In urban areas, the usual movement of the arm as a direction indicator on a bicycle may soon be a thing of the past – or rather have an alternative: According to the Rheinische Post, the approval of direction indicators on bicycles is under discussion. The federal government plans to allow optional indicators for all bicycles by reviewing road traffic registration rules.
The TÜV Association e. V. reports that in 2022 in Germany over 97.000 cyclists were involved in road accidents, of which 474 were fatal. This represents a 16% increase in cycling deaths compared to the previous year. Flashing lights could improve cyclists' visibility, particularly when turning left, a common cause of serious collisions. Although, in my personal opinion, many accidents are due to driver inattention: more and more people drive while looking at their cell phones.
While some politicians, such as Green MP Stefan Gelbhaar, focus on other measures such as improving cycling infrastructure and speeding up to 30 km/h in cities, the SPD sees the possibility of electric indicators on bicycles as a clear improvement in road safety.
Currently, cyclists are required to signal the turn, although failure to comply with this obligation is punishable as an administrative offence. The introduction of turn signals could allow for more consistent and safer turn signals in the future, encouraging more people to use bicycles to get around the city and surrounding areas.
Flashing lights should not become mandatory, but should only serve as an option.
