The Zebra Crossing: Rules for Cyclists
The Zebra Crossing: Rules for Cyclists – Have you ever wondered if it’s allowed to ride your bicycle across a zebra crossing? We’re here to shed some light on the subject and provide you with a closer look at zebra crossings.
What is a Zebra Crossing?
A zebra crossing, as defined in the dictionary, is a “marked area on the road with white stripes where pedestrians are allowed to cross.”
In other words, it’s a pedestrian crosswalk marked with white stripes on the road. Typically, it is indicated in traffic by a blue sign with a white rectangle showing a person walking across black stripes.
Where Does the Term “Zebra Crossing” Come From?
Due to its pattern resembling the black and white stripes of a zebra, you might think it has something to do with these animals. However, that’s only part of the story.
In 1949, the United Nations in Geneva signed an agreement concerning road traffic, the interaction between motorists and pedestrians, and indeed, zebra crossings. Back then, they weren’t called zebra crossings. The English referred to them as “zebra crossings,” and they still do today.
In Germany, this road marking was introduced in March 1952 in Berlin. At that time, people were not accustomed to the behavior expected at these special locations, leading to many accidents. Especially in Hamburg, there were 79 accidents in 1953 at the newly introduced “Dickstrichkette,” which was known as the “Schutzweg” or “Fußgängerstreifen” in official language back then.
In 1954, the Hamburg police collaborated with the Hamburger Abendblatt to discuss how the newspaper’s motto, “Seid nett zueinander” (Be kind to one another), could be implemented in road traffic. Axel Springer, the publisher of the magazine, introduced the term “Zebrastreifen” for the first time.
To give this expression more significance and tone down the animal reference, the acronym “Zebra” was coined, which stands for “Zeichen eines besonders rücksichtsvollen Autofahrers” (Sign of a particularly considerate driver). With this, police officers recognized Hamburg drivers who were especially cautious at these crossings.
The “Aktion Zebra” (Zebra Action) was born.
The Hamburger Abendblatt also promoted this term nationally, leading to the now widely known term “Zebrastreifen” becoming established throughout Germany.
Do Zebra Crossings Exist in Other Countries?
Zebra crossings exist in most European countries. Even countries like New Zealand and India have them. However, overseas, they are often marked differently and may look different from what we have here.
In addition to Germany, the term “zebrastreifen” has also been adopted in some other countries in their respective languages. For instance, in Spain, it is known as “paso de cebra.”
In Austria and Switzerland, where the stripes on the road are yellow instead of white, the term “zebrastreifen” is also used.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way at Zebra Crossings Everywhere?
In Germany, you can generally expect that road users will stop at a zebra crossing and allow pedestrians to cross. However, there is no guarantee, so always remain attentive and never blindly rely on others to stop.
In some neighboring countries, the situation at zebra crossings is different. For example, in Italy, you can less frequently count on vehicles stopping for you.
The most famous zebra crossing is perhaps the one at London’s Abbey Road. In 1969, the legendary Beatles crossed it, creating an iconic image.
Do All Road Users Have to Stop at Zebra Crossings?
Motorists, cyclists, and all other road users must stop at a zebra crossing when a pedestrian or someone in a wheelchair is waiting by the roadside to cross the street.
Important: Trams always have the right of way, even at zebra crossings!
Furthermore, overtaking in this area is strictly prohibited, and it is advisable to approach a zebra crossing at reduced speed to be able to stop in time.
Do I Have to Stop on My Bike at a Zebra Crossing?
If you’re on a bicycle, the same rules apply: Slow down at a zebra crossing, check if someone wants to cross, and stop if necessary.
If you are on foot or using a wheelchair and want to cross a street without traffic lights, it’s always advisable to look for a zebra crossing. At these locations, drivers of bicycles, cars, or motorcycles should be particularly attentive, approach slowly, and notice you in time.
Am I Allowed to Ride My Bike Across a Zebra Crossing?
Yes, you are generally allowed to ride your bicycle across a zebra crossing. However, you must wait until the vehicles on the road have passed before you proceed. As a cyclist, you do not have the right of way at a zebra crossing!
Officially, the zebra crossing is classified as a “Fußgängerüberweg” (pedestrian crossing) in the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
The purpose is clear: it is meant to enable pedestrians and wheelchair users to cross the street safely. They have the right of way over road users.
If you want to cross the zebra crossing while riding your bicycle, you do not have this advantage. However, if you dismount and push your bicycle, you are considered a pedestrian and have the right of way.
Is There a Fine for Riding a Bike Across a Zebra Crossing?
As long as you, as a cyclist, wait and yield the right of way to road users, there are no consequences for cycling across a zebra crossing.
However, if you disregard this right of way and obstruct traffic, you may be fined €20 according to the penalty catalog.
Riding on the sidewalk is prohibited
Additionally, in most cases, cycling on the sidewalk is prohibited. If you use the sidewalk to access the zebra crossing and cross the street, you could face a fine of at least €55 for this unauthorized sidewalk use.
If your behavior leads to an accident with another vehicle, you may also be assigned partial blame.
In general, it is not forbidden to ride your bicycle across a zebra crossing. However, in practice, it’s challenging to do so without illegally crossing the sidewalk.
If you want to avoid risking a fine, it’s advisable to avoid cycling across the zebra crossing whenever possible. In doubt, dismount from your bicycle and push it across the street on foot. This way, you not only have the right of way over traffic but also prevent unnecessary trouble.
