Spring is here, the sun is shining. Many Berliners are now getting back on their bikes. But the beautiful weather is not the sole reason for the ongoing bike boom in the capital.
More and more people have recognized that cycling not only keeps you fit and is simply fun. It is also an opportunity to escape the daily rush hour chaos and simply avoid the next traffic jam. And the fuel prices can be a snitch beep ejal, sitting on the saddle lose their horror. You can easily cycle past the next gas station…
At the same time, nobody who leaves their car more often in the future or who even does without a car in a city like Berlin really has to do without anything. The opposite is true. You gain a lot in quality of life, do something for yourself and the environment. The car is losing more and more importance, while the bicycle is in the fast lane towards the mobile future.
Berlin’s growing cycling infrastructure is playing its part: the local route network is currently around 590 kilometers long. Starting from Schloßplatz in Berlin-Mitte, twelve star routes radiate out to the outskirts. To this end, the 68-kilometre Berlin section of the R1 European cycle path, the first of the long-distance cycle paths that lead through the capital, has been expanded and signposted. The long-planned so-called high-speed cycle connections are now to be built quickly. Whether through the middle of the city center or out to the outskirts – by bike you will finally have left the car behind at the latest.
The aim is to get closer to the currently three most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe: Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Utrecht.
The Danish capital is Europe’s leading cycling metropolis. 62 percent of trips to work and school are made here by bike. A lot is currently being invested in Copenhagen in new bicycle bridges, new cycle paths in the surrounding area as well as lighting and signage.
Amsterdam initially wants to further widen the existing cycle paths. In addition, by 2025, a total of 11,000 parking spaces for cars are to be converted into standing spaces for bicycles, among other things.
And Utrecht is also following suit: by 2030, the number of trips to work by bicycle is to be doubled. New so-called “fast lanes” for e-bikes are to be created for this purpose. In addition, the bike-loving residents of Utrecht can look forward to the world’s largest bicycle parking garage. 22,000 bikes will have space here.
The current ranking of the most bike-friendly cities according to the “Copenhagenize Index”:
- Copenhagen
- Amsterdam
- Utrecht
- Antwerp
- Strasbourg
- Bordeaux
- Oslo
- Paris
- Vienna
- Helsinki
“Cycling is urban on the rise!”
Josef Zimmerer is branch manager of Zweirad Stadler, Berlin’s number 1 cycling paradise. He is certain that Berlin can manage to catch up with the cycling metropolises worldwide – even if that is still a long way off. “Other cities are a little further ahead when it comes to bike-friendliness, but the lead is melting away. We at Zweirad-Stadler want to actively help Berlin catch up!”
Josef Zimmerer is branch manager of Zweirad Stadler in Berlin. Like all employees in his company, he is also a keen cyclist himself and rides a few kilometers every day: “It is important that you feel safe when cycling in the city. A lot can still be done in Berlin for this!”Incidentally, there are also three German cities in the top 20 of a total of 115 cities rated worldwide: Bremen ranks 11th, Berlin still ranks 15th, and Hamburg is 20th.
Almost every Berliner knows Zweirad Stadler. What makes your company so popular?
Josef Zimmerer: “We sell passion, leisure and fun for young and old. People feel that we are all keen cyclists ourselves. We try to implement that in the store and present ourselves as a service provider to the customer.”
The bicycle now stands much more than the car for energy-efficient mobility and has almost supplanted the car in the big cities. Will this trend continue?
Josef Zimmerer: “We need a holistic concept for this. Public transport, bikes and cars must work hand in hand. Electrification also plays a major role, which has not yet been finally resolved. Just a system like Putting Copenhagen over Berlin, for example, doesn’t work. Industry, trade and politics are equally in demand.”
How do you think the future of the bicycle will develop in Berlin and against this background, what are Zweirad Stadler’s short and medium-term goals?
Josef Zimmerer: “Cycling is on the rise in urban areas. Cycle streets, paths and parking lots are built and planned. We’re not quite there for the bike towns yet, but we’re catching up. Stadler wants to continue to offer excellent brick-and-mortar retail and provide a shopping experience for people who don’t buy everything online.”
Which bike do you actually ride yourself?
