I’ve cycled more kilometres abroad than in the UK by now and have seen countless interactions between cars and bikes.
I’m cycling around the same time of day, same bike, same kit, so the only variable is the world around me, ie the car drivers.
As of today, I’d still rank Sweden (and likely Denmark as a tie) for the safest place to cycle. Although the topic I’d like to explore today is Germany’s love/hate with cyclists.
I know from my time on UK roads that car drivers in the UK aren’t keen on cyclists. The number of close passes and road rage episodes are countless. 10 mins on Twitter and you can confirm it isn’t just happening to me. If you look in social media you’ll see countless posts full of hate against cyclists. Social media and real life mirror each other. And I know people will want to come back with the “not all car drivers” retort, but it is hard to argue there isn’t an issue on UK roads.
Now for Germany. As a very petite female solo cyclist, I have spent around 4,500km on German roads. I have cycled on bike paths that cross regular roads, through towns and various main roads, some with cars feeling the need to show off how fast their metal box can go!
I have had a few people pull out without looking, one argued, one profusely apologised, a few close passes, well close for Germany.
BUT
For the most part, many wave me to allow me in, give me lots of room while overtaking, and wait for me to cross before they turn. Something I know they never did in the UK. All in all, not Swedish level but pretty good and light years ahead of the UK.
Now for the confusing part, the other day I stumbled across a local Facebook group and there was a discussion about cyclists. Oh and did I get a shock! Many comments are on par with the British car drivers who are against cyclists in the UK! But how? Why? These people are generally so polite and kind when I’m cycling, how can they hate us so much? (Although some of this I can understand as I have a lot of issues with German cyclists, another topic)
After asking some Germans, they aren’t keen on us lycra-wearing, 2 wheel-loving people. But then why the mismatch? Why am I not being honked at? No one is swearing at me. Why is social media not the same as real life?
I’m not a German, so it’s hard to know, but my suspicion is respect for the rules and a moral stance of not wanting to hurt people.
Some people do break the rules, these people are always in society but they are few and not the majority.
Perhaps, an innate respect for doing the right thing can momentarily overcome the dislike for cyclists? At least while behind the wheel.