As a general rule, cyclists must follow the traffic light for vehicle traffic. However, if a cycle facility guides you through the intersection and has a special traffic signal with a bicycle symbol, you must obey that signal. Since 1 January 2017, a pedestrian-only signal has no longer served as a substitute signal for cyclists who are riding. What matters, therefore, is the traffic routing, symbol and direction—not simply the nearest traffic light.
Which traffic light applies to cyclists?
| Your route | Existing signal | Applicable traffic light |
|---|---|---|
| Roadway | Standard vehicle traffic light | Traffic light for vehicle traffic |
| Cycle path or cycle lane | Separate signal with bicycle symbol | Bicycle traffic light for this cycle route |
| Cycle route | Combined bicycle and pedestrian symbol | Combined signal because it also displays a bicycle symbol |
| Cycle route without a special bicycle signal | Vehicle and pedestrian signals only | Vehicle traffic light, not the pedestrian-only signal |
| You dismount and walk your bicycle along the pedestrian route | Pedestrian signal | Pedestrian signal for crossing while walking a bicycle |
The legal basis is set out in Section 37 (2) no. 6 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO): Anyone riding a bicycle must obey the traffic signals for vehicle traffic. By way of exception, special signals for cyclists apply on cycle routes. The final sentence of the provision allowed reliance on pedestrian signals at certain installations only until 31 December 2016. This transitional period has expired.
How to recognize bicycle and combined signals
A special bicycle signal displays a bicycle symbol in the illuminated section. It may be a small signal head beside the cycle path or a separate traffic light before the crossing. If the illuminated section shows both a walking person and a bicycle, it is a combined signal and also applies to cyclists using the designated route.
A symbol alone does not answer every question about which signal applies. Check which lane or path the signal head refers to and whether directional arrows authorize only a specific movement. Stop lines, waiting areas and crossings help with orientation. They are clues to be considered as a whole; in an unusual or contradictory setup, you should not infer permission to proceed from a single marking.
No bicycle traffic light on the cycle path: follow the vehicle traffic light
If there is no special bicycle signal, cyclists in motion must follow the vehicle traffic light. The ADAC expressly confirms this rule for cyclists on cycle paths as well. If a pedestrian-only light turns green earlier, you may not automatically start riding. Conversely, if it turns red earlier, you do not have to stop solely because of this pedestrian signal if the vehicle traffic light for your cycle route is still green.
These staggered phases often lead to misunderstandings with turning drivers. When the traffic light for the road is green, do not assume that others know which signal applies to you. Reduce your speed at conflict points, observe vehicle movements, front wheels, and turn signals, and remain ready to brake. A green light permits traffic to proceed, but under Section 37 it does not exempt anyone from the duty of care.
Four typical situations handled correctly
1. Traffic light for the road green, pedestrian signal red
If you are riding on the road or on a cycling facility without its own bicycle signal, your bicycle follows the traffic light for the road. You may proceed on green, but must watch out for turning vehicles and pedestrians. A red pedestrian signal is not a bicycle signal.
2. Bicycle signal red, traffic light for the road green
If the cycle path takes you across the intersection under its own bicycle signal, its red light applies to you. You may not switch to the green traffic light for the road without first changing your route in accordance with the rules. Remain stopped before the assigned stop line or the conflict area.
3. Bicycle signal green, turning cars also moving
Your green light permits you to proceed, but does not guarantee that everything will proceed without error. Turning vehicles must give way to cyclists travelling parallel to them; nevertheless, drivers’ shoulder checks and visual contact are not always reliable. Ride so that you can react if a conflict becomes apparent.
4. Only the pedestrian signal is clearly visible
Look for a small bicycle signal, a combined symbol, and the traffic light for your direction. If the assignment cannot be reliably identified because of roadworks, obscured signals, or an unusual traffic layout, do not enter the conflict area. Wait in a safe place and, if necessary, after completely dismounting, use a permitted pedestrian crossing.
Red, yellow, and directional arrows
Red requires you to stop before the intersection. Yellow requires you to wait before the intersection for the next signal, provided it is possible to stop safely. A green arrow in the traffic signal only permits the direction shown. The fact that other directions have a green light says nothing about your signal.
If you ignore a red light that applies to you, this may constitute a red-light violation even when cycling. The duration of the red phase, whether anyone was endangered, the consequences of any accident, and the specific signal assignment affect the penalty. In addition to a fine, an entry in the driver fitness register and civil-law consequences may become relevant. Giving a blanket amount without considering the individual case would be misleading.
Turning right at a red light with a green arrow
A green arrow sign on a black background may permit turning right after coming to a complete stop. The sign may explicitly be limited to bicycle traffic. In that case, it does not mean you can pass freely: First stop, rule out obstructing or endangering others, and turn only from the permitted right-hand lane. Without such a sign, red remains a stop signal.
Do not confuse the fixed green arrow sign with an illuminated green arrow. The illuminated arrow immediately permits travel in the direction shown; the sign merely allows cautious turning after the required stop and a complete check of the traffic.
Do cyclists have to dismount at traffic lights?
No, there is no general requirement to dismount at red lights. You may wait while sitting on the bicycle as long as you control it safely and do not obstruct anyone. Dismounting makes sense when you change your route and actually push the bicycle along a pedestrian route. In that case, obey the pedestrian light and walk instead of riding across the crossing.
Quickly dismounting directly in the intersection is not a reliable way to get around a red bicycle signal. Change your mode of travel and route only clearly, in good time, and without endangering others. You may generally push the bicycle on the sidewalk as long as you do not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
Routine at an unfamiliar intersection
- First determine whether you are being directed along the carriageway, a cycle lane, or a physically separated cycle path.
- Look for a bicycle symbol or a combined bicycle-pedestrian symbol.
- Identify the signal and stop line for your direction of travel.
- If there is no special bicycle signal, obey the carriageway light instead of the pedestrian-only light.
- Even with a green light, check for turning vehicles, crossing pedestrians, and rails.
- If the route through a construction site is unclear: wait before the conflict area; do not guess.
Pedelec and S-Pedelec
A Pedelec 25, which is legally classified as a bicycle, follows the same traffic light rules as a bicycle. An S-Pedelec is a motor vehicle and is generally operated on the carriageway; a special bicycle signal on a cycle path is not automatically its signal. The vehicle class and the permitted traffic area must therefore be considered separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does the pedestrian light apply to bicycles on the cycle path?
Only if it also displays a bicycle symbol and is therefore a special signal for bicycle traffic. A pedestrian-only light does not apply to cyclists who are riding; without a bicycle signal, the carriageway light is decisive.
May I set off on a pedestrian green light if the carriageway light is red?
Not while riding without a bicycle signal. You may use a pedestrian-only green phase only if you dismount completely, push the bicycle along an authorized pedestrian route, and obey its signal.
What applies if the bicycle and car traffic lights show different colors?
On a cycle route with its own bicycle signal, that signal applies. On the carriageway, the traffic signal applies. The other light color does not replace the signal assigned to you.
Is running a red light on a bicycle only a minor traffic offense?
No. Depending on how long the light was red, the danger caused, and the consequences of an accident, serious penalties and liability consequences may apply. What matters is which signal governed your specific route.
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