Fancy a bike

© Maybebop

The focus is on promoting bicycle-friendly infrastructure as well as on issues such as safety, creativity, and innovation related to cycling. The goal of the diverse planned initiatives is to support the development of a bicycle-friendly culture and to establish it in the long term. This bicycle culture is a key component in implementing the cycling policy aimed at increasing the share of bicycle traffic in total traffic in Hannover to at least 25% by 2025. It implies respectful interaction among all road users, improved traffic safety for cyclists, and cycling in all areas of life (home/work/shopping/leisure) and on all routes throughout the city.

The initiative is part of the 2016/2017 Action Plan, through which the State Capital of Hanover is further strengthening its commitment to promoting bicycle traffic in terms of both funding and personnel. Through this action plan, the state capital of Hannover will implement a wide range of measures over the next few years under the motto “Lust auf Fahrrad” (A Passion for Cycling). These include investments in the expansion and modernization of the cycling infrastructure (e.g., all types of bike paths, bike parking, bike counters, comfort features, bike traffic lights, and much more). The simultaneous promotion of both infrastructure and cycling culture promises to have a significant impact.

The song and the video

“Lust auf Fahrrad” – The Song. The Hannover-based band Maybebop has turned the entries from participants in the “Lust auf …” photo contest into a great song. They covered the hit song “Sexbomb”* by MousseT, a music producer also from Hannover.

The song to listen to and watch: 
https://www.facebook.com/lustauffahrrad/videos 

(*Lyrics and music: Errol Rennalls and Mustafa Guendogdu; © BMG Rights Management GmbH/Edition Merg Music (by BMG Rights Management GmbH). Rennalls and Mustafa Guendogdu
© BMG Rights Management GmbH/Edition Merg Music (by BMG Rights Management GmbH)

© LHH

Permanent counting points

In 2016, a network of automatic counting stations was set up and put into operation. At a total of nine locations throughout the city, all passing bicycles are recorded and counted:

• Hildesheimer Strasse
• Klagesmarkt
• Walderseestrasse
• Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer
• City Park Path
• Friedrichswall
• Long arbor
• Lister Meile
• Black bear

The Lange Laube, Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, Schwarzer Bär, and Friedrichswall locations are equipped with digital displays that show the current daily count and the respective annual total in real time. In 2017 and 2018, a total of 9,469,130 and 10,579,078 bicycles were recorded, respectively. In the summer, up to one million cyclists pass through the nine counting stations each month. 

The counting stations have been calibrated since they were put into operation and are functioning with a high degree of accuracy. Because the data set is not yet sufficient, it is not yet possible to draw statistically representative conclusions about cycling behavior. However, it is already becoming apparent that two-thirds of cyclists use their bicycles regularly and ride regardless of the weather or season.

© LHH

Comfort

It’s often the little things that make everyday life easier. For example, the first traffic light handles and footrests were installed at traffic lights as early as 2016 (including at Friederikensplatz and Aegidientorplatz), making it easier for cyclists to wait. Since the footrests have been well received by the public, this convenience feature is being installed at additional locations (including Vahrenwalder Straße and Schulenburger Landstraße).

This convenient feature can now be found at over 20 locations throughout the city.

© LHH

© LHH

Information

The state capital of Hanover provides information for residents in the form of brochures, flyers, mobile information boards, and online (www.Lust-auf-Fahrrad.de, facebook.com/lustauffahrrad).

There, you’ll find topics and information—including the Cycling Policy, bike lanes, and the redesigned City Bike Ring—as well as many other aspects and services related to cycling, all explained in simple terms and easily accessible.