Cyclists Are Better Protected In Traffic

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Cyclists Are Better Protected In Traffic
Cyclists Are Better Protected In Traffic

Video: Cyclists Are Better Protected In Traffic

Video: Cyclists Are Better Protected In Traffic
Video: Bike Messenger Riding Fast and Fluid Through NYC Traffic 2024, March
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Cyclists are better protected in road traffic. In future, drivers will have to keep a minimum distance of 1.50 meters when overtaking.

Stricter penalties for reckless drivers, more protection for bicycles and pedestrians: In order to prevent dangerous situations, especially in cities in Germany, there are numerous new rules. The Federal Council approved a reform of the Road Traffic Act (StVO) by Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) on Friday with several changes.

spoods.de

With a view to the new road traffic regulations, Scheuer spoke of a "real strengthening of cycling". Especially with cyclists, the accident record has worsened in recent years. The focus is also on fatal accidents in which truck drivers overlook cyclists when turning. Experts complain that the expansion of the cycle paths is proceeding too slowly. There are also some problems with pedelecs, i.e. bikes with electrical assistance.

Rules should come into force quickly

The ministry wants to put the new rules into effect "as soon as possible", an exact date is not yet available. Motorists and other road users have to be prepared for this:

Wrong parking

The fines for parking in the "second row", on sidewalks and cycle paths increase - from at least 15 euros to up to 100 euros. This also applies to stopping on protective strips for cyclists, i.e. on cycle paths that are painted on the road with a dashed white line. So far, cars have been allowed to stop there for three minutes, but in future it will be taboo. In severe cases, there can also be a point in the register in Flensburg. Illegal parking in confusing areas can cost 35 euros instead of 15 euros in the future, unauthorized parking in spaces for the severely disabled can cost 55 euros instead of 35 euros.

Rescue alley

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Drivers have to make space for emergency services and create an emergency lane in traffic jams. It has already been punished for not doing this. In the future, it should also have the same consequences if you drive through an emergency lane without permission: Then there is a risk of fines between 200 euros and 320 euros, a month's driving ban and two points in Flensburg.

More protection for cyclists

So far, drivers have had to keep a “sufficient” distance when overtaking cyclists. In future, at least 1.50 meters in town and 2 meters outside of town will be specified. Trucks over 3.5 tonnes are only allowed to drive at walking pace when turning right in the village if bicycle or foot traffic is to be expected - i.e. a maximum of 11 kilometers per hour. In dangerous places, a new sign can prohibit cars and trucks from overtaking single-lane vehicles. Parking is prohibited up to eight meters in front of crossings and junctions with cycle paths in order to improve visibility.

Green Arrow

A green arrow allows you to turn right when a traffic light is red - but only if you stop first and do not endanger anyone. In future there will be such a green arrow especially for cyclists. In addition to bicycle streets, there can also be entire bicycle zones. A maximum of 30 km / h is allowed there, and cycling may not be endangered or hindered.

Lawn and noise

In urban areas, rasers are threatened with a one-month driving ban earlier - if they are 21 kilometers per hour faster than allowed. Unnecessary noise and exhaust emissions, so-called “auto-posing”, will also become more expensive - in future, up to 100 euros could be due instead of 20 euros.

Speed limit

The endless debate should continue, even if the next attempt in the Federal Council has now failed. A proposal by the Environment Committee did not find a majority. Scheuer said that one could now discuss the subject every two weeks "until exhaustion". But there is a proven system with speed restrictions on around a third of the network and the recommended speed of 130 km / h. One question now is whether and how the SPD is actually still applying pressure - it has named a speed limit as an additional project that it wants to tackle in the coalition with the Union.

Residential parking and Tempo 30

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In the Federal Council there were proposals to expand the fee framework for resident parking permits in cities - from 10.20 euros to 30.70 euros to 10 to 240 euros per year. Among other things, an “Alliance for Modern Mobility”, which Scheuer has started with federal states and municipalities, is now to advise on this. This also applies to the project to be able to set up Tempo 30 zones more easily - not only in front of schools, but also on school routes.

Electric scooter

There was also a suggestion on the table that rental companies for e-scooters should require a permit so that the runabouts are allowed to stand on sidewalks. Because the chaos on the sidewalks annoys many. But there was no majority for it.

Bus lanes

There was criticism of Scheuer's original plan that bus lanes could also be released for cars with more than three passengers. Cities should be able to allow this in order to encourage carpooling. The Federal Council deleted this point from the ordinance. (dpa)

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