A cycle lane is a specially marked road that is primarily intended for cyclists.
Other vehicles must be explicitly permitted to use it by means of an additional sign (e.g. "Cars permitted" or "Residents free"). The rules of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) apply in the cycle lanes and, in principle, a speed limit of 30 km/h. Cycle traffic has priority, e.g. in meeting traffic. In priority situations, the signs or the right-before-left rule apply. Cyclists may ride side by side and set the speed when sharing the road with motor vehicles. As everywhere in urban areas, cars may only overtake if a safety distance of 1.5 m can be maintained.
If these distances cannot be maintained due to the width of the road or the traffic situation, overtaking is not permitted!
Further information can be found on the Cologne city website.