Traffic rules for cyclists

You are allowed to ride a bicycle on the pavement, on the roadway, on a cycle path or pedestrian and cycle path, and in a cycle lane. The rules vary depending on where you ride. Always follow signs and markings. There may be local prohibitions or special rules.

Cycling on the roadway

You can cycle on the roadway alongside car traffic. Then you must follow the traffic rules for vehicle drivers. This means that you must

• give way to traffic from the right, unless you are on a priority road
• give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings
• stop at red light
•  signal when you are turning
• observe the speed limit

Position yourself so that others can see you and so that you have room to avoid potholes, gravel, parked cars and other obstacles. You can cycle on the right road shoulder when this is possible and safe. 

Cycling on the pavement and on pedestrian paths

You may cycle on pavements and pedestrian paths and if you do not obstruct or endanger pedestrians. When passing pedestrians, you should keep a good distance, cycle at approximately walking speed and no faster than 6 km/h. If there are many people on the pavement, you should dismount and walk with your bicycle.

Cycling in the public transport lane

You may cycle in the public transport lane. To reduce the risk, we recommend that you

• cycle past the bus extra carefully, as the bus has large blind zones
• be prepared for the bus to enter or exit a bus stop
• look for passengers getting on or off the bus

Cycling on pedestrian/cycle paths

On a pedestrian and cycle path, you share the space with pedestrians. When cycling there, you should:

• keep to the right
• be prepared for pedestrians to use both sides
• slow down when approaching pedestrians
• keep a good distance when passing them
• use your bell to alert them if necessary

Cycling on a cycle path

A cycle path is a separate road for cyclists. It can be made for cycling in both directions or for one-way traffic only. Follow signs and road markings that show in which direction you should cycle.

When cycling on a cycle path, you must keep to the right and adjust your speed to the visibility and traffic conditions. Be especially alert at intersections, entries and exits.

Cycling in a cycle lane

A cycle lane is part of the roadway and has both signs and road markings. When you cycle in a cycle lane, you must

• use the cycle lane on the right side of the road
• cycle in the same direction as the traffic next to you
• follow the separate traffic light for cyclists when there is one for your lane
• give way to traffic in the lane you are entering if you are leaving the cycle lane

It is not permitted to cycle against the direction of travel in a cycle lane. Nor is it permitted to park or stop in a cycle lane.

No cycling here

You cannot cycle on a motorway, or in places where a sign shows that cycling is prohibited. Cycling is also prohibited on certain bridges and in some tunnels.

Are you allowed to cycle across pedestrian crossings?

You may cycle across a pedestrian crossing as long as you are considerate of those who are walking. When you cycle across the road at a pedestrian crossing, you are not considered a pedestrian, and other drivers are not required to give way to you.

Overtaking or passing on a bicycle

As a general rule, overtaking must take place on the left. However, cyclists may overtake cars and other vehicles on the right, for example when traffic is at a standstill or moving slowly. Overtaking other cyclists and electric scooters must take place on the left.

Cycling in one-way streets

One-way traffic also applies to cyclists. You can only cycle against the direction of travel if there is an additional lower sign panel showing that cyclists are exempt. If you cycle against the direction of car traffic in a street where this is permitted, you should

• look out for cars from side roads and exits
• adjust your speed
• position yourself so as to be seen
• keep in mind that others may overlook bicycles coming from your direction

If you cycle on the pavement, the one-way rule does not apply. You must then follow the rules for cycling on the pavement.

A one-way rule is usually signalled by the “No entry” sign at the end where entry is prohibited, and by the "One-way traffic” sign at the end where entry is permitted.

Passengers on a bicycle or in a bicycle trailer

You are allowed to carry passengers on a bike, but there are limitations in terms of age as well number.

On the bicycle itself, you can carry up to two children under the age of six, or one child under the age of ten. If you also use a bicycle trailer, you can only carry one child under the age of ten on the bike itself.

In a bicycle trailer, you can transport up to two children under the age of six or one older passenger of any age. If you only have one child in the trailer, there is no age limit.

The total weight of passengers and luggage must not exceed the trailer's maximum payload, as specified by the manufacturer.

Read separate rules for electric scooters

On-the-spot fines

You may be issued an on-the-spot fine if you violate the traffic rules. If the violation is serious, you may be reported to the police. Fines and police reports are most often applied in connection with particularly dangerous behaviour.

Giving way when you cycle