Traffic - Transport Ministry plans weight limit for bike trailers
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) plans to set a weight limit for bicycle trailers. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that it is planned to fundamentally limit the maximum permissible weight of an unbraked bicycle trailer hitched behind a bicycle to 50 kilograms. Previously, the "Spiegel" reported on this.
To enhance traffic safety for cyclists and all road users, there should be adjustments to the regulations for towing unbraked bicycle trailers - these are trailers without their own braking systems. The planned adjustments in the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance are based on scientific studies by the Federal Highway Research Institute, according to the spokesperson. The maximum permissible weight should amount to 60 kilograms, according to the spokesperson, if the attachment device is at the level of the rear axle of the bicycle.
There is a longer transition period
The requirements should apply to newly introduced bicycle trailers and, with a five-year transition period from the date of entry into force of the new regulation. Manufacturers of bicycle trailers can confirm compliance with the requirements in the context of self-certification.
The ADFC cycling club stated in the "Spiegel" that it is campaigning to ensure that the permissible total weight of unbraked trailers is not set too low.
- Volker Wissing, the Federal Transport Minister from the FDP in Germany, intends to impose a weight limit on bicycle trailers employing the Transport Ministry's regulations.
- The Berlin-based Transport Ministry plans to restrict the maximum allowable weight for an unbraked bicycle trailer attached to a bicycle to 50 kilograms, according to their spokesperson.
- In line with scientific studies conducted by the Federal Highway Research Institute, the proposed adjustments to the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance aim to enhance traffic safety for cyclists and other road users.
- The ADFC cycling club, in response to previous reporting by "Spiegel", advocates for maintaining a permissible total weight for unbraked trailers that is not overly restrictive.
