Abstract
The background to provision for cycling in Germany is outlined. The Bicycle-friendly Towns project, which used Rosenheim in the south and Detmold in the north to implement and monitor innovative cycling schemes, and a follow-up scheme in North Rhine-Westphalia are described. The introduction of area-wide traffic schemes in a number of towns, where measures were included to improve safety for cyclists is considered. Implementation problems with the improvement of cycle infra structure are outlined including safety schemes for the classic cycle paths, the introduction of road markings and the new parking law in Berlin. The combination of bicycle and public transport is discussed. Suggestions are made for stimulating cycle use.