The bicycle is undeniably an attractive means of transportation. Whether to get from A to B as quickly as possible or simply as a leisure activity, cycling is becoming increasingly popular. For precisely these reasons, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the relevant legislation in order to avoid any nasty surprises.

Equipment

The legal basis for the (minimum) equipment of a bicycle is the Ordinance of the Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology on Bicycles, Bicycle Trailers and Related Equipment (Bicycle Ordinance) – StF: Federal Law Gazette II No. 146/2001.

According to this regulation, every bicycle used on the road must be equipped with two independent braking devices. Anyone riding a “fixie” (bicycle without brakes) is therefore liable to prosecution under this provision. In addition, a bell (or horn), a bright front headlight, a red rear light (a flashing light is only permitted on the rear light), white (front-facing) reflectors, red (rear-facing) reflectors, yellow reflectors on the pedals and appropriate reflectors on each wheel are required.

In daylight, the front headlight and rear light can be dispensed with. If a bike meets the criteria of a racing bike (including a maximum weight of 12 kg), it also does not need a bell or reflective materials in daylight.

In road traffic

In principle, the same speed limits apply for cyclists as for other drivers. Unless otherwise regulated, this means a maximum of 50 km/h in urban areas and a maximum of 100 km/h on open roads (§ 20 StVO).

When crossing cycle crossings (= part of the road marked by evenly spaced cross markings for cyclists to cross the road – “crosswalk for cyclists”), cyclists may approach the crossing at a maximum speed of 10 km/h if it is not regulated by a traffic light (or a police officer). It is prohibited to cross the cycle lane directly in front of an approaching vehicle and to take the driver of the vehicle by surprise (§ 68 StVO).

Cycling under the influence of alcohol

If you have had “one over the top”, it is no more advisable to “take” the bike than to drive another vehicle. The following applies: from a blood alcohol level of 0.5, the road supervision authorities can prohibit you from continuing your journey (§ 5b StVO). From a limit of 0.8 per mille, § 99 StVO also provides for the following fines:

In the event of irrecoverability, a prison sentence of six weeks at worst is envisaged.

If there are concerns regarding general roadworthiness (§ 7 FSG), the withdrawal of the driving license may also be considered in such a context.

Phone calls

It should be common knowledge by now that drivers are only allowed to make phone calls with a hands-free system. Section 68 of the Road Traffic Act (StVO) also prohibits cyclists from doing so. Anyone who does not use a suitable hands-free device to make a phone call is committing an administrative offense and is liable to a fine of € 50.00 to € 72.00, or up to 24 hours imprisonment if the fine cannot be collected.

_{Source: https://www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/61/Seite.610300.html}