Berlin brothel offers cyclists a discount

They love cyclists in northern Europe and nowhere more so than Germany where a Berlin brothel is showing its love in the only way it can by offering cyclists a discount.

In a recession-busting move aimed at targeting a new market and boosting its green credentials,  customers turning up to the "Maison d'envie" brothel by bike will get a €5 discount on the normal €70 fee – the offer also applies if you get there by public transport too.

Prostitution is legal in Germany where 200,000 prostitutes and those working in registered brothels have the same labour rights as any other workers.

"The recession has hit our industry hard," brothel owner Thomas Goetz told the Reuters news agency.

"Obviously we hope that the discount will attract more people," he added. "It's good for business, it's good for the environment -- and it's good for the girls."

According to Mr Goetz the offer is working too with around 3-5 new customers per day coming in to take advantage of the discount. The offer has also had an unexpected green bonus too helping to ease parking and congestion problems in the neighbourhood.