The Ministry of Transport wants to introduce requirements for bicycle trailers. In the future, there will be limits on transport.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) is planning a weight limit for bicycle trailers. A spokesman for the ministry said that the plan was to limit the maximum permissible total weight of an unbraked bicycle trailer towed behind a bicycle to 50 kilograms. The “Spiegel” newspaper had previously reported on this.
In order to increase road safety for cyclists and all road users, there should be adjustments to the regulations for towing unbraked bicycle trailers – trailers without their own braking systems. The proposed adjustments to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations are based on scientific studies by the Federal Highway Research Institute, said the spokesperson. The maximum permissible total weight should be 60 kilograms, according to the spokesperson, if the connecting device is attached at the height of the rear wheel axle of the bicycle.
A longer transition period applies
The requirements should apply to bicycle trailers newly placed on the market and with a transitional period of five years after the date of entry into force of the new version of the relevant regulation. Manufacturers of bicycle trailers could confirm compliance with the requirements through self-certification.
According to “Spiegel”, the bicycle club ADFC stated that it is committed to ensuring that the permissible total weight of unbraked trailers is not set too low.
Source: Stern
