Finally spring is here. And that means to me: I get my bike out of the cellar. Although many German drive in the winter with her bicycle, but not me. I really only fun when it's warm.

In the spring I have the bike once clean and oil the chain again. Then I have to pump up the tires, because they have little else to air. A quick brake check - and away you go.

A bicycle tire consists of two, which are equipped with spokes. It sits on the saddle and pedaling. With the handlebars, one can determine the direction, and a bell, most bikes also warn to. So you can see me at night, the wheel in front and rear and has a light called the spokes orange reflectors, cat eyes. You can either brake with a brake on the handlebar or with a coaster brake with the pedals. Many bikes have one gear, so you can come faster and sometimes slower and more easily thrives. If you want to take someone who can set this either on the handlebar or on the rear luggage rack.

Many German cycling. Some of them see cycling as a sport, they wear tight jerseys and a helmet and race as fast as it goes through the country. Others prefer to drive around comfortably and look at the scenery. To which I belong.

Munich is a true cycling paradise. Cyclists have their own bike paths that are separate from the roads. At some intersections there are even small lights for cyclists. And your own road signs that indicate the distance to certain places. So you can make beautiful cycle tours.

For me, the bicycle is a way to move me very fast in the city. If I want to drive from my apartment to my workplace, I need 20 minutes by car - and must then find a parking space. With the tram but I need only 11 minutes, but often I have to wait until a train comes. With the bike I'm there in 15 minutes - and did the same a little sport.

Last year I got from my parents a bicycle helmet. Children are used in Germany to wear such a helmet. I'm not there yet - but I try as often as possible to set up. The risk of injury in an accident is much smaller.

By the way, children learn very early on in Germany to drive, bike. Some people use this so-called training wheels. These are small wheels that are mounted on the right and left of the bike. This turns the bike a bike with four wheels, which can not fall over. In elementary school, then there is a special instruction to the police. They point to a driver training area, which rules must be obeyed as a bike rider.

Until the age of eight, children may go with her bicycle on the sidewalk. Then they have to drive on the road with the cars. Motorists usually take consideration for the bike rider - but not always.

In large cities there are usually also sightseeing by bicycle. Because then you can rent a bike and ride with a group of tourists through the city and let's all show.

Who has no separate bicycle and cycle would still like to, can rent a bicycle. The German Rail offers this service, it's called "Call a Bike". This silver-orange bikes are everywhere, and you can unlock them with a phone call. After use, the bike is locked up again and be alerted when it is available. This service is unfortunately not free.

Enthusiastic cyclists ride way too happy for several days during their vacation. For example, you can even drive around the lake, or up to Venice. For this we need but tidy condition, so long to start pedaling!

So, enough cycled! Now first music, namely "Little Stories" by Phil and Pete.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. The latest version is here ready for download. And for JavaScript to be enabled in your browser.

Episode download
Text as a PDF download
Learning materials to this episode Download here (1 €)
Learning material downloaded here (follow 41-50: 8 €)
Learning material downloaded here (follow 08-50, 25 €)

Finally spring is here. And that means to me: I get my bike out of the cellar. Although many German drive in the winter with her ​​bicycle, but not me. I really only fun when it's warm. In the spring I have the bike once clean and oil the chain again. Then you have ...