German cities Herten, Hattersheim launch new bike promotion programs
In Herten, North Rhine‑Westphalia, a brightly coloured presentation bike was placed in the town centre on 28 May 2026 to publicise the upcoming metropolradruhr bike‑share system. Residents who photograph themselves with the bike and submit the picture by 8 June automatically enter a giveaway offering a year‑long bike‑share pass, free rides and local vouchers. The full rental service will start at the end of August with 15 stations across the Recklinghausen district.
Meanwhile, the town of Hattersheim am Main is running its annual Stadtradeln campaign from 1 June to 21 June 2026, urging citizens to log climate‑friendly cycling kilometres. Participants can track rides via a free app and contribute data for municipal traffic planning. Mayor Klaus Schindling praised the initiative, calling it “a wonderful complement to our mobility measures and climate‑protection concept.” The challenge aims to boost cycling infrastructure and raise awareness of road safety hazards.
Both programmes reflect German municipalities’ efforts to promote sustainable mobility and engage residents in climate‑friendly activities.