For cycling enthusiasts and anyone who wants to decrease their carbon footprint while strolling around a flashy city, one question that’s likely to crop up in your mind is, ‘Is Berlin bike-friendly?’
The capital city of Germany Berlin is widely famous for its efficient public transportation system. It has a massive bike lanes network and bike share program. But what about Berlin, where on earth is this bike friendly stuff happening?
Infrastructure for Cyclists
As a bike friendly city, Berlin has a comprehensive infrastructure for cyclists. Berlin has clearly marked the roads with bike lanes for cyclists’ safety. Because they separate bicycles from motorized traffic, these lanes are comfortable to ride along. In addition to that, the city of Berlin has a huge cycle path and greenways network, so cyclists can travel through different parts of Berlin.
Bike Rental Services
Fear not, if you don’t have a bike! There are many different bike rental services in Berlin. These services provide bike rental services of many different types including normal bikes, eBikes and cargo bikes. Some of the Berlin’s bike rental platforms are Lidl-Bike, Call a Bike, Nextbike. Renting your bike in Berlin is cheap and picking it up or dropping it off is simple.
Bike-Sharing Program
Nextbike is also operating a bike sharing program in Berlin called ‘Lidl-Bike’. The program makes available to residents and visitors the use of bicycles on short trips at a minimum price. There are over 400 stations in the city and you can rent a bike using an app on your smartphone, or at a station without an app. If you’re an occasional rider or a tourist wishing to cruise on your bike without the hassle of it being yours, then bike sharing programs are a great option for you.
Cycling Culture in Berlin
Cycling culture is a thriving one in Berlin, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. Cycling is promoted by the city as a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Still, local government constantly improves cycling infrastructure, pushing residents to cycle to shorter trips as opposed to driving. In addition, there is a number of cycling events and programmes in Berlin, like Critical Mass, creating an awareness and solidarity among cyclists.
Bicycle-Friendly Events
There are a number of Berlin bicycle events focused on how fun it is to ride a bike. The “Berlin Bicycle Week” is an annual event, which gathers cycling fans around the world. There are bike exhibitions, workshops and group rides to discover the city by bike once you manage to get beyond all the traffic. One of my favorite events is “Bike Citizens Berlin”, a go at bike tours where you get to see city’s landmarks as well as hidden gems in the city.
Tips for Cycling in Berlin
Ensure your well being always wear helmet and use proper safety gears.
Ride safe and legally by observing traffic rules and signals.
Peferably with a sturdy U lock, lock your bike around the frame if you are leaving it unattended.
Use train of thought when cycling on busy roads.
If you’re looking for the top routes try using a cyclist specific navigation app.
Conclusion
If we consider Berlin to be bike friendly in spite of all the above, it’s because its cyclists cycle everywhere and bike rental services, bike sharing program exists, and its cycling infrastructure is second to none. As a resident or a visitor, experiencing Berlin on two wheels is eco-friendly, convenient, and fun way to get to know Berlin’s one part history, one part culture, and a generous dash of modernity.
Take a bike, and go for an amazing, cool cycling tour of Berlin’s streets!
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