Berlin. The increasing number of pedelec accidents is leading to new regulation of turn signals. The Federal Council paved the way.
In the future, indicators will be allowed for all bicycles during turns. The Federal Council agreed to a corresponding change in the road traffic legislation regulations. Secretary of State for Transport, Oliver Luksic (FDP), welcomed the fact that the state chamber has paved the way for bicycle indicators to be permitted in the future.
“Technological developments in recent years have made this change possible,” said Luksic. “This is good for road safety because it means cyclists can be noticed better when turning. But it is also an important signal for the bicycle industry, which now has planning security to put suitable products on the market.”
Previously, “turn indicators” were only permitted on multi-lane bicycles and body-mounted bicycles – such as rickshaws – where the driver’s hand signals were fully or partially obscured.
In January, the Federal Ministry of Transport announced new regulations. A spokeswoman said the Ministry of Transport is concerned about the increasing number of accidents involving pedelecs – the number of bicycles with auxiliary motors has increased significantly in recent years. To indicate the turn, it is currently necessary to take your hand off the handlebars. In difficult situations, this can lead to a deterioration in driving stability and a change in braking behavior.
Optional turn signals are one way to counteract this. Optional turn signals can replace the hand signal when cyclists indicate they want to turn.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240517-99-71714/3 (dpa)