Cycling

Within Munich City cycling is extremely popular, especially in the summer months, bikes are a far better way to get around the area than with a car. The give-way rules restrict the car traffic, but allows greater freedom to the cyclist! There are numerous cycling routes to follow taking the cyclists out of the city to the beautiful countryside, with many beer-gardens en-route!

Cycling is a fantastic way to discover the real Munich/Bavaria! There are numerous cycling routes posted around the city. Although the routes are easy to follow, it is advisable to take a map, even better you could purchase a book on the routes around Munich which describe the route, possibilities of restaurants/bars/beer garden breaks, and the duration and difficulty etc.

One recommendation is to plan your cycle route in conjunction with public transport. For those of you who may be nervous in not having energy to return (or perhaps have drunk a little too much of the refreshing Bavarian Beer!). Radeln mit dem MVV, written by A Freitag/K Wergles.

If you are caught breaking the law on your bike, many of the fines are discretionary (Geldstrafen) and be warned that the German Police are intolerant of bad manners. Firstly your bicycle should be in good working order and have all the requisite appliances. If you are stopped by the Police because your bicycle is not up to the normal standard, you may get away with a warning and no fine (geb�hrenfreie Verwarnung), but if your bicycle is in very bad condition you chould be charged Euro 15.

Nearly all road routes in Munich city and surrounding area have specific cycling lanes and cycling traffic lights. Wherever cycle paths are signposted (Fahrradwege) you must use them, ignoring this could cost approx Euro 15. Travelling along a one-way street (Einbahnstrasse) in the wrong direction will cost Euro 5, (although some streets with the sign "Radfahrer-frei" allows this). Cyclists should follow the same direction as the traffic, i.e. not cycle against the flow of traffic and generally be in single-file to allow overtaking by other cyclists. In busy high-streets cyclists should be aware of pedestrians who sometimes are not observant of the cycle lanes or fast-moving cycle traffic.

Cyclists who drink and continue their journey with a bike could be stopped by the Police and depending on the level of alcohol consumed, could potentially receive a financial penalty, or if more serious traffic violations occur you could potentially lose a driving licence.

Cycling at night without lights is probably the most common crime committed by cyclists and normally carries a fine of �10.

Cycle safety hats are not a legal requirement, but are a good safety precaution.

It is illegal to cycle and use a mobile telephone.

It would be a wise precaution to insure yourself for accidental damage or accidents (personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). See more details in the Insurance Section of this publication.