legal requirements

[sukuinage]

Doesn't the law in Germany require lights to be fitted at all times though?

I've only been pulled once in Germany - for being on the wrong side of a country lane

No, It's only at night or when if there is bad light during the day. None of my bikes conform to the rules as they don't have side reflectors and my road bike certainly doesn't have pedal reflectors but I've never heard of anyone being stopped for that. Looking at the number of ninja cyclists (mostly going to school) who cycle past me with no lights, there's not many controls on that as well!

Just to qualify my following comments, I've ridden quite extensively in Germany over the last, i dunno, 30 years? There are some crucial things worth knowing, some apply to other countries like Austria/Switzerland/Denmark etc too.

Firstly, whilst the lighting regs have changed in recent years, essentially to allow the use of LED lights, there are distinct bands of requirement (in the laws) regarding the need for lighting and what that lighting is. Essentially its based on weight/style/usage, sport bikes (a race bike or lightweight tourer for example) only require lights if ridden at night, city bikes must have compliant lights/reflectors at all times. Not saying this is enforced but could be. As far as StVo compliance goes, if your lights are legal in your home country you do not need to comply with the local regulation.

Secondly, much like the UK, there are roads where bikes are not allowed (besides motorways), this can be a village bypass or an underpass for example, they will be signed and enforced. There will always be an alternative route signed or a compulsory use cycle path. Beyond that it isn't compulsory to use cycle paths unless specifically signed (some big cities are quite hot on this, the flip side is they usually make a big deal about illegal use of those paths too), you'd be daft not to in many instances but i've ridden sportives in Germany that specifically do not use the bike paths as they are unsafe for several hundred bikes barrelling along at 30kph!

Apart from the obvious riding on the right you can't go far wrong riding as you would at home, keep an eye out for road priorities (not always as we might expect), if you are doing something wrong you will get shouted at! Watch what the locals do, obviously obey traffic signals, but otherwise just be sensible.

Across all my trips down the years across a dozen European countries, i've never been or seen anyone stopped for any cycling infringement. Not saying it doesn't happen but unless you've been really stupid its unlikely you'll get more than some 'advice', especially as you are a foreigner 'who doesn't understand the lingo'

For your enlightenment I've just had a quick look at:
Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO)
§ 67 Lichttechnische Einrichtungen an Fahrrädern
and there is no distinction between the type of bicycle . I know there was a distinction in the past where all bikes had to have dynamo powered lights (with exceptions for bikes under a certain weight) but that's now been changed. Reflectors are a requirement but I've yet to see a single road bike with them fitted so I happily ignore it

[rareposter]

I believe you have to wear a helmet in Spain...

Yes and no.

In theory "outside of urban areas", it's mandatory for all cyclists to wear a helmet except in periods of extreme heat or when climbing steep hills.

Since the definition of "urban area", "extreme heat" and "steep hills" are all incredibly subjective, the reality is that it'd have to be an exceptionally bored police officer to actually do anything about it.

The "urban area" clause was put in specifically to allow for hire bikes in cities where obviously no-one wants to rent a bike with a sweaty helmet that's already been on 6 heads that morning and no-one is going to carry a helmet around on the off-chance they'll be hiring a bike that day.

You're much more likely to fall foul of local byelaws. Girona for example has a one way system for bikes around the old town centre now, a response to the sheer numbers of cyclists visiting the place and going to and from cafes / hire shops in the Old Town along narrow roads and alleyways. 200 euro on the spot fine for breaching that and they absolutely enforce it.

The reality in Spain is that if you ride like an idiot, you'll be treated like one. If you ride in a normal sensible manner and obey the road laws, you'll be treated very courteously.

[Ron]

I know in the UK, you can have your house burgled and the police don't do anything, other than give you a crime number.

As a general rule whichever country you are in it is probably best not to broadcast falsehoods regarding the procedures adopted by the local or national police force.

[mjr]

I know in the UK, you can have your house burgled and the police don't do anything, other than give you a crime number.

As a general rule whichever country you are in it is probably best not to broadcast falsehoods regarding the procedures adopted by the local or national police force.

The post only says it can happen, which it clearly can, as there are occasional reports of it. Doesn't mean it always does, though!

[mattheus]

Girona for example has a one way system for bikes around the old town centre now, a response to the sheer numbers of cyclists visiting the place and going to and from cafes / hire shops in the Old Town along narrow roads and alleyways. 200 euro on the spot fine for breaching that and they absolutely enforce it.

Cool!

[Bmblbzzz]

Talk of StVZO and StVO (and similar in other countries, so in UK would be CUR and various road traffic acts): On the whole, I reckon you're far more likely to fall foul of legal problems by contravening the latter. The non-legal consequences could also be far more severe, eg crashing into head-on traffic to take a fairly extreme example.

If you use a helmet, urban camo and daytime lights in most cycle-friendly places, you will be attracting loads of attention!

Maybe BUT you are likely to be legal. No problems.

What to do when law contradicts custom is not a rare problem. You certainly don't have to go abroad to experience it.

[plancashire]

Suikinage has described my experience of bike riding in Germany. My Brompton has lights fitted only when I need them. The rear flashes, which is not allowed, but I have never been stopped. If I were I’d apologise and say I didn’t get the right mode - the light does steady too.

An important rule is that the round blue sign with the bike means you must use the bike path. In a 50 km/h zone you might get away with using the road. In a 30 km/h zone you can use the road whatever signs are up. The Lycra brigade usually eschew bike paths.

If you’re on the road or a track you should give way to traffic from the right, unless signs specify otherwise.

If you turn at a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing your path. They will expect this and will just walk out in front of you. Beware.

You also need a bell in Germany. It’s a legal requirement but also essential in cities and on shared use paths. If you ride past without ringing you’ll get complaints.

[sukuinage]

Suikinage has described my experience of bike riding in Germany. My Brompton has lights fitted only when I need them. The rear flashes, which is not allowed, but I have never been stopped. If I were I’d apologise and say I didn’t get the right mode - the light does steady too.

An important rule is that the round blue sign with the bike means you must use the bike path. In a 50 km/h zone you might get away with using the road. In a 30 km/h zone you can use the road whatever signs are up. The Lycra brigade usually eschew bike paths.

If you’re on the road or a track you should give way to traffic from the right, unless signs specify otherwise.

If you turn at a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing your path. They will expect this and will just walk out in front of you. Beware.

You also need a bell in Germany. It’s a legal requirement but also essential in cities and on shared use paths. If you ride past without ringing you’ll get complaints.

All very good advice, particularly the highlighted bits. The fact that most of the lycra brigade (including myself) have bells says a lot!