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. 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.