Erfurt introduces new minimum distance rule for cyclists!

Erfurt introduces new minimum distance rule for cyclists!

Erfurt, Deutschland - In Erfurt, security for cyclists is very important. From now on, new information boards indicate the legally prescribed minimum distance of 1.5 meters, which urgently needs to be observed when overtaking cyclists. This initiative is part of a comprehensive campaign that is supported throughout Thuringia by various organizations, including the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) and the Traffic Club Germany (VCD). The aim is to raise awareness of this security distance and thus improve the safety of the cyclists, informs thüringen24 .

Sophie Seher from ADFC Thuringia emphasizes that a safe distance not only benefits the cycling person, but also relaxes the traffic situation for drivers. The city of Erfurt is now planning to carry out controls in order to monitor this minimum distance. Dirk Büschke, city cycling officer, emphasizes the need for controls and possible sanctions in order to ensure that the awareness of the minimum distance is sustainable.

minimum distance even when overtaking pedestrians

But where does the specification of 1.5 meters come from in urban areas and even 2 meters outside? There is a good reason for this: cyclists are often at risk from uneven streets, side winds or unpredictable pendulum movements. An appropriate distance enables you to safely avoid possible obstacles such as potholes and avoid wind -related suction effects. This safety rule not only applies to cyclists, but also to be observed when overtaking pedestrians and e-roller travelers, who, due to their lack of protective coating, have a higher risk, as can be seen on the side of the ADFC

But how important this distance is in practice shows a legal dispute that broke up between two cyclists. Here one cyclist drove on a bike path, while the other came out of one entrance and suddenly the carpenter changed. The accident worsened the situation for the first cyclist who had to go to the hospital injured and then complained of pain and suffering. The OLG Oldenburg decided that the circumstances of the individual case should not be observed when overtaking cyclists. In this case, the court recognized the plaintiff's debt, since he too should have noticed the uncertainty of the other driver.

These examples illustrate why compliance with the minimum distance is so crucial, especially in the city. Erfurt therefore relies on clarification and control in order to enable bicycle travelers and car travelers to ensure safe cooperation in road traffic.