Information for cyclists

Cycle path signaling along country roads has been adapted and standardized nationwide

In recent years, e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h (defined as light motorcycles in the Road Traffic Act) and e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h (defined as motorcycles with a license in the Road Traffic Act) have become established in addition to conventional bicycles. In addition, the signaling of cycle paths has grown historically. It is therefore not always clear to users of bicycles and e-bikes today which roads and paths they may or must use or which signaling is relevant for the respective means of transport.

For this reason, the Civil Engineering and Geoinformation Office has reviewed the signage for cycle paths in Liechtenstein over the past few months and made selective adjustments to the signage as a result. This has made it possible to standardize cycle path signage throughout the country.

In addition to bicycles and e-bikes, there are now various vehicles, some of which are electrically powered, such as e-scooters. These also use the cycle infrastructure. In order to clarify who may or must ride where, the Civil Engineering and Geoinformation Office has developed information sheets together with the Liechtenstein Transport Club.

Background information (overview of the most important legal provisions):

• According to the Road Traffic Act, cyclists of all types (classic bicycles and e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 or 45 km/h) are obliged to use cycle paths, routes signalized as pedestrian and cycle paths and cycle lanes.
• The sidewalk is reserved for pedestrians and vehicle-like devices (e.g. inline skates, skateboards, scooters without a motor).
• Children under the age of 12 are permitted to cycle on sidewalks unless a cycle path or cycle lane is available. Riding style and speed must be adjusted accordingly, as pedestrians still have the right of way.
• If an additional "Cyclists permitted" sign is displayed on a sidewalk, users of bicycles and e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h can decide whether they wish to use the roadway or the sidewalk. E-bikes with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h may not use the sidewalk, even with an additional "Cyclists permitted" sign. This is to prevent the speed levels from becoming too different.
• Cycle lanes must be used on the right, which means that they may only be used in the direction of travel of the main carriageway. This also applies to the cycle crawl lane, which must be used by cyclists going uphill.
• Cyclists and e-bikes are permitted to use pedestrian crossings, but without the right of way. However, it helps to dismount and push the bike in order to have the right of way, just like pedestrians. Some crossing points for bicycles are designed as so-called "bicycle fords" with lowered kerbs and central islands to make them easier to negotiate. Bicycles do not have right of way here either.
• E-scooters with a design speed of 20 km/h are treated in the same way as e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h (light motorcycles).

Further information on the signaling of cycle traffic facilities can be found in the brochure of the state police.