Cornelia Brelowski: City of cyclists

TEXT & PHOTOS: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI

This column is about to whom Berlin really belongs – the relentless cyclist.

You have to be both brave and wide awake if you take to the streets of Berlin – it is not for the fainthearted – and least of all for the naive sort, who think it is a good idea to rent an e-bike with beer bottle and/or mobile in one hand, while trying to steer with the other, preferably on the pavement.

Actually, cycling through all seasons in Berlin needs a cool-headed flexibility, knowledge of basic rules and sense of high alert at all times. And yet, most of the residents do it, many of which with their kids accommodated in attached cabins resembling very expensive wheelbarrows.

Photo: Billow926 on Unsplash

Cyclists may be a nuisance to some, but the majority has accepted Berlin to be a, sometimes fallible, cyclists’ paradise – fallible as there still aren’t enough safe cycling routes by far. In fact, both residents and visitors should be aware of the risks of exploring the city this way. Sounds stressful? It might ease your mind that more and more bike lanes and streets are in the making due to long-term plans of the past administration – and they are unlikely to be reversed. We may not have yet reached Paris standards, but no matter how slow politics are, the residents have long decided which vehicle should dominate this city.

When I moved to Berlin a long time ago, my mother visited from the small town she was living in at the time, and trustfully stepped on one of the guest bikes – only to realise that cycling in Berlin in no way resembled the world she was used to. In fact, the stress of managing Berlin traffic can put some visitors off right from the start. Mind, a close friend from Australia, who actually grew up here, has recently admitted that the thought of cycling in Berlin freaks her out – and this from the mouth of a born and bred Berliner!

Photo: Patrick Federi on Unsplash

Anyhow, the environment benefits from all the stern individuals who roam this city on their own bikes through all seasons – and so does their purse, of course. You invest in your bike once a year to get it shipshape again – and then you head off once more. Personally, I regard my daily travels from A to B as my own fitness studio – with the plus of being outside and getting that daily dose of sunlight you need to brave the dark months, starting with November. Just one piece of advice: if you’re not familiar with German traffic law, please know that – given there is no sign to say otherwise – right-hand traffic always has right of way. Also, keep an eye out assuming others know the traffic laws as little as you do. And – though it may look uncool – don a helmet before setting off and make sure your lights are on. All set for joining the city of cyclists? Enjoy the freedom – godspeed and safe travels!