Cycling Rules in Austria 2026: What Every Cyclist Needs to Know

In Austria, a bicycle is a vehicle. Cyclists must therefore follow the rules of the road under the Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO), together with several rules that apply specifically to bicycles. The requirements cover equipment, age limits, speed limits, cycling infrastructure, alcohol and parking.

Who may cycle without supervision?

A cyclist must be at least 12 years old to cycle independently. Younger children may cycle only under the supervision of a person who is at least 16 years old, or if they have a Radfahrausweis.

The certificate is issued by the authority at the request of the child’s legal representative. The child must either have reached the age of 9 and attend the 4th grade, or have reached the age of 10. Children generally obtain it by taking the voluntary cycling examination organised at school, the Radfahrprüfung, which has theoretical and practical parts.

The responsible authority is the Bezirkshauptmannschaft; in Vienna, it is MA 46. Issuing the certificate is generally free, but a fee may apply. In Vienna, for example, the administrative fee is 3.27 euros.

Helmet requirements and carrying children

A helmet is compulsory for every bicycle journey by children under 12, including when the child is carried in a trailer or on a bicycle. The supervising person is responsible for ensuring that the child wears the helmet. A new rule also requires anyone under 14 who rides an electric bicycle to wear a helmet.

Children may be carried in a child seat, a trailer or a suitable transport box. The bicycle must be ridden by a person who is at least 16 years old. A child seat may be fitted only directly behind the saddle—not on the handlebars or luggage carrier—and only one child may be carried in this way at a time. Child seats may be used for children up to eight years old.

Mandatory bicycle equipment

Every bicycle used on public roads must have:

• two independent braking systems;
• a bell or horn;
• a white or pale-yellow continuously lit front lamp with at least 100 cd; it must not flash;
• a red rear lamp with at least 1 cd; this lamp may flash;
• a white front reflector and a red rear reflector;
• yellow reflectors on the pedals;
• tyres with reflective sidewalls or wheel reflectors.

During the day, when visibility is good, the lamps may be omitted. All other equipment remains compulsory. Riding a bicycle without brakes, such as a “fixie”, is an offence.

Electric bicycles

An electric bicycle is one with a rated continuous power of no more than 250 watts and a design speed of no more than 25 km/h. The bicycle rules apply to these vehicles.

Speed limits for cyclists

Cyclists are subject to the same speed limits as other vehicles, including posted restrictions such as a 30 km/h zone.

• Built-up area (Ortsgebiet): 50 km/h
• Road outside a built-up area (Freilandstraße): 100 km/h
• Cycle street (Fahrradstraße): 30 km/h
• Shared-space zone (Begegnungszone): 20 or 30 km/h
• Residential street (Wohnstraße): walking pace
• Permitted pedestrian zone: walking pace
• Approaching an uncontrolled cycle crossing when a motor vehicle is nearby: 10 km/h

Where cycling is allowed—and where it is prohibited

The basic rule is that cyclists must use an available cycling facility, such as a cycle lane, multi-purpose lane, cycle path, shared pedestrian and cycle path or cycle crossing. If there is no such facility, cyclists should use the road. An exception applies to cycle paths whose use is not compulsory.

Cycling is prohibited:

• longitudinally on a pavement (Gehsteig) or pedestrian path; these may only be crossed;
• along a pedestrian crossing (Schutzweg) in the direction used by pedestrians, except at specially marked crossings;
• on motorways and expressways;
• where a prohibition sign applies.

In a one-way street, cycling against the direction of traffic is allowed only if an additional sign reading “Ausgenommen Radfahrer” permits it, or if the street is also a residential street. In a pedestrian zone, cycling is allowed only where specifically signposted and only at walking pace. You may push your bicycle anywhere except on motorways and expressways.

Cyclists may ride side by side on cycle paths, cycle streets, residential streets and shared-space zones. On other roads, riding side by side is permitted during training on a racing bicycle.

Phones, alcohol and fines

While cycling, you may use a phone for calls only with a hands-free system. The alcohol limit for cyclists is 0.8 per mille, equivalent to 0.4 mg/l in exhaled air.

• From 0.8 per mille: between 800 and 3,700 euros
• From 1.2 per mille: between 1,200 and 4,400 euros
• From 1.6 per mille: between 1,600 and 5,900 euros
• Refusing an alcohol test: between 1,600 and 5,900 euros
• Under the influence of drugs: between 800 and 3,700 euros

Drunk cycling may indicate a lack of fitness to drive. In some cases, it can therefore also lead to the withdrawal of a driving licence for a car.

Parking a bicycle

Park your bicycle so that it cannot fall over and does not obstruct traffic. On a pavement, parking is allowed only if it is wider than 2.5 metres and the bicycle does not interfere with pedestrians. At a public transport stop, bicycles may be left only in a designated bicycle parking area.

Frequently asked questions

Is a helmet compulsory for adults?

No. The helmet requirement applies to children under 12 and to people under 14 riding an electric bicycle. Helmets are recommended for adults as well.

May I turn right at a red light?

Only where a supplementary green arrow sign, Grünpfeil, permits it. You must stop first and must not endanger or obstruct pedestrians or other traffic.

May I ride to the front of a stationary line of cars?

Yes, if the vehicles are stationary, there is enough space and you do not obstruct vehicles turning.

May I walk my dog on a lead beside my bicycle?

No. While riding, you may not hold an animal on a lead or attach it to the bicycle. Use a transport basket or trailer instead.

Practical steps before you set off

1. Check that your bicycle has two independent brakes, the required reflectors, a bell or horn and the required lights.
2. Put a helmet on every child under 12, and on anyone under 14 riding an electric bicycle.
3. Plan to use a cycle facility where one is available and check signs for one-way exceptions or pedestrian-zone permission.
4. Keep your phone on a hands-free system and do not cycle after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
5. Park securely without blocking pedestrians, traffic or public transport stops.

This information is based on sources available online and is not legal advice. Use it at your own responsibility. For professional advice, consult a lawyer or another relevant specialist.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at