Usage of Bikes in Germany

Growing up, not a day went by where I didn’t use my bike. Every weekday morning, I pedaled to school, and on weekends, I would ride several miles to get ice cream or McDonald’s with friends. However, as soon as I got my driver’s license, my bike was left to collect dust in the garage. Biking no longer had a purpose; I could drive much further in a fraction of the time. Over the last 3 years I have gradually forgotten about my bike. 

However, that changed when arriving in Bonn, Germany. I observed several bike racks that were completely filled with bikes. I was shocked to see so many bikes tied up at the train station and around the city despite the frigid temperatures. There were so many more bikers than I was used to that I found myself more worried about being hit by a cyclist while crossing the road than by a car. After all this, I realized that biking in Bonn isn’t just a childhood pastime, it is deeply embedded in the culture and infrastructure of the city. 

According to reports from both countries, the average American bikes 0.1 kilometers each day whereas the average German bikes 1.5 kilometers each day, Meaning the average German bikes 15 times farther each day (discerningcyclist.com)! On top of cultural differences, the reasoning behind this statistic is likely because of Germany’s Infrastructure. As shown in the image above, there are plenty of bike racks around town, but on top of that, many German cities also have urban design that better promotes cycling. 

In Bonn I have noticed that almost every street has a dedicated bike lane whereas in the U.S. lack of bike lanes cause traffic issues and safety concerns among cyclists. One time, my parents didn’t let me ride my bike to the local tennis courts because it wasn’t safe to ride on the main road. As a kid I was very angry at my parents decision, but looking back on it I would definitely feel unsafe riding on a busy road without a bike line. 

And if you weren’t convinced to start riding a bike around Germany already, there are even ways you can bike for free in Germany. If you obtain a VRS chip card, you can use public bikes for free for up to 30 minutes each day. But if that’s not enough for you, there are also long term bike rentals for affordable prices. 

By this point it is clear that biking in Germany is both more accessible and affordable than in the U.S., but why does it matter? While cars may be able to travel long distances faster, they emit harmful amounts of carbon dioxide. Additionally, higher reliance on bikes lowers the need for roads which in turn preserves green spaces. 

It is quite obvious that biking is vastly better for the environment, but even if you choose to overlook the harmful effects of your gasoline powered car, you shouldn’t ignore the health benefits biking may provide. Biking strengthens your heart, lungs, and circulatory system, reducing the risk of heart disease. Biking has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Biking to work each day is a healthy habit that can positively impact both your physical and mental health. 

In conclusion, biking is deeply integrated into many German’s lives. As I can say from personal experience, biking can be a fun first taste of freedom for many children, but it shouldn’t be overlooked as a day to day mode of transportation for adults. Biking is a simple yet powerful way to improve health, reduce environmental impact, and create more livable cities.

Sincerely, Jack Gallant

Works Cited

Goozee, L. (2024, January 15). Bicycle usage statistics by country (Analysis). Discerning Cyclist. https://discerningcyclist.com/bicycle-usage-statistics-by-country/