When I first moved to Hamburg, I was a die-hard car person. Coming from the German countryside, where driving was as natural as breathing, I couldn’t imagine navigating life without four wheels. Distances were too vast, public transport was sparse, and everyone in my family owned a car. Fast-forward to today, and I’ve become one of those cyclists I used to find mildly infuriating. Let me explain how—and why—this transformation happened.  

The Culture Shock: From Country Roads to City Streets  

In rural Germany, cycling felt impractical. Need groceries? Drive. Visiting friends? Drive. Even a quick coffee run meant hopping into the car. But Hamburg flipped that script. Suddenly, friends were car-free, relying on bikes, scooters, and public transport. Carsharing and “last-mile” solutions like StadtRAD stations became the norm. At first, I resisted—until I realized how efficient cycling could be.  

I’ll admit it: early on, cyclists annoyed me. As a driver, I’d mutter, “Why are they so reckless? Don’t they know they’re the vulnerable ones here?” But once I started biking myself, everything clicked. The road isn’t a battleground; it’s a shared space. Cyclists aren’t “in the way”—they’re just trying to get somewhere, same as drivers.  

The Awkward Transition: Cheap Bikes, Longboards, and Lessons Learned  

My first city bike cost €100 on Kleinanzeigen (Germany’s Craigslist). It creaked, it wobbled, but it got me through my 10-kilometer daily commute—rain or shine (okay, mostly shine; I’m not a masochist). I even dabbled with an electric longboard in 2016, back when police hadn’t yet cracked down on them. (Ah, the Wild West days of e-rides!)  

But cycling stuck. Why?  

• Time efficiency: Biking + subway beats traffic jams.  

• Stealth fitness: Commuting became my workout. No gym fees, no extra time spent.  

• Parking paradise: Zip to the store, lock up, and go. No circling for spots.  

The Dark Side: Bike Theft and Paranoia  

Let’s talk theft. Hamburg giveth, and Hamburg taketh away. I’ve “donated” two city bikes and one beloved Bianchi racing bike to the underworld of bike thieves. The Bianchi was swiped from my locked basement—two doors, metal and wood!—proving no place is truly safe.  

Lessons learned the hard way:  

1. AirTags are lifesavers: Now attached to every bike I own.  

2. Never leave bikes overnight at U-Bahn stations: Even “good” locks won’t stop a determined thief.  

3. Bike prices skyrocketed post-COVID: Everyone became a cyclist overnight, including me.  

Tips for Happy (and Safe) City Cycling  

1. Bone conduction headphones: A game-changer for podcasts. I use Shokz OpenRun—they let you hear traffic while enjoying audio. (Skip the Pro version; the basic model works great.)  

2. Track your rides: Apps like Strava let you tag commutes, which may influence city planning. Plus, it’s motivating to see your mileage stack up.  

3. Ride defensively: Assume drivers don’t see you. Helmets aren’t “uncool”—they’re essential.  

Why Biking Wins  

Cycling isn’t just transport; it’s a mindset. It’s freedom from parking stress, gas prices, and gym routines. It’s noticing hidden corners of the city you’d miss in a car. And yes, it’s occasionally terrifying when a delivery van cuts you off—but that’s life.  

My advice? Start small. Bike to the bakery. Try a rental. You’ll soon realize what I did: the road belongs to everyone, but the joy of cycling? That’s yours to claim.  

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Final note: And if you’re in Hamburg, keep an eye out for my Bianchi. (Just kidding—it’s long gone. Sigh.)  

Stay safe, ride smart, and remember: the best views come at low speeds. 🚴