Cycling in Germany

Strava Heat Maps, show the routes the Germans take between Munich and Zurich, might help you a bit

http://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#11/11.57396/48.12906/yellow/bike

The official app for cycle route finding in Bavaria is here: http://bay-rad.de/radler/index.htm. I wouldn't trust it very far, but it might be of some marginal interest all the same.

For all destinations south of my house, the app suggests that I should start every journey with a steepish climb up a muddy forest trail with a loose gravel surface. The design user for rural German cycling infrastructure and routing services seems to be an able-bodied adult with decent bike handling skills on a sturdy tourer on a sunny summer afternoon, and for that user it's fine. Other types of cycling (road bikes, children, cycling in spring/autumn/winter and not just at the height of summer) are marginalised in a lot of Bavarian planning.

Random newspaper story from today's paper about a train driver in Upper Bavaria stopping his train to run to the aid of a man whose wheelchair got stuck in mud as he walked his dog: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/oberbayern-lokfuehrer-haelt-zug-an-um-...
I don't know the location, but the story chimed with my experiences as a cyclist and pedestrian in Bavaria.

I have lived in Germany for nearly 16 years. I ride at least 4 times a week out on the roads. I ride on the road where I deem it safe and on faster roads (anything past 70kph) I either avoid or will use the cycle path. In the last decade I have been stopped only once by the police who "suggested" I ride on the cycle path but told me I was perfectly within my rights to be on the road which was a single lane country road. I get beeped from time to time by idiots same as anywhere else but I find the roads a 1000 times safer than UK roads and drivers more observant and patient with cyclists.

It might be worth pointing out that cycling in Germany is a normal pastime and (for example) lots of kids cycle to school. That means that most cycling is "normal' and not the UK-style "faux racer-wannabee" in Lycra on a skinny-tyred bike.

If you into a German bike store you will see 80% of the bikes are what we would call "city bikes" with dynamo hubs, hub gearing, full lighting, baskets, etc. That is, a very useful bike. 15% will be MTBs and then there will be a tiny selection of race bikes - the stuff Evans tries to sell to everyone who walks in the door. No doubt there are racer-specific bike shops, too, but it's still a small part of the market.

I would think that is you ride at night without lights you might have a problem. But I don't think any sensible cyclist will be hassled otherwise.

I ride in Munich regularly when I'm over there for family stuff. As others have said, it's really good. Germans are generally fairly aware of cyclists and the cycling facilities tend to be good. As Zermattjohn says, the route along the Isar is good too and I can attest to the quality of some of the beer gardens along the way.

I've not cycled as far as Switzerland and my cycling experience in South Germany has been limited to Bavaria.

Yes there are lots and lots of rules for everything in Germany but I can't recall any of the family members ever being stopped. Have lights and a bell, but that's common sense. You don't need to bother with a helmet if you don't want to wear one.

The Munich U-bahn and S-bahn networks are excellent. I can't recall if you're allowed to take bicycles but I expect so, as long as you get a ticket. If you've enough time, I'd schedule a few days in Munich. There are plenty of good places to eat and lots of museums worth seeing, particularly if you're interested in arts. The Englische Garten is worth a stroll through while the (old) centre of town is also worth visiting, while there's a stunning palace also. The cycle facilities in the city are very good.

Lived in Munich 20 years ago, and have also lived in Switzerland. Was light years ahead of what we have today in the UK in terms of cycle tracks and facilities, so can only imagine its the same now - ie what we'd like to think we'll have in 20 years time. In my experience its the Swiss laws you're more likely to fall foul of - the germans love rules, the swiss love to implement them..!

Not sure if its the same now, but back then you were permitted to take bikes on the Munich U-bahn (underground) and S-bahn (overground) trains, but had to buy a ticket for it - its all the same network so one ticket will do for your journey. The airport in Munich is north of the city (S8 line is quickest into town/to the main station (Hauptbahnhof) to change to other routes) and I am assuming you'll be heading south (as you QUITE CORRECTLY SAY, its flat as a pancake that direction...;) ) - I'd recommend getting the train to maybe Pullach (S7 to Wolfratshausen, you could stay on all the way) and ride south on the path beside the river Isar. That bit is mostly flat, and there's plenty of fine beer gardens on the way if it all gets too hot.

Viel gluck - its a beautiful part of the world!

Something I've recently learned of this site is not to post anything tongue in cheek unless you quite clearly state "tongue in cheek".

I used to ride around the Black Florest, the roads were great, motorists were respectful and the views were outstanding! You'll have an amazing time.

Been riding here for a while, and have never been stopped or fined for any reason. There are enough cycling paths that I rarely must travel on the road, but I do when it suits me. A bike bell is sorely needed, Germans are tuned into the single bike bell ring, and will almost always make room on the shared cycle paths, a bit of consideration on both sides really goes a long way (you ring, they move, or get thief dogs under control - thie system actually works). Not riding with hands on the bars, along with using headphones constitutes reckless driving and I would never ride with headphones, but if you are not on a road with cars, and are outside of town, I don't think anyone cares. PM me if I can help.