Bicycle life in Berlin

I brought my bike over from the US and now that I am here with my lovely single-speed bike I want to know where to get service done, what rules I need to follow, how tough the coppers are (I only have one brake and I don't have generator lights), and if I need to register it or any such stuff.

Also, the rules of the road -- what I can't and can do. I was a bike courier in Washington, DC, back in the day and I guess my riding style tends to err on the side of "lawless." I know for a fact that that won't fly here in Germany.

What are you riding? What have your experiences been riding? What are your fave rides? What sort of weekend longer touristy rides have your taken outside Mitte? Anyway, I hope we have a fun conversation here.

Finally, please feel free to post pics of your bike,

Here's my bike. I shipped it over on the plane.

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/2273390473_b2f17b48c4.jpg[/img]

I have subsequently added lights and a big U lock. It is a SOMA Delancey single speed I built up from the frame. I got a retro Brooks saddle for it. As you might be able to see, there's only a front brake. Is that going to get me arrested? Will anyone really ever care or notice? Should I get myself a brake? Anyway, it's a lot of fun. However, I hunger for this bike, if anyone is selling or knows where to buy -- so what if I own two, eh? Keep your eyes open for one of these...

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2272793886_9a8b22d372.jpg[/img]

It's a lovely bike !!

There are a lot of fixies in Berlin, but I'm quite sure they are illegal. I don't have one yet, I can't find a proper (old) frame nor buy a new one.

You are probably interested in checking out Keirin Café, Berlin to get in touch with the fixed gear community.

On Kastanienalle there is a small gallery that have an exhibition with fixed gear bikes right now.

See you on the streets.

As a former semi-pro cyclist, I understand the asthetic love of fixies but would never commute with one. But I know people ride bikes for different reasons.

Anyway, your bike is illegal and, more than likely, you will some day be stopped by a group of policeman gathered around the bike path stopping everyone. Street legal bikes must have working lights, reflectors and brakes. However, it's not like they're going to confiscate it so just pay the ticket and figure it's a component of the ride, just like your Brooks saddle (I feel the same way about speeding tickets - it's like you've purchased the right to drive faster than the posted speed limit).

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ON traffic regulations: you have to follow them. This means lights and stop signs. Several lawsuits now mean you do not have to ride on bike paths but it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk. One important thing for yanks: the yellow triangle sign you see before some intersections means you have the right of way at the intersection. If you come to an intersection with no signage, the car on the right has the right of way - ALWAYS. You should know this for your own health.

Even when I was training I tried to always follow the asshole rule when it comes to traffic regulations -- don't be an asshole. If there are bunches of cars/bikes at an intersection, I don't run the light. I'll just get in someone's way or make someone hate cyclists that much more. It doesn't matter if I can see that I can get across safely. I don't go bombing around on sidewalks because I will ultimately get in someone's way or make them have to get out of my way. And I always ride on bike paths when there is one. Why get in a car's way (= harm's way) if I don't have to.

However, if there's no one at an intersection, I'll run the light/stop sign. If there's no one on a sidewalk (or if I'm towing my two kids in the trailer) I might spend some time on the sidewalk.

Unlike in America, cops in Berlin won't bust you for breaking traffic regulations on your bike, but there's no reason to be an asshole.