CITY CYCLING - Blog
2025
Radactive August
Visit from Düsseldorf
Emma and Mark visited us from 22 to 25 July. Emma is the team captain of the "Dynamo Wersten" district team in Düsseldorf and has been taking part in CITY CYCLING for over ten years. On the team's website, Emma described her stay as follows: "One of the highlights was a guided bike tour that introduced us to the sights and history of Chemnitz, the interventions and events of the Capital of Culture 2025 and Chemnitz's industrial culture. The motto of the Capital of Culture Chemnitz is _C_THE_UNSEEN seems a fitting motto from a Düsseldorf perspective, as Chemnitz is still an unknown quantity for many people here. Wrongly so, as we have seen. Chemnitz is a diverse and exciting city, absolutely worth a visit!" You can read the full story on the website of the "Dynamo Wersten" team.
The visit was supported by the SFZ Group, which lent Emma and her visually impaired husband an e-tandem for the duration of their stay. Emma was very enthusiastic and would also be delighted to receive a visit from people from Chemnitz. Anyone interested in discovering our twin city is welcome to contact us by e-mail or telephone.
Registration for the 2nd Chemnitz rally
The 2nd Chemnitz rally will take place on 6 September. Eleven different routes from Chemnitz and the Capital of Culture region will start at the Karl Marx Monument. From the Nischl, accompanied by the police, they will then head to the eins stadium on Gellertstraße to join the other active tours at SPORTY/SPORTS UNITED. What's special: The individual tours are organised on a voluntary basis by CITY CYCLING participants from Chemnitz and cycling activists from the Capital of Culture region. Free registration is required to take part.
Further information on the tours
The 2nd Chemnitz rally is being organised as part of the CITY CYCLING campaign in cooperation with the Chemnitz City Sports Association and as part of SPORTY/SPORTSUNITED.
CITY CYCLING on Strava and Komoot
You can now also find STADTRADELN on Strava and Komoot. Join our club or follow us to make sure you don't miss anything about the rally and the #chemnitzdrehtamradtour2025.
Materials to fill out yourself
On the main CITY CYCLING page, you will find various materials to customise and print out yourself to help your team grow even further. If you need printed materials, you can also contact us by e-mail or telephone.
Chemnitz Bicycle Cinema
The association Fahrradkino Chemnitz e. V. has been organising bicycle cinema events since 2019. At a bicycle cinema, the energy required for the film screening is cycled by the audience. Participants then pedal at up to eight cycle stations. This makes the system self-sufficient and not dependent on a local power supply. This means that the bicycle cinema can take place anywhere, especially in places in our city that are not so much in the spotlight. In July, for example, a bicycle cinema took place at the Pleißenbach district park.
Take a look at the Chemnitz Bicycle Cinema website to make sure you don't miss the next bike-active film screening. You can also find the information on Instagram.
Tours of the ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
On Saturday 19 August, you have the chance to take part in a day tour to the Koberbach dam. The route takes you along quiet side roads via Wüstenbrand, St. Egidien and Zwickau to the dam. Plenty of breaks are planned for relaxation. You can take part for a contribution of €3.00. There are also other tours in August.
Further information on the tours organised by ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
MiWoRu of the European Peace Ride
The Wednesday rounds of the organisers of the European Peace Ride are also taking place in August. As usual, you can find your cycling challenge on Wednesdays after work in and around Chemnitz. You can find more information on Strava or on Instagram.
Cycling infrastructure in Chemnitz
Our cycling infrastructure is always a controversial topic. In addition to the classic cycle path, you will also find other infrastructure in Chemnitz that should make your life as a cyclist easier. The following map shows you the bicycle repair stations, the bicycle self-help workshops, the bicycle hire stations and the bicycle containers for securely parking your bike.
Further information on bike hire at Georgstraße 7c
Cycling in July
2 July: Relaxed forward inclusive cycle tour
On 2 July at 16:00, the next inclusive cycle tour will start at Flemmingstraße 8c at Haus 36, 09116 Chemnitz. Join us and set an example for inclusion in cycling and road traffic in a relaxed round!
More information about the route
3 & 5 July: Bike the Line
The organisers of the "Bike the Line" project are cycling from Wismar to Vienna along the former demarcation line and thus along the former German-German border. On 3 July, the cyclists will set off from the Kleine Schweiz restaurant on the Chemnitz Valley cycle path at 15:30 to Chemnitz, where they will be welcomed at the Karl Marx Monument at 17:00. On 5 July, the field of riders will start at 9:00 am at Händelstraße, entrance to the city park, in the direction of Oberwiesenthal. Why don't you accompany the riders and draw attention to the project?
Further information on the Bike the Line project
Exchange with Düsseldorf
This year, our twin city Düsseldorf has accepted our CITY CYCLING period. The aim is to promote exchange between our cities. Are you planning to visit our twin city in the coming weeks or are you interested in showing our friends from the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia your Chemnitz? Then simply get in touch with your coordinator team by e-mail.
Lauf-KulTour - Duathlon relay team from Chemnitz
The Lauf-KulTour e. V. association wants to cover 3,300 kilometres in a duathlon relay starting on 31 August. The organisers are looking for 12 runners and 6-8 cycling companions to complete the tour in 14 days. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and collect donations.
The route includes the Chemnitz twin towns of Ústí nad Labem, Düsseldorf and the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica. If you are interested in the project, you are welcome to join the Lauf-KulTour.
Further information on the Lauf-KulTour
ADFC cycling climate test
The ADFC Cycling Climate Test was carried out again in 2024. The results were presented last week at the Technical City Hall. 481 people from Chemnitz took part and stated, for example, that it is particularly important to them to be regarded as equal road users. Further information on the results of the ADFC Cycling Climate Test can be found at the following link.
