Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle legal? Carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle legal?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree3Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle legal?
The wife and I will be touring Spain, France, Italy and England june1-September 15, 2017. We also want to bicycle while in Europe. We would like to be able to take our own bicycles on our motorcycles like we do in the U.S. We use 2x2 cycle racks for the motorcycles. The question, is carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle legal in these countries or Europe in general.
https://2x2cycles.com/main-portfolio/ Is an example of what we use
Last edited by DoFo; 21 Feb 2017 at 19:09. Reason: Add info
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Feb 2017
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
A friend of mine from NZ toured all over Turkey and Europe with his mountain bike fastened on his front crash bar and rear foot peg, with the wheels strapped onto the frame of the mtb. Another friend built a short rack behind his seat where he clamps down the fork and places the down-tube in a short support.
In both cases nobody had any problems with the police so far.
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
Afraid not in the UK, items affixed to vehicles that may or likely to cause danger to other road users etc etc . Recent article in bike mag that was answered by Andrew Dalton solicitors, very similar situation to yours, can't remember what was being carried on the bike in that case but short answer was No. Will dig thru my mags and post the article for you........
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Thanks for the info Chris!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Vaufi thank you, for responding. I'm curious what countries in Europe your friend may have visited?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 2
Hello DoFo,

I'm afraid you would not be able to use that in Spain either.

I've just checked and it seems that any objects fixed at the back of the bike cannot project more than 0,25 meters, but even if the bicicle rack projects less, i am pretty sure that the cops could say that is dangerous for other road users anyway




Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Thank you for checking, bummer!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Feb 2017
Pongo's Avatar
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
I don't think you'd get very far in France either, they even have restrictions on the max width of panniers on a bike! If the bike carriers haven't been homologated for European use, they won't pass. France is passionate about cycling and cars are always passing with cycle racks on the back, but never seen one on a motorcycle. I have seen a motorcycle with a guitar case strapped to the side, but the rider was being talked to by the Gendarmes.

However, I did find this development for carrying cycles behind a motorcycle.
It's all in French, but you get the idea!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mE31faX7PM

and this:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87VnDWWYvZM Towbii is a Canadian company, but this looks really good, and would actually probably be fine as a trailer in Europe. May be worth checking to see if they have any European distributors.
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Feb 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
I was carrying my bike in Europa many times never had any problem:

Foto honda_transalp_044 - Umzug per Motorrad

Foto honda_transalp_021 - Fahrradtransport
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Feb 2017
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
https://www.flickr.com/photos/145875...posted-public/

This is how the guy from NZ transported his bike. Some of the countries he travelled in Europe were Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, UK. From the UK he returned to NZ. He didn't have any problems anywhere....
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Posts: 427
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi View Post
https://www.flickr.com/photos/145875...posted-public/

This is how the guy from NZ transported his bike. Some of the countries he travelled in Europe were Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, UK. From the UK he returned to NZ. He didn't have any problems anywhere....
Hi Vauffi, I see you got to meet Ash on his Euro tour last year

He is tough tough guy, considering the route we created for him in Balkans, he's fast on motorcycle and on mtb as well.

To answer the question to DoFo, in EU it is illegal to carry bicycle on your motorcycle, but in all the cases I've been in touch, all the people got when they were pulled by cops were smiles and taking photos of their set up. Cops will pull you over just for small talk, for ex. Ash got that in Italy and he wasn't given any kind of ticket.

I see many benefits of taking your bikes with you, I am also an avid cyclist so totally understand how people roll and how useful bike is when you stop somewhere to ride a bit

cheers
Dooby
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 Feb 2017
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frgich View Post
Hi Vauffi, I see you got to meet Ash on his Euro tour last year

He is tough tough guy, considering the route we created for him in Balkans, he's fast on motorcycle and on mtb as well.
-----

cheers
Dooby
Hi Dooby,
yep, a tough guy indeed ;o) I met him in the Albanian Alps dojng some off-roading on my little Honda. When he dropped by in Munich we did a hell of a mtb tour in the Austrian Alps before he carried on to the UK.
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Feb 2017
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frgich View Post
To answer the question to DoFo, in EU it is illegal to carry bicycle on your motorcycle
No its not!!! There are rules for loading vehicles. Your not allowed to overload the weight and when it stands out at the back for more then 1 meter you need a red flag. If it stands out at the side more then 40 cm you might need a light. Load is allowed to stand out at the back of a vehicle even for 3 meters if you dont drive longer then 100 km. Vehicles are not allowed to be wider then 2,55 m, longer then 20,75 and max hight = 4 m §22 StVO http://www.verkehrsportal.de/stvo/stvo_22.php
Also the load has to be straped well so it does not fall down or move if you hit the breakes hard etc. If this all is ok your legal no matter if you transport a bike on a car or on a bike.
Last edited by ta-rider; 3 Mar 2017 at 09:33.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Posts: 427
[QUOTE=ta-rider;558290]No its not!!! There are rules for loading vehicles. Your not allowed to overload the weight and when it stands out at the back for more then 1 meter you need a red flag. If it stands out at the side more then 40 cm you might need a light. Load is allowed to stand out at the back of a vehicle even for 3 meters if you dont drive longer then 100 km. Vehicles are not allowed to be wider then 2,55 m, longer then 20,75 and max hight = 4 m §22 StVO http://www.verkehrsportal.de/stvo/stvo_22.php
Also the load has to be straped well etc. If this all is ok your legal no matter if in a car or on a bike. [QUOTE]

With a red flag this would even be legal in Germany: http://adventure-travel-experience.d...a_transalp_065
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Jul 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Turns out we rode for two months in the USA and we have been in Europe 2 months. So far France, Spain, Portugal, ItAly and GermNy with no problems!
Attached Thumbnails
Carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle legal?-c464c62f-278e-40e7-b378-057ae91d607a.jpg  

Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Mongolia By Motorcycle deelip Ride Tales 11 30 Jun 2017 19:42
Buying a bike in Arg or Uru for travel to Colombia JimAiken South America 25 5 Aug 2013 19:31
Buying u.s. motorcycle in South America how the title transfer works to ride legal PaulandEllen Welcome to HU 0 11 Mar 2013 22:42
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top