Armless cycling meets long arm of the law

German police in the city of Cologne recently stopped a cyclist and fined him on safety grounds, because he was riding one-handed. The one-armed cyclist was understandably less than impressed and pointed out that there is no law in Germany as to having only one arm with which to control a bicycle or indeed a motor vehicle.
November 20, 2014 Read time: 2 mins

German police in the city of Cologne recently stopped a cyclist and fined him on safety grounds, because he was riding one-handed. The one-armed cyclist was understandably less than impressed and pointed out that there is no law in Germany as to having only one arm with which to control a bicycle or indeed a motor vehicle. The officers then decided to fine the man for riding a bicycle that did not meet German safety standards. The man used his one hand to point out that the control layout had been modified so that he was able to operate both front and rear brakes, but the officers did not listen to his explanation and fined him on the spot. An additional fine was given to the man as the officers said the lights on the bicycle were faulty. The rider paid the on-the-spot fine as he was late for a meeting but later complained to the local police force. He proved that he was able to operate both brakes and also showed that the bicycle’s lighting system was powered by a dynamo, which was why it was not illuminated when stationary. The police apologised for their mistake and refunded the fine.

Related Content

  • Better excuses needed
    February 19, 2014
    A number of British drivers are now counting the cost for their feeble excuses for poor driving. One man was travelling at around 210km/h in his mother’s Mercedes, roughly twice the speed limit for the stretch of road, when he was spotted by police and stopped. When asked in court to explain his reasons for the inappropriate speed, he explained that the vehicle did not have cupholders and was therefore unable to hold his cup of tea. This was why he had to secure it on the seat, between his legs instead.
    Read More
  • Style trial
    August 23, 2016
    Police in Vietnam have been trying to find a young motorcyclist, with a very dangerous riding style. The man was filmed by the passenger of another vehicle, with the clip clearly showing the youth riding his motorcycle and using his feet to steer, while holding a phone in his hand and carrying out a conversation. At one point in the clip a truck driver blasts his horn at the rider, who then nearly falls of his motorcycle. Vietnam has recently introduced a requirement for motorcyclists to wear helmets but it
    Read More
  • Indiana Jones, on a bike
    January 19, 2016
    A plucky Canadian cyclist underwent a terrifying experience that emulated a famous scene in an Indiana Jones film. The cyclist was riding his bicycle when an articulated truck pulled out in front of him, causing him to lose control and slide underneath the vehicle. As the truck moved away, he was terrified of being run over by the rear axles so grabbed hold of a brake line and was then dragged for around 500m at speeds of up to 50km/h before another driver was able to alert the truck driver. Although he suf
    Read More
  • Emergency driver
    July 30, 2012
    In Japan a firefighter has been dismissed, having driven fire engines and other emergency vehicles without a license. The man had been working as a firefighter for over 20 years in Takaoka City before a routine check uncovered the fact that he had no license. At first the man tried to pass off his father's driving license as his own, but when he seemed reluctant to show it to his superiors they insisted on examining it more closely and it was quickly realised that the photograph was of his father. Although
    Read More

Highlighted Content