Further information on the ADFC Cycling Climate Test
New bike hire station in Chemnitz
There is a new bike hire station at the Hotel c/o56 at Salzstraße 56, 09113 Chemnitz. Up to eight e-bikes can be rented at any time from the fully automated container. Hiring an e-bike costs €9 per hour and a maximum of €60 per day. Payment can be made by EC card, debit card or credit card. Users must register online in advance.
Further information on reserving e-bikes at the hire station at Hotel c/o56
Tours organised by ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
Of course, the ADFC Chemnitz e. V. tours are not to be missed in July either. On 19 July, the tour starts from Gablenzplatz in Chemnitz to a lost place in the heart of Miriquidi. The tour is between 130 and 150 kilometres long and is only suitable for very fit cyclists. You can also take part in the tour for a tour fee of €3. You can also find other, easier tours in July at ADFC Chemnitz.
Further information on the tours organised by ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
MiWoRu of the European Peace Ride
The Wednesday rounds of the organisers of the European Peace Ride are also taking place in July. As usual, you can find your cycling challenge in and around Chemnitz on Wednesdays. You can find more information on Strava or on Instagram.
Radactive June
Even if the omega weather is still keeping us in check, it's time to get back on our bikes. Especially on the occasion of the European Day of the Bicycle, which takes place annually on 3 June, it is worth pedalling hard. June has some active cycling events in store in Chemnitz. Find out more below.
8 June: Bicycle festival at the historic high garage
The Museum für Sächsische Fahrzeuge e. V. invites you to the bicycle festival on 8 June from 10:00 am. The theme of this year's festival is "140 years of Diamant" to mark the birthday of the Chemnitz bicycle brand. In addition to various culinary and cultural offerings, you can also look forward to a lecture on the topic of "Bicycles in Saxony. An excursion.". A tour of the garage festival of the #3000Garagen project of the Capital of Culture awaits you at 2 pm. Feel free to drop by with your diamond bike.
>>More information about the bike festival at the historic high garage
15 June: Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon
On Sunday, 15 June, it's off again from Chemnitz city centre to the Fichtelberg: the Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon enters its next round. Over 1,000 cycling enthusiasts will cover 1,820 metres in altitude on the 90-kilometre route and cycle to the highest mountain in Saxony. The cyclists are looking forward to support at the start, the finish or on the route. So come along and support the participants in the cycle marathon.
>>More information about the Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon
19 to 22 June: HEAVY 24
The HEAVY 24 is one of, if not the biggest 24-hour mountain bike race in Germany. From 19 to 22 June, the area around the Rabenstein reservoir will once again be transformed into a festival site for people who love mountain biking. The HEAVY 24 officially starts on Saturday 21 June. In addition to the main event, the 24-hour race, there will also be various side events. Come along to the Rabenstein reservoir and enjoy the race and the atmosphere of the HEAVY 24, hopefully in the best weather.
>>More information about the HEAVY 24
24 June: Relaxed forward inclusive - round
The organisers of "Entspannt Vorwärts inklusiv" have dedicated themselves to the joy of cycling. They organise relaxed cycle tours for people with and without disabilities, thereby setting an example for inclusion in cycling. The next tour starts on 24 June, 13:00, at the SFZ Förderzentrum, Flemmingstraße 8c, 09116 Chemnitz at Haus 36.
>>Entspannt Vorwärts inklusiv on Instagram
ADFC Chemnitz e. V. tours in June
Of course, ADFC Chemnitz e. V. will also be actively cycling in June and is offering a variety of routes, such as the "Round the Capital of Culture" on 28 June 2025. The 74-kilometre route starts at the stadium on Gellerstraße. For a fee of €3, you can take part and discover Chemnitz from a different perspective.
>>Further information on the tours organised by ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
MiWoRu of the European Peace Ride
The Wednesday round, or MiWoRu for short, organised by the European Peace Ride (EPR) takes place every Wednesday. The particularly active cyclists from Chemnitz find a cool group for a long ride here. Check out the MiWoRu on Strava or on the EPR's social media platforms.
Even if the omega weather is still keeping us somewhat in check at the moment, it's time to get back on the bike. Especially on the occasion of the European Cycling Day, which takes place every year on 3 June, it is worth pedalling hard. June has some active cycling events in store in Chemnitz. Find out more below.
8 June: Bicycle festival at the historic high garage
The Museum für Sächsische Fahrzeuge e. V. invites you to the bicycle festival on 8 June from 10:00 am. The theme of this year's festival is "140 years of Diamant" to mark the birthday of the Chemnitz bicycle brand. In addition to various culinary and cultural offerings, you can look forward to a lecture on the topic of "Bicycles in Saxony. An excursion.". A tour of the garage festival of the #3000Garagen project of the Capital of Culture also awaits you at 2 pm. Feel free to drop by with your diamond bike.
More information about the bike festival at the historic high garage
15 June: Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon
On Sunday, 15 June, it's off again from Chemnitz city centre to the Fichtelberg: the Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon enters its next round. Over 1,000 cycling enthusiasts will cover 1,820 metres in altitude on the 90-kilometre route and cycle to the highest mountain in Saxony. The cyclists are looking forward to support at the start, the finish or on the route. So come along and support the participants in the cycle marathon.
Further information about the Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon
19 to 22 June: HEAVY 24
The HEAVY 24 is one of - if not the biggest - 24-hour mountain bike race in Germany. From 19 to 22 June, the area around the Rabenstein reservoir will once again be transformed into a festival site for people who love the sport of mountain biking. The HEAVY 24 officially starts on Saturday 21 June. In addition to the main event, the 24-hour race, there will also be various side events. Come along to the Rabenstein reservoir and enjoy the race and the atmosphere of the HEAVY 24, hopefully in the best weather.
