A braking force distribution linkage for a muscular energy-actuated parking brake system of a motor vehicle, in which the braking force is transferred at least via control cables both to one gear of the vehicle's transmission and to the wheels of at least one driven vehicle axle, the wheel brakes on each vehicle axle being respectively articulated via a compensation element. A linkage, lever and balance arm arrangement ensures a sufficient parking-hold effect on a road surface with differing nonskid properties, even in the event of failure of a portion of the braking system.