According to new German bicycle regulations set to take effect on April 1, violators will face higher fines.
The Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), which has tens of millions of members, published the updated bicycle rules in its latest magazine issue. The new regulations state that cyclists who ride on sidewalks or against traffic flow will see fines increase from €15 (approximately €1 = ¥8.15) to €20; those who wrongly enter one-way streets will face a maximum fine of €35, up from €30; and cyclists without working front and rear lights will be fined €20, up from the current €15.
German road traffic regulations clearly stipulate that bicycles must have functioning brakes, front and rear lights, and a bell to be allowed on the road, and wearing a helmet is recommended. In Germany, not only motorists but also cyclists and other non-motorized vehicle users are required to strictly follow traffic rules, with drunk cycling being strictly prohibited.