Safety distance when overtaking: This is how you protect cyclists properly!

Safety distance when overtaking: This is how you protect cyclists properly!

Road safety is a key issue, especially when it comes to cyclists. Like that Gailtal Journal reported, certain safety distances are required when overtaking bicycles and scooters, which depend on the driving speed. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be maintained in the local area, while outside the local area at least 2 meters distance is required. At speeds of up to 30 km/h, this distance can be reduced to one meter plus one centimeter per kilometer driven.

It is important to note that passing cyclists in cycle lanes or multi-purpose lanes does not count as overtaking. Nevertheless, an appropriate lateral distance must be maintained in order to avoid dangers, obstructions or annoyances. Cyclists are obliged to use the existing cycling facilities; If there are none, they must drive on the road. Cyclists are allowed to ride next to each other under certain conditions, such as on cycle paths or in residential areas.

Safety distances and accident statistics

The regulations for maintaining safe distances have been in force since April 2020 and were necessary to avoid increasing conflicts between drivers and cyclists. In Bavaria he reports ADAC that a total of 19,207 cycling accidents were recorded in 2024, 94 of which were fatal. Around 70.7 percent of cycling accidents in which people were injured were caused by collisions with cars, with drivers being primarily to blame in over 75 percent of the cases.

In addition, it must be noted that overtaking a cyclist is prohibited if the prescribed safety distance cannot be maintained. The ADAC and ADFC Bavaria are actively committed to greater mindfulness and respect in road traffic in order to increase safety for all road users.

Special risk groups

As the daily news reported, 441 cyclists died in traffic in 2024, which is 33 fewer than the previous year but represents a ten-year increase. What is particularly worrying is the fact that 43.5 percent of cyclists who were fatally injured were riding e-bikes. This number is almost five times higher than a decade ago. Older road users are also severely affected: almost two thirds of the cyclists who died were in the over 65 age group.

The statistics highlight the need for a strong focus on road safety, particularly for cyclists. The recommended measures include strict adherence to safety distances, avoiding distractions and generally increasing consideration in traffic management.

The specialist department for motor vehicle and driving license matters is available at any time for further information and support with questions about road safety. You can be reached on Tel. 050 536/63400 or by email: bhhe.kfz@ktn.gv.at.