Josef Zimmerer: “A full-suspension mountain bike without electricity. For the Alps, however, I rent one with additional power, i.e. an E-MTB. I advise anyone who would like to get on the saddle more often in the future not to do without a consultation. With us, competent advice is standard. In addition, in our two branches at König-Elisabeth-Strasse 9-23 in Charlottenburg and at August-Lindemann-Strasse 9 in Prenzlauer Berg, even the most unusual biker wishes are guaranteed to be fulfilled!”
In fact, the mega range at Zweirad Stadler is overwhelming. Starting with entry-level models for everyday cyclists and mountain bikers to high-quality branded bikes, nothing is missing. In addition, there is the largest selection of electric bicycles and pedelecs far and wide. And there are also children’s bicycles in all sizes and price ranges. Top: If you want, you can immediately test your selected bike on a course.
In trend: mobilizer for everyday life and travel
In 2022, trekking bikes for sporty all-rounders and, of course, e-bikes in all variants and for all ages will be particularly popular, explains Stadler employee Alexander Baumgärtel. He points to the Magic Belt city bike from Dynamics: “A trekking bike that is absolutely perfect for everyday use and travel. By the way, it’s also ideal for everyone who has a ‘back’: because the comfortable sitting position prevents tension.”
And on we go to the electric bikes and straight to a performance giant: the Kettler Quadriga Duo CX12 FS e-bike. With a maximum torque of 85 Newton meters, the Performance CX E motor is the most powerful from Bosch. Up to 340% support can be set here at the touch of a button. The fourth-generation Bosch electric motor is lighter than its predecessor and maintains power at higher cadences.
Every ride becomes a highlight with the Hercules Rob Fold F8 e-folding bike. Commuters in particular will be delighted: Anyone who wants to be manoeuvrable, agile and, thanks to the powerful Bosch Performance Line Cruise drive, also really quick on the move will no longer want to be without the easy-to-stow Mobilmacher. Narrow passages, little space in public transport, you no longer have to fear with the e-folding bike.
For perfect trail fun
Gravel bikes are road bikes with wide tires and a seating position suitable for long distances. And they are enjoying steadily growing popularity among Berliners. Tip: With the race-ready Gravelbike SuperSix Evo SE from Cannondale, you’re doing everything right when you buy it. It has been equipped with first-class components that give the next tour that certain something. The carbon gravel bike is aerodynamically optimized for high speeds and is equipped with a lightweight carbon wheelset and radio gearshift for quick gear changes.
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 also makes the hearts of all gravel fans beat faster. This bike also screams for propulsion. Easy gear changes, fast gear changes and a reliable gear ratio are guaranteed thanks to the GRX 800 switching group from Shimano. The 22 gears are ideal for gravel roads, up and downhills or long tours on the asphalt thanks to the precise translation.
It really gets you in the mood to just get on and start cycling. But before you take your dream model home with you, you should test it extensively. At Zweirad Stadler, you can try out various types of bikes on a 120-meter-long indoor bike test track and get tips from one of the around 50 qualified specialist advisors. After all, type, frame size and equipment should also suit you well.
By the way: If your own bike needs to be taken to the workshop – a highlight at Zweirad Stadler is the unique express repair service: almost any bike can be made roadworthy again within an hour. Make an appointment beforehand? Not necessary with Stadler! The mechanics have an open ear for every concern and are happy to present the latest technologies and trends. Try it!
The best place to buy a bike in Berlin
Two-wheeler Stadler at a glance:
The largest selection of electric bikes:
For urban bikers:
- city bikes
- trekking bikes
- cargo bikes
- folding bikes
For the particularly sporty:
- racing bikes
- single speed
- mountain bikes
For the little ones:
- 12 to 24 inches
- balance bikes
- child trailer
On sports and cycling clothing:
- Bike helmets, bike jerseys, bike pants, bike shoes…
Bicycle accessories and spare parts:
- Bike locks, bike tubes, bike racks…
- Fitness watches, navigation devices, helmet cameras…
fitness equipment:
- Ergometer, elliptical trainer, rowing machine, treadmill, roller trainer…
Services:
- 0% financing
- bike leasing
- delivery service
- Trade-in of used bicycles
The best and fastest bicycle workshop in Berlin
- Immediate pickup of new bikes
- Express repairs in just 1 hour – without an appointment!
- Certified Bosch e-bike competence center
- E-bike and road bike specialists
- bike fitting
Indoor bike test track
- All models can be test ridden on a 120-meter bicycle test track.
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responsible.