Previously, municipalities had to prove that there was a particular local hazard situation in order to build cycle lanes, cycle streets, bicycle parking spaces or facilities that prevent cars from using such facilities (such as bollards). This criterion has been significantly relaxed, allowing municipalities to create infrastrucure for additional reasons, such asclimate protection or urban development.

New cycle lanes and bicycle parking spaces can also replace existing car parking spaces.

Municipalities were able to set up 30 km/h speed limits in front of daycare centers, schools and hospitals. The changes now make it easier to set up speed limits in front of zebra crossings, playgrounds, school routes and facilities for people with disabilities.

Gaps between existing 30 km/h sections can be connected by new 30 km/h sections, provided that they are no longer than 500 metres.

Heavy motorized electric bikes will become a distinct vehicle category starting June 1, 2025, which is different from small motorbikes.

Heavy e-bikes can weigh up to 450 kg, improving usability of cargo bikes for logistics and businesses within cities.

Legislation gives municipalities the option to create parking spaces specifically for cargo bikes and bicycles towing trailers. This change increases the appeal of bike traffic, especially when placed along shopping streets. If communities find good places remains to be seen.

From July 1, more children can be transported on cargo bikes, namely as many as there are protected children's seats, as designated by the manufacturer. The rigid limit of 2 kids per bike is therefore a thing of the past.

Municipalities can exempt fast and heavy electric bicycles from having to use certain cycling paths. These bikes are then also allowed to use the regular road, which is nice both for faster and slower cycles.

According to the Road Traffic Act (StVO), e-scooters are not vehicles, but sports equipment. The same goes for kick scooters. However, this means that accidents involving e-scooters on the way to work are not considered work-related accidents and are therefore not covered by AUVA insurance. This was recently confirmed in a ruling by the Supreme Court. If you get into an accident with your e-scooter on the way to work, you would not be entitled to daily allowance or disability pension.

This means that e-scooters are treated very differently from bicycles. For individuals, this means that they have to take care of the stability and safety of the e-scooter themselves if they want to continue using these convenient vehicles for their commute. This makes right equipment as important as ever — especially lighting, indicators and brake lights are indispensable.

It has recently become easier for municipalities to declare sections of road within their area as 30 km/h zones. With reduced bureaucracy and the elimination of excessive expert reports, the fact that municipal and city councils are usually better able to judge where there is a real need for slower speed limits within their own municipalities is taken into account.

Since cyclists have been allowed to ride next to each other on 30 km/h roads since 2022 - with certain exceptions - this competence of the municipalities also has an indirect impact on bicycle traffic.