Cycling

Discover Germany on Two Wheels: Where Cycling Meets Culture and Scenic Adventure**

Cycling in Germany is an integral part of the country’s culture, transportation system, and lifestyle. With a well-developed infrastructure, scenic routes, and a strong cycling tradition, Germany is one of the most bike-friendly countries in Europe

The following was shared by DeWet Herselman

The entire cycling scene in Germany took some getting used to when I arrived here. In South Africa, its sort of all kitted out serious health fanatics on bikes, and few other people ever use a bike after you’ve left school. However, the scene in Germany is significantly different.
A survey on the frequency of bicycle usage in Germany 2017-2020 found that in 2020, 9.8 percent of the German population hopped on a bike daily, while 17.1 percent did so several days a week.
Cycling is both a popular way to commute as well as a recreational activity.

Furthermore, the vast variety of bikes available here makes cycling the perfect way to get some sort of exercise, even if you’re not a serious athlete.
This includes road bikes, racing bikes, commuting bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, tandems and even family bikes (those with trailers for dogs or children).
Just in the e-bike category, you’ve got a wide choice of road, touring, light touring, commute, mountain or (again) family e-bikes.

I bought a so-called Light-Tourer e-bike in July 2019, and with this discovered an entirely new perspective on living and travelling in Germany.
In 24 months I’ve cycled more than 5000 of leisure training kilometres and incidentally found a very fulfilling ‘hobby’.
There are more than 200 cycle roads (that’s long-distance routes crisscrossing the country) besides all the normal cycle lanes in and around towns and cities.
So what better way to spend Saturdays than to hop on your bike, and head off on an exploring trip of a new valley or nature area or countryside where you are bound to find a ‘Biergarten’ to refuel and get plenty of photo opportunities of the stunning German countryside or ancient towns? As we got fitter and fitter I realised why an e-bike is such a good choice. It enables you to travel further while still providing adequate sweat and pulse to get you fitter.

I haven’t yet participated in cycle races in Germany, as I just enjoy the travelling and exploring part of it.
Funnily though, Germany’s official cycling took quite a knock due to doping scandals after 2012, which means in competitive events, it is more the serious athletes that participate than in South Africa where there are many ‘social’ cycle races to participate in. But the social individual cycling opportunities on dedicated cycle paths (thus no shoulder rubbing with cars, or worse, taxis) more than make up.
Don’t feel offended when you are easily overtaken by a small grey-haired lady on a bike on a steep incline while you’re sweating your way up – she probably just has more experience and a stronger e-bike.

The two most common cycling apps I’m aware of is Kamoot and Strava, while Google Maps also enable decent cycle routes.
Most fitness trackers link with these apps and keep good statistics of your cycling expeditions, which adds to the enjoyment.

Go get a bike, and a decent padded pair of shorts since cycling in that area is a contact sport and Google some nice cycle paths in your area to explore. Oh, and report on your adventures on South Africans in Germany.

Scenic Routes and Long-Distance Cycling

Germany offers a diverse range of cycling routes that cater to both casual riders and experienced cyclists. The country is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful and well-marked long-distance cycling routes, known as “Radfernwege.” These routes traverse stunning landscapes, from the shores of the Baltic Sea to the banks of the Rhine River, through picturesque villages, forests, and rolling hills.

One of the most famous routes is the Danube Cycle Path, which starts in Germany and follows the Danube River through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Another popular route is the Romantic Road, which takes cyclists through charming medieval towns, castles, and vineyards in Bavaria. For those interested in history, the Berlin Wall Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the former division of East and West Berlin by bike.

Routes

Here is a list of websites and apps to help you plan your cycling trips across Germany and the rest of Europe. Whether you’re looking for detailed route maps, real-time navigation, or recommendations on the best cycling paths, these resources will ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable cycling adventure.

Useful Apps and Websites

Renting bikes
In most cities you can rent a bicycle, just do a search.

Second Hand Bicyles and parts

Adventure tracks

Greenhill in NRW

Rules and regulation

For comprehensive and up-to-date information on cycling rules in Germany, you can visit the ADFC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club) website. The ADFC is Germany’s national cycling association, and its site provides detailed guides on cycling laws, safety tips, and regional cycling information. They also offer resources in English for non-German speakers.

Some key rules:

Bike Equipment Requirements:

Lights: Bicycles must have front and rear lights. A white front light and a red rear light are mandatory.
Reflectors: Bicycles need front, rear, and wheel reflectors.
Brakes: Bicycles must be equipped with two independent brakes.
Bell: A functioning bell is required.

Traffic Rules:

Cycle Paths: Cyclists must use designated cycle paths when available. If none exist, cyclists should ride on the road.
Right of Way: Cyclists must follow the same right-of-way rules as cars. Pedestrians always have the right of way on pedestrian crossings.
Traffic Lights: Cyclists must obey traffic lights and signs. Some cities have special lights for cyclists.
Helmet: Wearing a helmet is recommended but not legally required, except for children under the age of 12.

Behaviour on the Road

No Phones: Cyclists are prohibited from using mobile phones without a hands-free device.
Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit for cyclists is 0.05%, but penalties start if you cause an accident or exhibit unsafe behaviour.
Signalling: Hand signals must be used to indicate turning or stopping.
Pedestrian Crossing: Cyclists are generally required to dismount and walk their bicycles across pedestrian crossings.

Children and Cycling:

Child Seats: Children under 7 years old may only be transported in a proper child seat.
Trailers: Bicycles pulling trailers with children must be equipped with extra lights and reflectors.

South Africans in Germany