Can children cycle on the pavement?
Depends on age — and it's even mandatory. Under § 2(5) StVO: children up to their 8th birthday must cycle on the pavement. From 8 up to their 10th birthday they may choose — pavement, cycle path or road. From 10 children belong on the cycle path or road and may no longer use the pavement. A suitable accompanying person aged 16+ may, since 2017, accompany a child up to 8 on the pavement and cycle there too. Before crossing a road, the child and companion must dismount and push.
📋 The rules
- Children up to 8: pavement mandatory
- 8 to 10: choice of pavement, cycle path or road
- From 10: cycle path or road, not the pavement
- Companion aged 16+ may accompany children up to 8 on the pavement (since 2017)
- Before crossing a road, dismount and push
🔓 Exceptions
- On the pavement: walking pace and priority for pedestrians (consideration)
- If there's a structural cycle path, older children/adults may use it instead of the road
- Play streets/traffic-calmed areas have their own rules (walking pace for all)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If a supervisor lets a child over 10 cycle on the pavement or breaks the rules, that's an offence with a small warning fine. More important is safety: on the pavement walking pace and priority for pedestrians apply; on the road younger children need accompaniment and practice. If wrong behaviour causes an accident, contributory liability can also arise.
📎 Official sources
- § 2 StVO · Use of roads by vehicles (children) →
- ADFC · Legal rules on carrying and accompanying children →
- Bußgeldkatalog · Cycling on the pavement →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age may children cycle on the road?
From their 8th birthday children may choose between pavement, cycle path and road; from 10 they must use the cycle path or road. Up to 8 the pavement is mandatory.
Must my child under 8 cycle on the pavement?
Yes. Children up to their 8th birthday must cycle on the pavement — they may not use the road or cycle path. There, walking pace and consideration for pedestrians apply.
Can I accompany my child on the pavement?
Yes, if you're at least 16 and the child is at most 8. Since 2017 a suitable companion may cycle with the child on the pavement. Before crossing a road, both must dismount.
What about children between 8 and 10?
They may freely choose whether to ride on the pavement, the cycle path or the road. On the pavement they must ride slowly and give pedestrians priority.
Are there penalties?
For the children themselves, practically none. But if a supervisor lets a too-old child ride on the pavement or ignores the rules, a small warning fine is possible. More decisive is road safety and a gradual transition to the road.
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