AWCH Freewheeling in Hamburg

I ride a bike in Hamburg; in fact, it is virtually my main form of transportation. I often get asked about it – especially when I come wheeling in on a cold, rainy day in the winter. Recently I sat down and came up with the following reasons why I love my bike:

Hamburg is a perfect city in which to ride a bicycle. It is relatively flat. There are bicycle paths almost everywhere. Where there are none, and the street is wider than one lane, I try to stay on the edge of the sidewalk closest to the road, riding in the direction with the traffic. I have never studied rules of the road for bikes, although I am sure there are some, but this works for me. However, I do recommend wearing a protective helmet.
I learn about the city by plotting my course on the map and being aware of streets as I find my destination.
It can be a good workout. I like to sneak in exercise whenever I can, as I’m not good at doing it by myself.
It is inexpensive. Think of all the EUR 15 parking tickets you save, not to mention the U/S-bahn tickets. I ride a solid, old city bike, not a fancy bike that would attract thieves. If I knew how to fix a flat tire (which I get often), it would be even cheaper. I take it then to my favorite bike shop on the Schmilinskystraße near the big Alster lake in St. Georg. They are really nice there and speak English.
It is efficient. It is actually quicker on the bike in many instances, especially traveling during rush hour. I do not have to wait for a train; I just go downstairs, unlock the bike and go. The simplicity of this makes you feel free.
The bike carries your shopping. Hook the bag handles over the handlebars and your back is saved. I’m also presently looking into purchasing removable saddlebags (only good if your bike has a rear wheel fender) like you see on the police bikes. They look a lot neater, and, if you have long legs, your knees won’t jostle your packages.
Riding the bicycle year-round, you must be prepared for the occasional, unpredictable shower. There are many fold-up hooded rain ponchos you can buy for about EUR 10 (Wal-mart sells one in the clothing area near the cash registers) and keep in your purse, as it reduces to the size of a soft packet of tissues. Or you can buy an all-weather raincoat with hood and a pair of pull-on rain pants. I recommend a 3/4 coat. Mine is from a hunting shop, with the label “patagonia”. It is light, dries quickly and has lots of zipper pockets. It folds up pretty small, too. I never wear the pants, although I often wish I had.

In the winter, my favorite biking coat is a lambskin aviator-style jacket. Snow and rain slide off it, and it zips up and protects my neck, which is one of the first areas to get cold. Lambskin-lined mittens are also helpful, and take care to see they are long enough to keep your wrists covered. I also had a 3/4 length heavy fabric camel coat that the snow would not sink into. That length is good to keep your rear end warm. And I always wear a hat.

Some favorite rides:

anywhere around the Alster
along the Elbe, from the Speicherstadt to Övelgönne and further
the Leinpfad canal starting at the top of Alster Lake
very short but lovely: at the top of the Alster, cross the bridge from Bobby Reich (site of the June 2004 Forum meeting), turn down the walking path to the right and go north of the Alster along the water. There’s a lovely statue and benches to sit for a break before continuing on another ride.

Now is a great time to have a bike (I have a tandem for sale if anyone’s interested...). Happy riding.