You are required to use a bike path only if it is marked with a blue sign featuring a bicycle. The technical term for this is a “mandatory bike path.”

If there is a clearly marked bike path but no blue sign with a bicycle on it, you may use either the bike path or the roadway. It depends on where you feel more comfortable. If you prefer to ride on the roadway, you—as a cyclist—must still follow the rule of keeping to the right. The technical term for a bike path that can be used but is not mandatory is a “voluntary bike path.”

A common misconception is that bike paths from which the blue sign with the bicycle symbol has been removed are no longer bike paths and that you can walk there. This is not the case: The bike path remains a bike path and may only be used by cyclists. The only exception is when a blue sign with a pedestrian symbol indicates that it is a sidewalk.

Even on mandatory bike paths, cyclists may use the roadway in exceptional cases—for example, if the bike path is impassable due to snow, construction zones, parked vehicles, or other obstacles.

Bicycle Path

This sign indicates a path intended exclusively for bicycle traffic. Cyclists must use this path in the direction indicated by the sign. This may be a bike path separated from the roadway by a curb or a bike lane.

Shared Walking and Biking Path

On a shared pedestrian and bicycle path, pedestrians and cyclists share the same space. Mutual consideration is especially important here. Among other things, this means that cyclists should adjust their speed depending on the situation. Safety and mutual consideration always come first.

Separate Pedestrian and Bicycle Path

A separate pedestrian and bike path is divided into a section for pedestrians and a section for cyclists by markings or different pavement surfaces. Both types of traffic should use their designated sections of the path. Nevertheless, the principle of mutual consideration applies here as well. Cyclists must adjust their speed and exercise special caution, particularly when pedestrians are crossing or accidentally stepping onto the bike path.

Bicycle Lanes

Bicycle lanes are bike paths that run along the road. They are separated from the roadway by a wide, solid line. They are intended exclusively for bicycle traffic. Motor vehicles may be permitted to share the lane by means of additional signs. Parking or stopping is not permitted either next to or on the bicycle lane.

Protective Lanes

Protective lanes are marked by a dashed line. Motor vehicles may only use them when necessary, such as when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction and passing is only possible by using the protective lane. Of course, cyclists must not be endangered or obstructed in the process.

Bicycle lanes are specifically designated for bicycle traffic. Cyclists are allowed to ride side by side in these lanes and set the pace.

Motor vehicles may use bike lanes only if permitted by additional signs. They must adjust their speed to match that of cyclists. The speed limit is generally 30.

As a general rule, cycling on sidewalks is not permitted.

Exceptions apply only:

• on shared pedestrian and bicycle paths
• or when there is an additional sign reading “Bikes Allowed”
• Children under the age of 8 must ride on the sidewalk.

An adult at least 16 years old may also ride on the sidewalk with a child under 8 years of age. Children up to and including age 10 may continue to use the sidewalk.
On sidewalks open to bicycles, special consideration must be given to pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Speed must be adjusted—generally to walking speed.

Cycling in pedestrian zones is permitted only if an additional sign reading “Cycling permitted” is posted.

In that case, the following applies:

• Ride at walking speed
• Exercise special caution
• Pedestrians have the right of way

In situations with limited visibility, it may be advisable or necessary to dismount and walk your bike.

You can find a map showing where you’re allowed to ride your bike in Mainz’s pedestrian zone in the download section at the bottom of this page.

One-way streets may only be traveled in the opposite direction if permitted by the additional sign “Bikes Allowed.”

Even on one-way streets where bicycles are permitted, general traffic rules apply, such as keeping to the right, right-of-way rules, and mutual consideration.

Cyclists may use bus lanes if permitted by an additional sign reading “Rad frei” (Cycling permitted).

Bicycle paths may generally only be used in the designated direction of travel.

Riding in the opposite direction is permitted only if it is expressly authorized by appropriate signage.

Cyclists may cross a crosswalk while riding, but they do not have the right of way over motor vehicles. They have the right of way only if they dismount and walk their bicycle across.

When making an indirect left turn, cyclists do not turn left immediately. They first ride to a designated waiting area and wait there until they can safely cross the intersection in the new direction of travel. 

Depending on the intersection’s design, the exact route may vary. The option to make an indirect left turn at intersections is sometimes indicated by the appropriate sign. 

Yes. Motor vehicles must maintain a sufficient lateral distance when passing cyclists:

• at least 1.5 meters in built-up areas
• at least 2 meters outside built-up areas

If this distance cannot be maintained, the vehicle must not pass the cyclist.

No. As a general rule, no passengers may be carried on the luggage rack. The only exception is for appropriate and approved child seats.

There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet when riding bicycles and pedelecs with a top speed of up to 25 km/h. However, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. For so-called S-pedelecs with a top speed of up to 45 km/h, on the other hand, helmets are required by law. These vehicles are legally classified as mopeds.

