A cycle lane is a special path for cyclists. It is separated from the roadway by a wide solid line and marked with the blue cycle path sign (sign 237 of the German Road Traffic Regulations). This sign also indicates that it is compulsory to use the road. People traveling by e-Scooter are also allowed to use it. All other road users are generally not permitted to cross 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.

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.

Drivers are only allowed to drive over the hard shoulder if necessary. This is the case, for example, if they have to swerve into 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.

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 open to residents 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.

A large number of accidents between car drivers and cyclists occur when the car is parked. According to accident research by insurers, more than half of road accidents between cyclists and parked cars are caused by carelessly opened car doors. A moment of carelessness on the part of car drivers that leaves cyclists hardly a chance to swerve in an emergency!

The consequences are often serious: in a so-called "Dooring accident", cyclists can sustain extremely serious injuries - whether from a collision with the suddenly opened door or from being hit by moving traffic during an evasive maneuver.

Where the blue traffic sign with a white bicycle is displayed, cyclists must generally use the cycle path. If there is no sign, the roadway may be used even if there is a cycle path. These cycle paths are then so-called "other cycle paths" with voluntary use.