Further information about the HEAVY 24
24 June: Relaxed forward inclusive - round
The organisers of "Entspannt Vorwärts inklusiv" have dedicated themselves to the joy of cycling. They organise relaxed cycle tours for people with and without disabilities, thereby setting an example for inclusion in cycling. The next tour starts on 24 June at 13:00 at the SFZ Förderzentrum, Flemmingstraße 8c, 09116 Chemnitz, at Haus 36.
Relaxed forward inclusive on Instagram
Tours of the ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
Of course, ADFC Chemnitz e. V. will also be actively cycling in June and offers a wide variety of routes, such as the "Round the Capital of Culture" on 28 June 2025. The 74-kilometre route starts at the stadium on Gellertstraße. For a fee of €3, you can take part and discover Chemnitz from a different perspective.
Further information on the tours organised by ADFC Chemnitz e. V.
MiWoRu of the European Peace Ride
The Wednesday round, or MiWoRu for short, organised by the European Peace Ride (EPR) takes place every Wednesday. The particularly active cyclists from Chemnitz find a cool group for a long ride here. Check out the MiWoRu on Strava or on the EPR's social media platforms.
Twin towns cycle together
The state capital Düsseldorf and the European Capital of Culture 2025 have a long-standing partnership: the exchange between our cities began back in 1988. This has benefited not only the city administrations but also associations, volunteers and ordinary people from Chemnitz and Düsseldorf.
With this year's synchronised CITY CYCLING periods, we also want to promote exchange with Düsseldorf cyclists and show you what cycling in our cities is all about. Take a look at the Düsseldorf CITY CYCLING blog and find out how our twin city is cycling.
With this year's synchronised CITY CYCLING periods, we also want to promote exchange with Düsseldorf cyclists and show you what cycling in our cities is all about. Take a look at the Düsseldorf CITY CYCLING blog and find out how our twin city is cycling.
The state capital Düsseldorf and the European Capital of Culture 2025 have a long-standing partnership: the exchange between our cities began back in 1988. This has benefited not only the city administrations, but also clubs, volunteers and ordinary people from Chemnitz and Düsseldorf.
2024
Radactive December
The cycling season may already be over, but weatherproof cyclists are still out and about on the streets of Chemnitz, getting through their everyday lives by bike. With its Xmas Challenge, Heavy24 is incentivising people to cover distances by bike. The cycle routes can be travelled both outdoors and indoors.
From 24 to 31 December 2024, you can use your sporting activity for a good cause in three categories. You can prove yourself in the following categories
- Collect altitude metres (bike): 1,000 vertical metres, 2,500 vertical metres or 5,000 vertical metres
- Collect kilometres (bike): 100 kilometres
- Run kilometres: 20 kilometres, 40 kilometres or 60 kilometres
You will receive an exclusive collector's patch for each successfully completed category.
Registration and tracking of kilometres
A participation fee of €12.12 must be paid when registering. All entry fees will be donated to charity. Registration is possible online.
After registration, the activities will be tracked via STRAVA with the hashtag #xmaschallenge. The recorded data can then be sent to the Heavy24 team using a form.
15 November: Presentation of the CITY CYCLING awards & honouring commitment to cycling
On 12 November 2024, the Mayor for Law, Safety and Environmental Protection, Mr Knut Kunze, presented this year's CITY CYCLING winners with their prizes at a decentralised awards ceremony at Johannes Kepler High School. The team with the most total kilometres cycled, the most bike-active school, the team with the most bike-active participants and the most bike-active cyclist were honoured. All other winners will be honoured separately.
This brings this year's CITY CYCLING to a close. We would like to thank all the participants, sponsors and supporters who took part in this year's campaign and who cycled hard. We are already looking forward to next year, when Chemnitz will be spinning its wheels again from 1 to 21 September 2025! Until then, we will of course keep you up to date with all the latest cycling news.
| Category | Placement | Team/person | Kilometres |
|---|---|---|---|
| The most active cyclist | 1. | Heike Janthur | 1.241 |
| The most active cyclist | 1. | Kilian Tasche Run-KulTour | 2.495 |
| The team with the most active cyclists | 1. | The speedy bees from Immenhof Euba | 1.250,9 (per head) |
| The team with the most total kilometres cycled | 1. | Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 46.039 |
| The most bicycle-active daycare centre | 1. | Rappelkiste daycare centre | 11.260 |
| The most bicycle-active school | 1. | Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 46.039 |
| The most active cycling club | 1. | KIRCHE Chemnitz | 16.668 |
Honouring the commitment to cycling
"Democracy is more than just a political system - democracy lives in the hearts and minds of citizens. Democracy means the right to co-determination, justice and the pursuit of a future worth living for all. Especially for children and young people, early promotion of democratic education is of crucial importance," Hannah Zanolli began her laudatory speech at the award ceremony for the Citizens' Prize of the Chemnitz Community Foundation. The organisers of the Kidical Mass were honoured with the 1st prize for their commitment.
Since 2022, the campaign has also been campaigning for a safe street space for children and young people in Chemnitz. Kidical Mass aims to promote independent and safe cycling mobility for young people in Chemnitz and draw attention to their concerns. We would like to congratulate the volunteer organisers from ADFC Chemnitz e. V., B.U.M. Fahrradkonzerte, BUND Chemnitz and Radio T e. V. on receiving this award!
23 September: CITY CYCLING 2024 finished - kilometres can still be added for another week
On Sunday, 22 September 2024, this year's CITY CYCLING campaign in Chemnitz came to an end in perfect weather. With the rally, almost 100 participants once again set an example for cycling and pedalled together for the last time this year. With 3,095 active cyclists and 3,581 registered cyclists, more Chemnitz residents were committed to their own health, cycling and climate protection than last year. With 548,748 kilometres cycled, the result is almost 90,000 kilometres behind last year's result, but we are proud of this result, which was achieved in a significantly worse weather situation compared to our record year 2023.
