- There are rules and Germans like their rules and will usually follow them, except for when they don’t. There is no rhyme or reason to when this may happen. So be prepared!
- During the day in the week is the best time to cycle. (outside of commuting hours) I know this is the same advice for most places but here in Germany, I notice a big difference on Saturday and usually Sunday too. Boy racers prefer the weekends to go out with their car friends to test if their car engines still work. Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon are basically days off. No, I don’t know why.
- Related to point 2. weekend cyclists. Often on e-bikes, they are out enjoying the sunshine but have little road cycling skills. Families will also be out en force. They will block the cycle paths and little Joey may look cute but don’t think for a second that kid won’t cycle right across in front of you giving zero fucks. Universal advice here, be careful around kids and dogs.
- Cars will often slow and wave you through/in. Even if this means they will need to overtake you 30 seconds later. It makes zero sense. I take the offer, smile or wave and roll my eyes at the whole thing. Please see point 1. There are always people who disregard the rules or will be distracted. Don’t get lazy.
- Cycle paths come in all shapes and sizes. They can be on the left, the right, narrow or wide enough to be called a motorway. They can stop without warning, change sides of the road, or switch to gravel. You are supposed to use them when they are there, you will see people ignore this rule. When the speed limit is high you may prefer the cycle lane.
- I’m told flashing rear lights are against the law. Police have told me they are legal, I see them often. I’d say for most roads you don’t need one (daytime, normal light) but for some darker areas, I always run mine, better safe than sorry.
- Road surfaces vary, also it seems they enjoy digging up parts of the road and then forget about it. Disconcerting when you’re going fast on a downhill to see part of the road ahead missing!
- You will seldom have someone honk or shout at you. Close passes happen but it’s not common, usually a foreigner vs. local. (You can tell where the Germans and others are from if you look at the number plate) Shouting “bloody foreigners” even though you are a foreigner feels good, I highly recommend it!
- I never see public toilets, unlike Sweden. If they have them somewhere they are well hidden. I have seen a million machines in every spot imaginable to buy cigarettes though, and don’t ask me why, I have no idea!
- Do you like Jesus? You are in luck, you will see him everywhere! Ok this is the south, maybe it’s different up north, but I have never seen so many crosses in my life!
If you enjoy my content you could always buy me a coffee
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sexandtheswiss
or https://ko-fi.com/sexandtheswiss