the cycle lane.

Drivers are also obliged to keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists in the cycle lane.

The same rules apply to protected cycle lanes as to cycle lanes. The difference is that they are structurally separated from motor traffic. The English term "protected bike lane" is often used for this.

A cycle lane is a road that is reserved for cyclists. Other vehicles such as cars and motorcycles may only use a cycle lane if an additional sign permits this. Bicycle lanes can, for example, be opened to pedestrians or general motor vehicle traffic. However, cars are then only allowed as guests.

The general speed limit in a cycle lane is 30 km/h. In order not to endanger or obstruct anyone, it may be necessary to drive even slower.

Cyclists may ride side by side at all times. Motor vehicle drivers must be subordinate.

Cycle lanes are used where cycling is the predominant mode of transport or the road is located on a main cycling route. They offer cyclists wide paths on which they can ride comfortably away from the main roads.

In cycle lanes, the general priority rules of the Highway Code apply. If an intersection or junction is not regulated by traffic signs or traffic lights, then right before left applies.

Here you will find an overview of  existing and planned cycle lanes in Bonn.

Environmental lanes are special lanes and are only open to cyclists and public transport. To protect cyclists, the following always applies: cyclists may only be overtaken with a safety distance of 1.5 meters. This is not feasible in the case of the environmental lanes with their solid line. Buses are therefore not allowed to overtake cyclists there.

Protective lanes are not special lanes for bicycles, but a marked area on the roadway that is marked at regular intervals with white bicycle pictograms.

Protective lanes are mainly chosen on busy roads with many junctions in order to visually separate bicycle traffic. This is because a structural separation of cycle and motor traffic is generally not possible on these roads.

Motorists are only allowed to drive over the hard shoulder if necessary. This is the case, for example, if they have to swerve onto the hard shoulder to avoid a large vehicle in oncoming traffic.

However, it is important that they do not obstruct or endanger people on bicycles when crossing this lane. When overtaking, drivers must of course keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters.

Since April 1, 2020, stopping and parking is also not permitted on the hard shoulder.

Beware of the risk of accidents: If parking is permitted on the side of the road next to the hard shoulder, drivers must pay attention to cyclists when getting out of the car! As a precaution, cyclists should keep the greatest possible distance from parked cars. Unfortunately, so-called "Dooring accidents" frequently occur due to doors suddenly opening in the hard shoulder.

To make commuting by bike more attractive, there should be faster connections for bike commuters. Transport planners refer to this as "fast cycle routes". However, there is still no uniform construction standard or definition for this in Germany. This term refers to high-quality cycle paths, i.e. connecting routes that are comfortable and quick to use over longer distances.

Cycle highways connect workplaces and city centers with residential areas so that more people cycle to work, school or university instead of driving. This is why they are called commuter cycle routes .

Characteristics:

• Routes are as direct as possible,
• separation from other types of traffic,
• good surface quality so that the bike rolls easily,
• comfortable path widths,
• priority regulation for cycling as far as possible.

The feasibility study "Fast cycle routes in Bonn" from 2012 aimed to define the routes of potential fast routes and identify the necessary expansion measures. This route was the basis for the competition entry "Fast cycle routes".

Cycle commuter routes

Existing cycle routes are to be upgraded to cycle commuter routes that offer convenient connections to the city center. In addition to the routes developed with the neighboring municipalities of Alfter and Bornheim, the focus is particularly on the cycle paths along the Rhine, as they are used by both leisure cyclists and commuters. As part of the Emission-free city center project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), these are being expanded and thus significantly upgraded.

To help you find your desired route or discover new connections, selected routes are equipped with signposts.

The North Rhine-Westphalia cycling network connects all cities and municipalitiesthroughout the state. The Rhineland cycling region provides orientation for cyclists through the junction system - for commuters and leisure cyclists.