Kilometres can still be added until 29 September 2024
The kilometres cycled in the last week of CITY CYCLING that have not yet been tracked via the CITY CYCLING app or entered in the mileage book can still be added until 29 September 2024. This is possible by making an entry in the kilometre book via app or browser.
After the end of the late entry period, the official results will be published and the winners will be contacted. The current interim results in the various categories can be found in the following list.
| Team | Kilometres per head | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Radelfix | 458 | 1. |
| The speedy bees from Immenhof Euba | 345 | 2. |
| Cyclists & Fun | 324 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 17.711 | 1. |
| SVC2bike | 11.691 | 2. |
| Georgius-Agricola-Gymnasium | 11.592 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Rappelkiste daycare centre | 3.773 | 1. |
| Wiesenstraße daycare centre | 3.032 | 2. |
| Daycare centre Blumenwiese | 1.217 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 17.711 | 1. |
| Georgius-Agricola-Gymnasium | 11.592 | 2. |
| Ebersdorf primary school | 4.541 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| CHURCH Chemnitz | 4.382 | 1. |
| KJF Chemnitz | 2.121 | 2. |
| ICM-Ritzel | 1.623 | 3. |
20 September: Active cycling weekend tips - Everything is rolling! - We own the road, 4-river tour and rally
The weather is better and we can also see this on our kilometre counter, which all Chemnitz residents have been turning vigorously. Almost 440,000 kilometres have been cycled, saving around 73 tonnes ofCO2 compared to using a car. We can still cycle until 22 September before CITY CYCLING 2024 puts the bike in the bike cellar for this year. There are also opportunities to cycle together again this weekend.
20 September 2024: Everything is rolling! - We own the road
From 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., part of Brückenstraße, in front of the Karl Marx Monument, will be closed on one side and will become a street space of mindfulness for all Chemnitz residents. The aim is to show what is possible with an environmentally friendly and shared use of street space. The campaign thus fits in perfectly with the motto of this year's European Mobility Week (EMW): "Shared Public Space - using street spaces together". Feel free to drop by on your bike, there will be various attractions on offer.
In addition, all EMW participants can take part in the "Show us your Mobility Week" photo competition. Any photo from an EMW event can be submitted. The photo and the completed entry form can be sent to the City of Chemnitz, EU Office, Markt 1, 09111 Chemnitz by 24 September either by email or post (the entry form can be downloaded from the EMW website ).
21 September 2024: 4 Rivers Tour
8 a.m. Cycling enthusiasts can meet up for the ADFC Chemnitz 4 Rivers Tour in Gablenzpark. The 130-kilometre tour leads through the Zschopau and Preißnitz valleys, among other places. Participation in the tour costs €3.
22 September 2024: Three rides, one destination: Chemnitz rally ride
We want to cycle with you one last time on Sunday: We want to say a fitting farewell to CITY CYCLING and the European Mobility Week with the Chemnitz rally. Three tours will be offered, all of which are easy to cycle. They end at around 15:00 on the market square. The three different tours start at the following times.
- Start north tour: 13:00 at the table tennis table in Nordpark
- Start west tour: 12:30 pm in Frei-Otto-Park
- Start south tour: 13:00 at the moated castle Klaffenbach
All tours are suitable for children with cycling experience. The north tour is recommended for children and families. Depending on the number of participants, the tour is organised in a closed group. Wearing a helmet is recommended. The rally is organised by VCD Chemnitz, smac, the Museum of Saxon Vehicles Chemnitz, LaufKul-Tour e. V. in cooperation with the coordinators of STADTRADELN and EMW.
18 September: Knappteich receives new bicycle racks
By the end of September, the Knappteich will be equipped with new bike racks by the transport and civil engineering department. The Knappteich is located on the "Numico" model cycle route, which was developed and established as part of the "New Urban Mobility Awareness in Chemnitz" (NUMIC) 2021 project. The route connects large-scale residential neighbourhoods in the east of Chemnitz over a length of five kilometres.
To improve cycle parking facilities in the city, more bike racks are to be installed in public spaces. In future, bike racks with a crossbar are to be used as the "Chemnitz standard", which will also make it easier to park smaller (children's) bikes. The tender for this new type of bracket is currently being organised by the building yard so that the new brackets can be used for new bicycle parking locations very soon. A total of 25,000 euros will be invested in the procurement.
16 September: Plus 125,000 kilometres despite the rain: Let's go for the CITY CYCLING final spurt
Unfortunately, the bad weather continued to dominate the weekend and slowed down our kilometre progress. Nevertheless, we added another 125,000 kilometres compared to last week Monday. Our odometer now shows 336,254 kilometres, which is equivalent to avoiding 56 tonnes ofCO2 compared to using a car. We are sure to set a new record: with 3,467 people registered, never before have so many people signed up for CITY CYCLING in Chemnitz. Now it's time to take the final step and get on your bike to cycle as many kilometres as possible in the final week. The weather forecast for the coming days gives us hope for the best cycling weather. Intermediate results for the individual categories can be found in the following overview.
| Team | Kilometres per head | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| The speedy bees from Immenhof Euba | 916,0 | 1. |
| Radelfix | 800,5 | 2. |
| Run-KulTour | 656,6 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 28.435,6 | 1. |
| SVC2bike | 17.985,0 | 2. |
| Georgius-Agricola-Gymnasium | 17.049,4 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Rappelkiste daycare centre | 6.732,1 | 1. |
| Wiesenstraße daycare centre | 6.173,3 | 2. |
| Die wilden Wiesenbachradler (City Mission) | 2.274,9 | 3. |
* It is currently being clarified whether the team has selected the correct category.
