Berlin – The German pedestrian advocacy group FUSS e.V. Is calling for stricter enforcement against cyclists riding on sidewalks and increased penalties for violations. Board member Roland Stimpel told the “Rheinische Post” that current fines are insufficient to deter the practice, which poses a risk to pedestrians.
Currently, riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in Germany carries a fine of 55 euros, according to the national catalog of fines. However, Stimpel points to France, where such an offense can result in a penalty of up to 135 euros. He argues that a more substantial financial deterrent is needed to ensure compliance.
Stimpel, a former journalist and current head of FUSS e.V., emphasized that cycling on sidewalks is generally prohibited. He acknowledged that some cyclists may attempt to justify the practice due to heavy traffic or poor road conditions, stating, “If you aim for to avoid that, you can push a little or take a different route.” However, he maintained that this does not excuse the violation.
According to his profile on the FUSS e.V. Website, Stimpel has been a board member since 2019 and is also the Berlin state spokesperson for the organization. Prior to his work with FUSS e.V., he served as the editor-in-chief of the German Architects’ Journal (Deutsches Architektenblatt) from 2007 to 2017, and previously worked as a journalist for publications including Stern and Wirtschaftswoche.
While acknowledging that many cyclists are careful, Stimpel’s comments reflect a growing concern within pedestrian advocacy groups about the safety of shared spaces. FUSS e.V. Advocates for prioritizing pedestrian needs in urban planning and traffic management, and has been involved in projects aimed at improving foot traffic infrastructure across Germany.
The organization’s website details its work on issues such as accessible sidewalks, safe school routes, and the creation of pedestrian zones. Stimpel himself views the shift towards pedestrian-friendly infrastructure as a social project, aiming to improve mobility and safety for vulnerable populations, according to the FUSS e.V. Website.
