ECF welcomes the announcement of an extended partnership involving ten local public transit authorities in Germany that will promote the use of folding bikes alongside public transport in the region. Tern, the bicycle manufacturer member of the Cycling Industry Club has teamed up with the advocacy world through ADFC – founding ECF member – for this original project.

Bicycle manufacturer Tern has announced the expansion of its roster of transit authorities who are on-board for embedding bikes into public transport usage. It will see four new regions join six authorities already involved and develop them into pioneering multi-modal transport systems. This is a particularly exciting development, because it makes so much sense from an urban mobility perspective. Indeed, combining cycling with other forms of transport is often the most effective way of getting around ‘point-to-point’ in the city – most notably for commutes that often involve taking regional train services combined with local urban public transport.

Forward thinking in South Germany

“The combination of bicycle and public transport is ideal for urban spaces. The regions that participate in the folding bike cooperation projects are clearly forward thinking in addressing current mobility trends,” said Burkhard Stork, General Manager of ADFC Germany, the cycling advocacy group. Lake Constance area, the greater Frankfurt area, the city of Augsburg and the Rhine-Neckar-Region are now part of this partnership which unites industry, advocacy and local government around a common project.

OK, but how does it work?

Tern has a long history in manufacturing foldable bikes and as such, is in a good position to know how to put more people on bikes. “Turning bicycle advocacy into progressive public policy is close to the heart of our brand,” said Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. The partnership has different configurations depending on the region involved – but one thing is for sure: foldable bikes purchased through the programme can be taken on trains, buses, trams and metros free of charge. In some cities, foldable bikes are even made available at a lower price, with the advantage ranging from 50 to 200 euro. Other cities have varying benefits packages, such as 1-year free membership with ADFC. Users are also provided with free tools, maps and carrier bags to make their switch to cycling as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

The Tern transit authority partnerships began in 2011 in Munich. Just over three years later, there are now 10 regions incorporating nearly all major regions in southern Germany. Tern transport authority partnerships are well accepted and have successfully spread across Germany in a relatively short timeframe.

Industry + Advocacy + Government: it makes sense

Schemes such as these are a prime example of how cycling industry and advocacy can work together to produce meaningful results in partnership with local authority. You can read more about the project on the project website (in German) or watch a short presentation video below.