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 28.435,6 | 1. |
| Georgius-Agricola-Gymnasium | 17.049,4 | 2. |
| Montessori Association Chemnitz* | 6.118,0 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| CHURCH Chemnitz | 8.526,0 | 1. |
| KJF Chemnitz | 3.199,2 | 2. |
| ICM-Ritzel | 2.810,7 | 3. |
With the start of the European Mobility Week (EMW), interesting events on the topic of mobility await you, to which we cordially invite you. Selected highlights are presented below.
17 September 2024: How do you/your child get to school - Oxford debate at wetecho
Cars pile up outside the school every morning? Usually cycle to school, but sometimes take the parent taxi? Raising awareness of the issue of mobility starts at an early age. On the topic of "How do you/your child get to school?", a debate on sustainable mobility will take place on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 17:00 in the weltechos studio.
The debate will focus on the necessity of parent taxis. Two groups will discuss the topic in a modified Oxford debate. Admission is free. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to discuss the topic further over free catering.
19 September 2024: Chemnitz changes lanes: Mobility for ALL - Infotalk at Chemnitz Open Space
What did mobility in Chemnitz look like in the past? How should the mobility of the future be designed? What impact will it have on our city and its inhabitants? We want to address these and other questions with you on 19 September 2024 at 5:15 pm in the Chemnitz Open Space. In a World Café format, you can engage in dialogue with experts at the Environment, Mobility History and Traffic Psychology tables. Afterwards, there will be enough time to discuss the topic of mobility in Chemnitz over a light snack. Admission is free.
22 September 2024: Three rides, one destination: Chemnitz rally
EMW meets CITY CYCLING: At the end of both campaigns, we want to get on our bikes with you one last time! Three tours through Chemnitz will arrive together at the market at around 15:00. Come along and cycle the last few kilometres with us.
- Start north tour: 13:00 at the table tennis table in Nordpark
- Start west tour: 12:30 pm in Frei-Otto-Park
- Start south tour: 13:00 at the moated castle Klaffenbach
All tours are suitable for children with cycling experience. The north tour is recommended for children and families. Depending on the number of participants, the tour is organised in a closed group. Wearing a helmet is recommended. The rally is organised by VCD Chemnitz, smac, the Museum of Saxon Vehicles Chemnitz, LaufKul-Tour e. V. in cooperation with the coordinators of STADTRADELN and EMW.
13 September: Active cycling weekend tips - SattelFest and entry of the European Peace Ride I Start of European Mobility Week on Monday
It remains rainy, but the kilometres continue to increase: 288,273 kilometres cycled avoid 48 tonnes of CO2 compared to using a car. On Sunday, 15 September 2024, the focus will be on cycling.
SattelFest and the start of the European Peace Ride
From 10:00 to 18:00, the SattelFest will take place for the first time on the grounds of the Jutta Müller Ice Sports Centre. The sports and family event aims to celebrate the fun of exercise and cultural exchange.
The festival offers highlights for young and old, such as free public ice skating, a children's running and cycling race, a historic penny-farthing race and much more. The event will be rounded off with a concert by Stereoact from 17:00. Prior to this, the European Peace Ride (EPR) will arrive at the Jutta Müller Ice Sports Centre at 16:00.
The EPR is the new edition of the international Peace Ride. It was first organised in 1952 and led across Eastern Europe, using Chemnitz as a stage time and again. The EPR took place for the first time again in 2020, when it handed over the bid book to the European Capital of Culture jury. This year, the Peace Ride started in Bad Ischl, Austria.
At 3:30 p.m., anyone who wants to take part in the last few kilometres of the EPR can join the cyclists at the Karl Marx Monument and collect more kilometres for CITY CYCLING and peace.
Start of the European Mobility Week
The European Mobility Week (EMW) starts again from 16 to 22 September. EMW is a campaign initiated by the European Commission in which local authorities can participate voluntarily. This year's motto is "Sharing road space". Various events are taking place in Chemnitz as part of EMW, such as an Oxford debate on 17 September on the topic of "How do you/your child get to school?", a discovery tour of the Garage Campus on 18 September, a rally through Chemnitz on 22 September and many other activities. Participation in the events is free of charge and well worth it: it raises awareness of sustainable mobility and broadens individual horizons.
11 September: Surveys on cycling & CITY CYCLING interview
The bad weather doesn't put us off our stride: 50,000 kilometres have been added to the City of Chemnitz's CITY CYCLING account within two days. Stay on your bike, because you can cycle even in wind and weather!
ADFC cycling climate test and survey on the safety of children on bikes in road traffic
How much fun cycling is in Chemnitz and how safe it is for children is to be further researched in two surveys. The ADFC has been asking about this for several years in its cycling climate test. The survey, which is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs, is now taking place worldwide for the eleventh time. It is intended to serve as an important guide for future measures.
A survey conducted by Chemnitz University of Technology is focussing on the safety of children aged 5 to 17 who cycle. The aim is to investigate subjective safety when cycling. Subjective safety has an influence on the age at which children start cycling. The questionnaire is aimed at parents whose children (aged 5-17) have learnt to ride a bike. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Please feel free to take part in the surveys to make an important contribution to better research into cycling.
CITY CYCLING interview - "I used to cycle to school in the neighbouring village."
Anne had to discover cycling for herself at an early age, as she always had to cycle to school in the neighbouring village. Today, the 32-year-old cycles to work and also cycles a lot in her free time. "CITY CYCLING is a nice little campaign that has motivated me to collect even more kilometres," says Anne. While collecting the kilometres, she is also doing something good for the climate: she uses her bike instead of her car for everyday journeys.
