Risks of Potholes for Cyclists on German Roads

Potholes: risk of accidents for cyclists

Potholes are common on Germany’s roads. This is a big risk for everyone who is out and about by bike – also because there are often no signs. The information center of R+V Versicherung draws your attention to this.

Older roads and cycle paths in particular harbor a great risk: “Fine cracks appear over time,” says Roland Richter, traffic expert at R+V Versicherung. Penetrating water expands during frost and pushes up the asphalt. In the spring, a cavity remains that can collapse. “Not all damage is repaired immediately. That also depends on how dangerous it is to traffic. Minor damage is often repaired much later or not at all,” says Richter.

Municipalities are generally not liable

For cyclists this means: you have to reckon with road damage all year round. “Not everywhere is there a sign pointing out the dangerous situation,” warns R+V expert Richter. He therefore advises driving particularly carefully on dilapidated roads and paying close attention to possible potholes. This can prevent serious falls.

Also good to know: bikes with wide tires are usually better able to cope with potholes and bumps. Because wide tires can be driven with a lower air pressure, which has a dampening effect and thus increases safety and comfort. The indication of the permissible minimum and maximum air pressure is on the sidewalls of the bicycle tires.

If, despite all precautions, an accident occurs, the municipality is generally not liable. Because cyclists have to assume that a bicycle reacts particularly sensitively to an uneven road surface. “Ultimately, the question of liability depends on the individual case and the circumstances,” says Richter.

Further tips from the R+V Infocenter:

• If a cycle path that is subject to mandatory use (blue sign with a cycle symbol) is severely damaged or narrowed, cyclists may use the lane.
• If you discover a pothole, you can report it to the municipality or the road and traffic office. Some cities have set up a special hotline for this or offer an app.
• Many larger cities also have their own bike offices, which you can tell about danger spots and problem areas.

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R+V Insurance Ltd published this content on 15 August 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 15 August 2023 07:21:03 UTC