Bicycles should preferably be parked at designated bicycle parking facilities. These include, for example, bicycle racks, as well as bicycle parking garages and centralized locking systems.

In general, bicycles may be parked on public sidewalks, in public squares, and in pedestrian zones; however, it is important to note that:

• Access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, strollers, etc., must not be restricted
• Building entrances, driveways, and emergency access routes must remain clear
• Bicycles should be parked in a space-saving manner

If you notice any locations where additional bike racks would be useful, you can contact the fahrRad office. They will assess whether the suggested location is suitable. Factors taken into account include underground utility lines, tree roots, path widths, and traffic safety requirements.

The city of Mainz is gradually replacing older bike racks with modern bike racks. The new racks typically consist of sturdy stainless-steel bars (“Mainz Model”) to which bicycles can be securely locked.

Bicycles that are severely damaged and no longer roadworthy are removed by the Traffic Monitoring Office. However, not every bicycle that has been parked for a long time is automatically considered a scrap bicycle. For legal reasons, usable bicycles may not be removed without further notice. Reports of scrap bicycles can be submitted to the Traffic Monitoring Office.

We recommend using a high-quality lock, such as a U-lock or chain lock. If possible, the bicycle should be:

• be locked to a fixed object
• be parked in clearly visible locations
• be secured by both the frame and the wheel

It’s also a good idea to write down the frame number and keep photos of the bike.

Furthermore, bicycle coding can provide additional theft protection. This involves permanently affixing or engraving a unique code on the bicycle that identifies the owner. Coding deters potential thieves and, in the event of theft, makes it easier to identify and return the bicycle. Information on coding campaigns is often available from the police, the ADFC, or local bicycle dealers.

A theft should be reported to the police as soon as possible. The following information is helpful:

• Frame number
• Photos of the bicycle
• Proof of purchase

If you have insurance, you should also notify your insurance company.

A roadworthy bicycle must comply with the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). These include, in particular:

• two functioning brakes
• a bell
• a white front light
• a red taillight
• required reflectors

In addition, the bicycle should be in good mechanical condition.

If someone honks at you, cuts you off, or insults you, you should remain as calm as possible and avoid letting the situation escalate further. Your own safety always comes first. Mutual consideration and level-headed behavior are essential to ensuring safe coexistence on the road.

In Mainz, a standardized signage system for bicycle traffic ensures that cyclists can easily find their way throughout the city. The signage follows the state-wide guidelines for bicycle traffic signage in Rhineland-Palatinate (abbreviated as HBR).

The signs indicate important destinations along with distance information. A distinction is made between long-distance, local, and intermediate destinations. Thanks to the standardized design across city and state borders, the bike network is also easy for commuters and tourists to use. The Mainz bicycle network is also connected to regional and interregional bicycle routes and is regularly inspected and maintained.

For each street, we assess which type of bicycle route is most practical and safe. Older bike paths often no longer meet today’s requirements, for example because they are too narrow or do not provide sufficient visibility. Protected bike lanes or bike lanes on the roadway can therefore be the safer and more practical solution in certain situations. At the same time, new bike paths continue to be built where it makes sense and is feasible.

Cycling is always taken into account in the planning of construction sites and projects. The goal is to ensure safe and, as far as possible, uninterrupted connections even during the construction period. To this end, detours are set up whenever possible, and construction sites are signposted accordingly. The fahrRad office is regularly involved in the planning process.

Bicycles can be brought along on many forms of public transportation. With Mainzer Mobilität in Mainz and ESWE-Verkehr in Wiesbaden, bicycles can generally be brought along on buses and streetcars free of charge. However, strollers and wheelchairs have priority. Within the RMV network as well, bicycles can be transported free of charge on many modes of public transportation.

However, if you’re traveling within the Rhein-Nahe Nahverkehrsverbund (RNN) area, you should follow the rules that apply there: Bicycle transport is free Monday through Friday starting at 9:00 a.m., and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Before 9:00 a.m., a bicycle ticket is generally required. In addition, on buses with expanded bicycle capacity (e.g., RegioRadler), surcharges or reservation fees may apply. As a general rule, bicycles may only be transported if there is sufficient space available; strollers, wheelchairs, and walking aids take priority.

On Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance trains, however, a bicycle ticket and—in most cases—a space reservation are required in addition to the passenger ticket. The exact conditions vary depending on the transit company.

Anyone who wants to advocate for better cycling conditions in Mainz can get involved with local initiatives and organizations, for example. These include, among others:

• the Mainz Cycling Forum (an alliance of ADFC Mainz-Bingen, Greenpeace, VCD, NABU, BUND, Scientists for Future Mainz, and Parents 4 Future Mainz)
• local citizens’ initiatives and campaigns focused on sustainable mobility

Feedback and suggestions sent to the fahrRad office also help to further improve cycling in Mainz.