Anne prefers to cycle towards Mittelbach and then on towards the Ore Mountains. "It would be nice if cyclists could cycle more safely," says Anne. In her opinion, this would require more cycle paths. According to Anne, CITY CYCLING can play a part in improving the cycling infrastructure by raising awareness. For the mobility of the future in Chemnitz, she would like to see more cycle paths and fewer cars in the city centre.
People with special needs, such as wheelchair users or the blind, would also like safer, low-barrier or barrier-free routes. If you notice a dangerous spot, you are welcome to use the Wheelmap to make navigation and mobility in Chemnitz easier for your fellow citizens. Defects can also be reported and recorded via the City of Chemnitz's defect reporter.
9 September: 202,263 kilometres are in the books: The first CITY CYCLING week is over
2,528 Chemnitz residents have already avoided 34 tonnes ofCO2 with the kilometres they cycled compared to using a car. This corresponds to approx. 32 per cent of the previous year's performance. We are therefore on course to break last year's record. Over the weekend, almost 100,000 kilometres were added (additional kilometres can be added).
At the end of the campaign, we will be honouring teams and individual cyclists in various categories. The interim results for the categories can be found below.
| Team | Kilometres per head | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| The speedy bees from Immenhof Euba | 1.187,7 | 1. |
| Team Vanessa Hengst | 1.042,0 | 2. |
| Radelfix | 1.002,5 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 45.446,5 | 1. |
| Georgius-Agricola-Gymnasium | 28.136,0 | 2. |
| SVC2bike | 27.519,7 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Rappelkiste daycare centre | 11.210,2 | 1. |
| Wiesenstraße daycare centre | 10.691,7 | 2. |
| Die wilden Wiesenbachradler (City Mission) | 3.499,3 | 3. |
* It is currently being clarified whether the team has selected the correct category.
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium | 45.446,5 | 1. |
| Georgius-Agricola-Gymnasium | 28.136,0 | 2. |
| Team Parzival | 11.580,0 | 3. |
| Team | Kilometres | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| CHURCH Chemnitz | 15.588,4 | 1. |
| Run-KulTour | 6.963,6 | 2. |
| KJF Chemnitz | 4.970,9 | 3. |
Even if your team doesn't take part, it doesn't matter: CITY CYCLING is a campaign for EVERYONE. This means that every single kilometre counts for individual health protection, the promotion of cycling and the climate. We are giving away great prizes, such as a bicycle, to all participants who have covered more than 50 kilometres in the three-week campaign period. Participation is therefore worthwhile for everyone.
Get the week off to a good start, stay motivated and get on your bike despite the bad weather: we'll be cycling until 22 September 2024!
6 September: Active cycling weekend tips - Chemnitz 2025 bike tour, running & cycling tour and "To the Mulde to America"
The first week is not even over yet and we have already cycled 107,684 kilometres! If we carry on like this, we'll soon have beaten our record from last year: So keep up the good work, because every kilometre counts for Chemnitz! If you don't have any cycling plans for the weekend, you are welcome to take part in the Chemnitz 2025 bike tour, the running & cycling tour or the "An die Mulde nach Amerika" tour.
6 September: Chemnitz 2025 bike tour
The Chemnitz 2025 bike tour starts on Friday, 6 September 2024, at 18:00, at the Hartmannfabrik (Fabrikstraße 11, 09111 Chemnitz). It covers highlights of the Capital of Culture and lasts approx. two hours. Participation costs €9.00 per person, students pay €4.50.
7 September: Wheel & bike tour and tour "To the Mulde to America"
Our young Chemnitz residents can also get on a balance bike or bicycle: As part of SPORTS UNITED and SPORTY, there will be a wheel and bike tour. Participants will gather at the Zeisigwald playground/stadium from 14:00. Participation is free of charge.
The tour "An die Mulde nach Amerika" of the ADFC Chemnitz starts at 8:00 am at the boat rental at the Schloßteich and is about 66 kilometres long. You can take part in the tour from €3.00.
Even without taking part in a tour, we would be delighted if you spent your weekend on the STADTRADEL. Switch on the CITY CYCLING app and feel free to share your impressions on social media using #chemnitzdrehtamrad. If you discover places that are not accessible, please add them to the Wheelmap for a mobile Chemnitz for all!
2 September: #chemnitzdrehtamradtour2024 - 200 cyclists spin their bikes together despite showers
The #chemnitzdrehtamradtour2024 took around 200 cyclists through the city on 2 September 2024 despite an initial shower and set an example for individual health, better cycling and climate protection. The CITY CYCLING kick-off tour took participants almost 16 kilometres through Chemnitz. The start was in the Park of the Victims of Fascism, at the Georgius Agricola Grammar School. The end point was on the market square, where the cyclists were welcomed by a DJ.
The cycling event ended with lively music. We would like to thank all participants and supporters, especially the police, the city police, the civil defence and disaster control services and the volunteers who secured the tour. We hope you enjoyed it. Why don't you post your pictures from the tour on social media under #chemnitzdrehtamrad and show us what you experienced.
Stay motivated and keep spinning the wheel!
Cycling in August and CITY CYCLING stars
In the last CITY CYCLING preparation month, our favourite bike should of course not be missing. Because there are also interesting campaigns and events in August where you can already start cycling.
12 August to 22 September: On foot and by public transport
to school & nursery
Families, daycare centres, schools and clubs can take part in a campaign that aims to promote sustainable early childhood mobility. The "On foot and by public transport to school and daycare centres" campaign promotes safe and environmentally friendly journeys to daycare centres, schools and clubs. From 12 August to 22 September 2024, the aim is to avoid parents taking taxis to nursery or school.
