Radfahrende

Radfahrende is a gender-inclusive German term for people who ride bicycles. It is formed from the verb Radfahren and serves as a neutral collective noun that covers all genders, including those who use traditional bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and other pedal-powered vehicles for transportation, recreation, or sport. The term is commonly found in policy documents, media, and planning reports as an inclusive alternative to older gender-specific forms.

In contemporary usage, Radfahrende signals recognition of cycling as a normal, everyday activity and emphasizes inclusivity in public discourse. It is often preferred in official texts and civic communications to avoid gender bias associated with terms like Radfahrerinnen and Radfahrer. The term helps frame cycling as a shared activity within traffic and urban life.

As road users, Radfahrende have rights and duties defined by national and local traffic regulations. They must follow traffic laws, use lights and reflectors at night, and obey signals. When bike lanes or paths exist, they are generally expected to use them; on streets without dedicated lanes, they share the roadway with motorized traffic. Right-of-way rules, signaling, and vigilance toward pedestrians and other road users vary by jurisdiction but aim to ensure safety for all.

Safety and infrastructure improvements—such as protected bike lanes, traffic-calming measures, and intersection redesign—focus on reducing conflicts involving Radfahrende. Public campaigns also emphasize visibility, proper lighting, and predictable behavior to support safer cycling for everyone.