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Cycling streetWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Worldwide

17. Cycling street

A cycling street is a street designed or legally designated to give cyclists a prominent position in mixed traffic. Motor vehicles may usually enter, but they must adapt their speed and driving behaviour to the presence of cyclists.

Depending on the country, cyclists may be permitted to use more of the carriageway and motor vehicles may be prohibited from overtaking them. The speed limit, priority rules, permitted vehicles and beginning and end of the street depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Sign indicating a cyclist street. (Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Ben.manibog • CC BY-SA
What is a cycling street?

A cycling street is a road where cycling is given a prominent position. Where permitted by local law and signs, motor vehicles may use the road under additional restrictions.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 2, signs 242.1–244.2

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 22sexies and 22novies

Do cyclists have to stay close to the edge of the road?

This depends on local law. In some cycling streets, cyclists may use a larger part of the carriageway or ride in the centre of the lane. In others, the normal positioning rules continue to apply.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 2, signs 242.1–244.2

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 22sexies and 22novies

What is the speed limit on a cycling street?

There is no universal cycling-street speed limit. Follow the local law and signs. For example, Germany’s bicycle-street rules set a maximum of 30 km/h and require motor traffic to slow further when necessary to avoid hindering or endangering cyclists.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 2, signs 242.1–244.2

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 22sexies and 22novies

Do cyclists automatically have priority?

No. A cycling street does not normally give cyclists automatic priority at every intersection. Traffic lights, priority signs, crossings and the ordinary priority rules remain applicable.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 2, signs 242.1–244.2

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 22sexies and 22novies

When do the cycling-street rules end?

The special rules normally end at an end sign, the end of the designated street or another legally defined boundary. The exact rule differs between countries.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO Annex 2, signs 242.1–244.2

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, 1975 Road Code, Articles 22sexies and 22novies

1 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...