Cycling
Cycling is healthy, good for the environment and fun. Most German cities have cycle paths where you can cycle safely. And in the countryside too, cycling is a popular means of transportation that can easily get you from A to B.
What do I need to consider?
Where can I buy a bike?
A new bike from a bike store can be quite expensive. However, you can also find a used bike at a flea market, online at ebay classifieds or in various give-away and sales groups on Facebook or in a second-hand store. In some cities, there are also small organizations that donate used bicycles to refugees in particular. You can find out whether there is such an organization in your city on our local information page.
Where can I have my bike repaired?
Before you set off, you should check your brakes, pedals, bell, front and rear lights. If something is broken, a bicycle repair shop can help you. In some cities, there are also so-called self-help workshops where you can repair your bike yourself with the help of a professional. In this case, you only have to pay the material costs.
What rules do I have to follow?
- Your bike must have reflectors, lights and reflectors, brakes and a bell. You can find out more about this on "The roadworthy bicycle".
- You should also wear a helmet for your own safety. However, a helmet is not compulsory for cyclists. You are therefore not breaking the law if you or your children are not wearing a helmet.
- If you are drunk (1.6 per mille or more) or have less than 1.6 per mille in your blood but are unfit to drive, you will have to pay at least a fine. You can also lose your driver 's license and be charged with a criminal offense.
- Use cycle paths and always ride on the right-hand side of the road. Only children under the age of 10 are allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
- Of course, you can also take small children with you on your bike, but only with a bicycle seat or trailer designed for this purpose.
- If you are cycling with others, you must always ride behind each other. You may not ride side by side.
- Do not make phone calls while riding, but get off the bike to do so.
- It is not permitted to be pulled along by vehicles.
- Use your lights as soon as it gets dark.
For more information on safety, read the brochure "Safe cycling" or visit www.germanroadsafety.de.
Children who attend elementary school take a so-called "bicycle driving license" in the 4th grade. In this course, they learn the rules of the road. However, your child will not learn how to ride a bike in this course.
Where can I or my child learn to ride a bike?
If you or your child want to learn to ride a bike, you can find your local cycling school at the adfc. In some cities, there are also initiatives that teach refugees how to ride a bike free of charge. You can find out whether there is such an offer in your city on our local information page, for example.
In many cities, children also have the opportunity to borrow a bike from a traffic practice area and learn to ride a bike without a cycling school. Renting a bike is either free or costs very little money. Ask about this option at a cycling school near you. You can find a cycling school near you at radfahrschule.adfc.de.
Can I take my bike on the bus or train?
As a rule, you can take your bike onto the train or underground/underground in specially designated compartments. However, you usually have to buy a separate ticket for your bike.
You are generally not allowed to take your bike on city buses. If you want to travel with your bike and are traveling on a long-distance bus, you can check your bike in as luggage. However, you must register your bike in advance. The bus line you are traveling with can tell you whether you have to pay extra for this. You can find out more about long-distance buses in our chapter "Traveling within Germany".
Important
If you are traveling by bike on the road, the bike must be roadworthy. This means that it must have reflectors, lights, brakes and a bell. If you are riding a bicycle that is not roadworthy and are stopped by the police, you will have to pay a fine. You can find out how high the fine is at bussgeld-info.de.
When planning your cycling journey, you might consider purchasing a used bike from sources like eBay classifieds, Facebook groups, or second-hand stores. Maintaining your bike's condition is essential, so regular checks on brakes, pedals, lights, and bell are necessary. If any repairs are needed, you can visit a bicycle repair shop or participate in self-help workshops that offer professional assistance for a minimal cost.
Source: handbookgermany.de