Parent taxis are also a frequent cause of difficult traffic situations in Chemnitz. Not only do they harm the environment, they also pose a potential hazard. During the campaign period, the participants should cover as many kilometres as possible by public transport (bus, train, walking and cycling). The kilometres collected can be entered online until 6 October 2024. Attractive prizes await the winners.
30 August: Start of the Lauf-KulTour
The next edition of the "Lauf-KulTour" will start on 30 August 2024 at the Orangerie, Reichenhainer Straße 70, 09126 Chemnitz. Participants will complete a duathlon over ten consecutive days, travelling through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. The aim of the tour is to promote Chemnitz and the region, but also to raise awareness of the incurable disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy and support the Duchenne Foundation Germany. The foundation is committed to the research and development of therapies. The athletes will cross the finish line at the Orangerie on Sunday, 8 September 2024. The tour can be followed live on the web.
CITY CYCLING stars 2024
This year, the CITY CYCLING stars will once again come from Chemnitz citizens. Jens Schmidtke, Managing Director of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Chemnitz gGmbH programme, and Emu form the star duo of CITY CYCLING 2024. During the three-week campaign period, they will once again report on their cycling experiences on the streets of Chemnitz. They will have to do without motorised private transport as far as possible throughout the weeks (except in emergencies, ...).
Stefan Schmidtke has been cycling for over 40 years and does not own a car or any other motorised vehicle. He learnt to ride a bike on a MIFA folding bike. In his opinion, road traffic needs to be made more aware of equal rights for everyone. "Road traffic needs to better accept cyclists as equal road users," says Schmidtke. As a CITY CYCLING star, he wants to do exactly that to raise awareness.
Emu has been cycling actively for 10 years. The machine fitter associates cycling with freedom. For him, cycling is not a means to an end, it is more of an enjoyable hobby. For him, cycling is fun because "it depends on your inner attitude, when you are excited to be 'free' and see places that you would never have seen otherwise.". Cycling always puts a smile on his face.
Evaluation of CITY CYCLING 2023
An evaluation was carried out for the first time after CITY CYCLING 2023. Just under 10 per cent of the 2,945 participants from last year took part. The results of the evaluation can be found below.
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| Friends and family | 36,9 |
| Other* | 31,9 |
| Mailings/newsletters | 17,3 |
| Websites for CITY CYCLING | 10,4 |
| Social media | 9,2 |
| Official journal | 8,8 |
| Flyer | 6,2 |
| Online media | 6,2 |
| Print media | 6,2 |
| Notices | 5 |
| City Lights posters | 3,5 |
| Radio | 3,1 |
| 371 City magazine | 2,3 |
| Local gazette | 1,5 |
*Under "Other" you could give your own answers, such as: work, educational and childcare facilities, ...
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| Yes | 16,9 |
| No | 81,9 |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| Tracking the kilometres | 12,7 |
| Tracking the kilometres | 5,4 |
| Chat with team members | 3,5 |
| Retrieving news | 3,1 |
| Other* | 11,2 |
| No response | 68,8 |
*Further errors could be named here: Interruption of journeys, tracking in the Czech Republic was sometimes not possible, route was sometimes incorrect, ...
Free answers could be given here. Only a few wishes are listed below - they were all submitted to the Climate Alliance, which provides the app.
Smart watch connection
A link to the usual tracking apps such as Garmin Connect, Strava, Komoot, etc.
Export of the route as *.gpx
Automatic detection and recording of when and how far I cycle :)))
No collective accounts, we had someone in the team with an incredible number of kilometres per day who seems to have tracked the whole team. That should not be possible and falsified.
Registration of whether you rode an e-bike or a normal bike
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| The beginning of September is perfect | 60,4 |
| After the summer holidays | 20 |
| Before the summer holidays | 15,4 |
| No answer | 4,2 |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| Final bike tour | 55,8 |
| Kick-off bike tour | 22,7 |
| No answer | 21,5 |
Free answers could be given here. Some answers are explained together as they are very similar in content.
| Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|
| RADar! was not available for reporting critical locations in Chemnitz | We have decided against activating the RADar! reporting platform since 2022, as it suggests a false picture: Immediate consideration is expected, which unfortunately cannot be realised for personnel reasons. Independently of RADar!, however, deficiencies can be reported via the municipal deficiency reporter. Ideas for improving traffic planning can also be sent by e-mail to colleagues at the Transport and Civil Engineering Department. |
| The real point of city cycling is to cycle the distances that are normally travelled by car. The people who achieve the most kilometres are, of course, cyclists who also log their training kilometres. That's how I did it, of course, and the athletes who were honoured last year for having the most kilometres, for example, are friends of mine. I don't think it should be the most kilometre riders who are awarded, but those who actually leave the car at home. Of course, this is difficult to understand. Perhaps random people could be honoured. | As a campaign, CITY CYCLING draws attention to the concerns of cyclists. It promotes individual health, contributes to the promotion of cycling and to climate protection. Unfortunately, it is not possible to track whether someone actually travelled the route by bike instead of by car. In addition to honouring the best cyclist, there are also other prize categories. In addition, prizes will be raffled off among 50 people who have cycled more than 50 kilometres during the campaign period. |
The ranking function is unfair because there are no fixed team sizes. Therefore, small active teams can never take the top places if other teams have twice as many participants but a much lower per capita kilometre performance! This means that the most active members/teams are not always highlighted. | Even small teams have the chance to win a prize: In the category "The team with the most active cyclists", the team that has cycled the most kilometres per capita in the campaign period after the end of the deadline will be awarded. |
| It would be good if the final tour could start a little later. | The start of the opening/closing tour is not easy to choose. We want to reach as many age groups as possible, which is why we have decided to start the tour at 5.00 pm again in 2024. |
