Spring-like temperatures, advantages in road traffic, and the prospect of infrastructure improvements promised by cycling policy are attracting Mainz residents to their bikes. The goal of making the bicycle the most environmentally friendly and fastest means of transportation in Mainz could soon be achieved.

Since the invention of the "draisine" in 1817, with tires, handlebars, and a wooden frame, the bicycle has changed significantly. Depending on the intended use, we are spoiled for choice between e-bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, touring or city bikes, and hybrids such as gravel bikes. The latter is the latest trend, a hybrid of a road bike and a mountain bike.

Buy, rent, or lease?

There are several specialist shops in Mainz where you can find the right bike for you. If you want to get a used bike at a lower price, you can turn to online marketplaces, used bike shops, or go to a bike exchange.

The yellow rental bikes have been available in the city since 2012. They were developed especially for commuters. The bikes can be rented and returned daily, around the clock, at over 200 stations (subject to availability) using a simple registration system. Prices range from €1.50 per hour to standard, discount, and student subscriptions between €36 and €90 per year. For more information, please contact Mainzer Verkehrsgesellschaft (Mainz Transport Company), see the list of links below.

Leasing offers for bicycles, on the other hand, are relatively new. Have you heard of leased company bicycles for employees? Unlike company cars, all employees can enjoy the benefits of a company bicycle, which can also be used privately. You choose your dream bike from a specialist retailer and pay for it with your monthly salary. This saves you an expensive direct purchase and allows you to benefit from the tax advantages of salary conversion. With salary conversion, part of the contractual remuneration is not paid in cash. Instead, the employee receives the leased bicycle as a non-cash benefit for the period of the lease. As an incentive, this "non-cash remuneration" has been taxed at a flat rate according to the so-called 0.25% rule since January 1, 2020. This creates a tax advantage that makes conversion attractive for employers and employees. Talk to your employer about it! For more information, see the financial tip below.

Environmentally friendly bicycle?

Until now, bicycles have always been considered one of the most environmentally friendly means of transportation. But how sustainable is your bicycle really? Every year, the bicycle industry launches new trend products with materials and manufacturing processes that should be viewed critically. E-bikes and pedelecs are the subject of debate because of their drive systems. The issues here are CO₂ emissions during production, but also the recyclability of the batteries and the cost of generating the electricity. Lithium-ion batteries are expensive and energy-intensive to produce. Lithium is a limited resource that should not be wasted. 

The costs of production, transport, and delivery are being discussed in relation to frame materials and add-on components. Super-light carbon, known from aircraft construction, scores worst in terms of sustainability and is not recyclable. The good old steel frame is preferable to the aluminum frame. Unfortunately, most bicycles are produced in Asia under poor working conditions and environmental standards.

If you want to switch bikes, we recommend looking into regional manufacturers. Ask what raw materials were used and which parts can be recycled. Consider whether you need an additional drive. Ride your bike for as long as possible and repair it rather than throwing it away.

Did you know...?

You can have your bike coded to prevent theft. This code can be used to determine the address of the bike's owner at any time. Found coded bikes can be easily returned to their owners by lost property offices. Stolen coded bikes are difficult to resell and therefore unattractive to thieves. Here's how it works: The code is engraved into the frame of the bicycle at the top of the seat tube using a coding device. The Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrradclub Mainz (ADFC) regularly carries out coding campaigns. Information and dates can be found on the ADFC website.

In spring 2019, construction began on Mainz's first bicycle parking garage in the state capital, which unfortunately is not yet complete. Doubling the number of bicycle parking spaces at the main station west is intended to create a convenient and secure solution for up to 1,000 bicycles.

Passengers can take their bikes on all MVG and ESWE-Verkehr buses and trams – free of charge! However, passengers with strollers or wheelchairs have priority; in case of doubt, the driver will decide. MVG and ESWE-Verkehr therefore recommend that cyclists avoid peak times before and after school and rush hour traffic.

Finally, here's a tip for an inexpensive and useful bicycle accessory: except for mountain bikes, French valves are generally used for bicycle tires. To avoid breaking a sweat when inflating your bicycle tire, buy a metal gas station adapter. This converts the bicycle valve into a car valve, allowing you to fill up with air at any gas station.