TÜV SÜD: rules apply to cyclists and motorists

Running red lights, cycling against the flow of traffic or using the pavement as a cycle track – as the number of cyclists increases, so naturally do the numbers of those ignoring the rules. In the face of this development, German Minister of Transport Peter Ramsauer has called for higher fines for reckless cyclists. But is this the right way? Certainly the best solution for all road users is to show consideration for others. TÜV SÜD gives tips on how to ensure safety on roads, cycle routes and pavements. 

Motorists, delivery vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians – the roads in our cities are becoming increasingly crowded. And this list does not even include new means of transport such as Pedelecs. Take Munich, for example: in the capital of Bavaria on the River Isar, the percentage of cyclists among road users is now at 17 per cent although cyclists still accounted for 14 per cent of road users one year ago, and for only ten per cent ten years ago. By way of comparison, motorists currently make up just under 30 per cent of road users. Where space is at a premium, tolerance drops and dangerous situations occur more frequently. Clear rules governing road use can remedy this situation. However, to be effective, these rules must be known to all road users. According to TÜV SÜD, all road users have some catching up to do in this area – particularly as three years ago Germany relaxed the regulations governing the use of cycle routes. Also new: if there is no cycle traffic light, cyclists must obey the car traffic light and not the pedestrian signal. An increasingly important aspect as traffic grows denser: "Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists all have equal rights on the road", says Eberhard Lang, TÜV SÜD. "For protection, cyclists should always wear a safety helmet."

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