| It should be possible (for organisers or team leaders) to carry out plausibility checks and, if necessary, remove utopian values from the ranking. Such entries are particularly frustrating for children, who are encouraged to be honest. I know 3 people who did not take part in 2023 for this reason. Perhaps labelling the app users as a kind of ""quality criterion"" for the entries would also be possible and useful. | If there are conspicuously high kilometre readings, these can be reported to us by e-mail. We will then get in touch with the person in question and follow up. |
| I would appreciate it if the period is longer than 3 weeks. Before the summer holidays is the best time, as it is much longer in the morning and evening than in September. Cycle paths should be usable, especially during the main cycling season, and not be blocked by long-lasting roadworks. | The three-week campaign period is specified by the Climate Alliance and cannot be extended. A majority of those involved in the evaluation favoured September as the campaign period. In this way, overlaps with European Mobility Week or SPORTS UNITED can also be utilised. |
| I would like to see a lot of inclusion | We want to integrate the topic of inclusion more and more into CITY CYCLING and thus establish it. |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| There were different flyers? I didn't notice that... | 75,8 |
| good | 14,2 |
| very good | 3,5 |
| average | 2,7 |
| not so good | 0,8 |
| poor | 0 |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| No answer | 45 |
| No | 43,8 |
| Yes, it was the following target group* | 11,2 |
*Additional target groups could be named here: Schools and daycare centres, entrepreneurs, people with special needs
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| satisfied | 43,8 |
| average | 34,6 |
| no answer | 9,2 |
| very satisfied | 6,2 |
| not satisfied | 3,8 |
| Not satisfied at all | 22,3 |
Free answers could be given here. 18.8 per cent of participants made use of this option. Some answers are summarised due to multiple answers.
| Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|
Define goals clearly and make them recognisable. Use the campaign in the long term for better cycling infrastructure and do not label it as a marketing campaign | The aim of CITY CYCLING is to promote individual health, promote cycling infrastructure and protect the climate. The campaign is not a marketing campaign: on the contrary, the anonymous app data flows directly into medium to long-term cycle traffic planning and thus forms an important basis for planning. |
| Advertising on the radio, at bus stops, on TV, etc. | CITY CYCLING is becoming more present in the media. Last year, for example, there was a programme on Sachsenfernsehen. As the media are free in their reporting and we have a finite budget, we are constantly trying out new advertising channels. However, at some point they are exhausted and limited. However, public relations work is to be further expanded. |
| Posters on the roads. Drivers should be encouraged to leave their cars parked during the weeks. | STRÖER's City Light billboards are used throughout the city as part of the advertising campaign. Unfortunately, for budget reasons, they can only be used for one week at a time. |
| Perhaps it would be possible to inform local companies in the city centre directly, e.g. via info mail/flyers, etc.? Also an announcement on social media channels like: @Simplysaxony @Chemnitz2025 and companies close to the city centre such as Revolte and many more would be a possibility! | Companies are already being approached via various newsletters, such as the business newsletter or via partners such as the IHK or the HWK Chemnitz. Direct contact with companies is only rarely possible due to capacities. Advertising on social media is to be further expanded. |
| People who cycle every day do not feel addressed. The campaign is thought to be for newcomers to cycling. | The campaign is specifically aimed at all cyclists and those who want to become cyclists. We will try to pay more attention to this in our communication. |
| Personally, I think it would be cool if there were more "lots of people cycling together" type events during the 3 weeks. Just offer Critical Mass every evening, so to speak. In addition, in my opinion, even more emphasis could be placed on trying to activate the city council members and factions, the majority of whom had opposed the mobility development plan. | The organisation of larger, accompanied cycle tours is difficult due to capacities and budgets. However, tours organised by the ADFC, for example, are also offered during the campaign period and can be used. The city council groups and councillors are invited to take part in CITY CYCLING every year. |
| Participants should be informed about the specific measures that have been or will be taken to improve cycling in the city as a result of the data collected. | We are also interested in communicating the measures resulting from the CITY CYCLING data. However, these measures usually have a longer planning horizon, which is why we have to wait a little longer. As soon as there is something new, we will communicate it. |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| Yes | 95,4 |
| No, I would like more explanations and information | 1,2 |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 29,2 |
| 2022 | 61,5 |
| 2023 | 99,2 |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| App | 68,8 |
| Web application | 30,4 |
| No answer | 0,8 |
| Answer | Votes in per cent |
|---|---|
| very good | 29,2 |
| good | 31,2 |
| mediocre | 11,2 |
| not good | 1,9 |
| not good at all | 1,2 |
| No answer | 26,9 |
Radactive June
June is also dominated by cycling: it was kicked off by the Day of the Bicycle on 3 June, on which special attention will once again be drawn to sustainable mobility. We would also like to draw your attention to two cycling events in Chemnitz.
9 June: Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon
This year, the Fichtelberg Cycle Marathon is celebrating its 12th birthday! 1,000 starters will take on the challenge of cycling from Chemnitz to the Fichtelberg. They will cover a distance of 94 kilometres with 1,820 metres of elevation gain.
The start is on Sunday at 9.00 am at the Karl Marx Monument. You can also greet the cyclists on the Fichtelberg in the afternoon. Cheering is also not forbidden: The marathon cyclists are looking forward to your cheers!
13 June: Heavy24
From 13 to 16 June 2024, the Rabenstein reservoir will be spinning its wheels again: the Heavy24 is coming of age and will once again welcome over 1,000 mountain bikers. This makes Heavy24 one of the biggest mountain bike races in the whole of Germany.
You can experience the mountain bike flair of Chemnitz live in a cultivated festival atmosphere. So be sure to drop by the Rabenstein reservoir.
