BIKES IN NEUSS

Neuss is compact and hence very easy to navigate on two wheels. Official paths for cycling can be recognised by their typical red colour. One-way streets that can be used by cyclists against the flow of traffic show a sign with a bike and the word free, frei. In many areas, cyclists have their own traffic lights. Motorists are on the whole considerate and prudent except perhaps in dense traffic.

Germany is very fond of regulations hence there are many specific cycling-laws. One should, for example, only ride on the right side of the road unless it is regulated differently. And cyclists should not drink too much when on a bike, since the police can confiscate the driver’s license of someone caught with too much alcohol in the blood.

Known as a drive wheel, Fahrrad, the bicycle is highly popular in this country. The fact that the Germans have the hang of it is reflected in the fact that over ten percent of all distances are covered by bike. That’s 300 kilometres per citizen on annual average. Okay, the Dutch use their bikes three times as much but Germany can close the gap since eighty percent of households own a bike. 

By Vincent Green, Feb 21 2020