FootpathGermany

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Germany. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


7. Footpath

A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrian traffic. It may run alongside a road, through a park or residential area, or independently from roads used by motor vehicles.

A footpath may be reserved exclusively for pedestrians or may form part of a shared route with cyclists or other permitted users. Access, priority and permitted users depend on the traffic signs and local regulations applying to the path.

A path for pedestrians, cyclists allowed. (Niedenstrasse Hilden, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Velopilger • CC BY-SA
What does Germany’s blue circular pedestrian-path sign mean?

It marks a Gehweg, reserved for pedestrians under the sign’s rules. Ordinary vehicle traffic must not use it unless an additional sign permits an exception. A combined walking and cycling sign or a divided-path sign has different rules.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§2(5),25; Annex 2, sign 239

Mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign 239 • Footpath.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 239 • Gehweg.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
first datas: Andreas 06. Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben 2017 komplett neu digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Can children and their supervisors cycle on German pavements?

Children under eight must use the pavement, or may use a physically separated cycle path. Children aged eight or nine may use the pavement. A suitable supervisor, normally at least 16, may accompany an under-eight child there. Protect pedestrians; dismount before crossing a carriageway from the pavement.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§2(5),25; Annex 2, sign 239

What if a German pedestrian path expressly permits cyclists?

The permission does not remove pedestrian protection. Permitted riders must yield to pedestrians, avoid endangering or obstructing them, and travel at walking pace. Wait if necessary. This supplementary permission is different from a path designated jointly for walking and cycling.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§2(5),25; Annex 2, sign 239

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...