Corona: Motorcycle riding allowed?

Is it still allowed to ride a motorcycle during the Corona crisis?

06.04.2020

At the beginning of April, the sun is shining: the new motorcycle season finally begins. But stop: Can we ride a motorcycle in the Corona crisis at all? We summarise the current situation.

Easter is just around the corner. At this time, the motorcycle season begins. This year, however, the Corona crisis is digging in between. And many bikers are unsettled: Can I ride - just for fun? Or just for shopping? Only alone or with my biker buddy?

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to these questions, as the Länder interpret the rules differently in the Corona crisis.

Bavaria and things: Motorcycle riding in the Corona crisis is not allowed just for fun

The federal states of Bavaria and Saxony are very clear and strict. Motorcycle excursions are not currently allowed here for no good reason due to the initial restrictions. Excluded, as with car journeys, are also the way to work, to the doctor or to the workshop - i.e. trips with good reason.

Saarland and Brandenburg: Sport is allowed - is motorcycling sport?

The federal states of Brandenburg and the Saarland interpret the regulations somewhat more generously. According to the state governments, riding by motorbike is still allowed here, because these fall under the theme "Sport and Movement". Hamburg police have also tweeted that riding a motorcycle is still allowed - but please take extra care.

Rule of thumb: Do NOT drive for fun in federal states with initial restriction

In the Länder where the initial restriction applies, one may only get on a motorcycle with good reason. A splash trip to the dredging lake is certainly not a valid reason,even if fresh air is snapped. An errand ride for shopping or to the pharmacy is allowed. In the federal states, where only the ban on contact applies, you can also ride a motorcycle "just for fun". But please be extra careful to minimize the risk of accidents.

Riding a motorcycle during the Corona crisis: keeping the rules of distance!

In all federal states, the distance rules and other precautions must of course also be observed for motorcyclists. So if you ride a motorcycle despite The Corona, you have to observe the normal rules at the latest at the gas station or when stopping: At least 1.5 meters distance from other bikers, do not stand with more than 2 people, no coughing or touching, etc. In many federal states, driving for two is not (yet) prohibited.

Caution: Those who build an accident now put themselves and others at risk even more than usual

Because of the special situation in the Corona crisis, the ADAC has pointed out that motorcycling is now particularly dangerous, because in the event of an accident, the risk of infection is particularly high for the police and accident assistants - and of course also for the motorcyclist himself. In addition, all capacities in hospitals for Corona patients are currently needed, so accident-injured bikers are not needed there at all.

Attention: Rules can change every day

This post was posted on April 6, 2020. The situation around the initial and other restrictions may change at any time. The regulations of the federal states can also be adapted at any time. It may therefore be that, at a later date, the already stricter rules from Bavaria will also apply in other regions.