Germany has some of the best urban cycling infrastructure in the world. Dedicated bike lanes on most major roads, bike signals at intersections, and a culture of cycling year-round make it practical as primary transport in almost every German city. Here is the practical side.
Buying a Second-Hand Bike
For day-to-day commuting, a used bike from Kleinanzeigen is the sensible choice. A solid city bike in working condition runs €80–200. What to check before buying: that the frame is not cracked around the welds, that the brakes stop the wheel firmly within 10 cm of lever travel, that the chain shifts cleanly, and that the quick-release skewers on wheels are tight. Bring a hex key set — a ten-minute test ride tells you more than any listing description.
Locks: Get Two
Bike theft in German cities is consistent. The standard recommendation from the ADFC (German cycling club): use two locks of different types and lock both the frame and the rear wheel to a fixed object. A decent D-lock (ABUS Granit, Kryptonite Evolution) runs €50–80. A secondary chain or cable adds €20–30. Cheap combination locks are cosmetic deterrents only.
German Traffic Rules for Cyclists
You are subject to the Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO). Practically: ride on dedicated bike lanes where they exist (it is compulsory in Germany if the lane is marked with a blue bicycle sign). Do not ride on pedestrian sidewalks. Follow the same traffic signals as cars — running a red light on a bike is a fine (€60 typically). At night, your bike must have functioning front and rear lights; police do enforce this.
Maintenance You Need to Know
Fix a flat yourself — it is a 10-minute repair once you have done it twice. Patch kit and tire levers cost €5 at any Fahrradladen. For everything else (brake pad replacement, cable tension, brake hydraulics), most German cities have Fahrradwerkstätten that charge €10–20 per labour hour. Some universities and city districts operate free community bike repair workshops (Fahrradreparaturwerkstatt) with tools and volunteer help.
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