Radvorfahrt

Radvorfahrt is a traffic management concept in German road law that grants cyclists priority over motor vehicles in specific controlled intersections. The term originates from the German Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO), where it is codified primarily in § 29 and § 31. A Radvorfahrtszeichen, a traffic sign consisting of a bicycle symbol on a white background, indicates to vehicles that cyclists have the right of way when turning or proceeding straight through the intersection. The sign is typically installed where a dedicated cycle lane or off‑road bicycle path crosses a road and is used in towns and cities that prioritize sustainable transport.

Unlike pedestrian priority, which applies to pedestrians on a crosswalk (StVO § 26), Radvorfahrt is specific to cyclists and requires that the cyclist remain within the designated cycle lane or path. Vehicles are obliged to yield, and failure to do so can result in a penalty point on the licence. The implementation of Radvorfahrt aims to reduce conflicts at intersections, lower crash rates involving cyclists, and encourage a modal shift to bicycling.

The concept has been refined over successive revisions of the StVO, with the 2014 overhaul expanding its application to rural areas. Comparative studies show that cities employing Radvorfahrt policies experience statistically significant improvements in cyclist safety metrics.