27 Questions to Rate Your Local Cycling Climate in 2026
Around 210,000 people have submitted responses to the ADFC Cycle Climate Test before the upcoming 30 November 2026 deadline, bike-magazin.de reported. The current participation figure trails the approximately 213,000 people who took part nationwide in the previous survey.
Run every two years by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club, the online survey asks riders to evaluate everyday life on a bike across 27 questions, which take around ten minutes to complete. Participants rate how easy it is to get to the city centre, the condition of cycle paths, and how often conflicts arise with other road users.
The assessment covers whether cycling is seen as a pleasant experience or a nuisance, and how safe conditions appear for children. The evaluation represents an assessment from cyclists’ perspectives rather than a technical infrastructure review, targeting both daily riders and occasional cyclists.
Although nationwide participation has reached high levels, some local authorities have not yet reached the required number of participants for a nationwide analysis. To be included in the ranking, a locality must achieve a minimum of 50, 75, or 100 valid responses, depending on its population. An interactive map of Germany on the Bicycle Climate Test portal displays current participation levels for particular locations.
A new feature for 2026 is a separate survey for children and young people aged between ten and 20. This questionnaire captures the experiences and needs of young people cycling to school, sports activities, or leisure pursuits, specifically targeting those who cycle rarely or not at all to identify difficulties and barriers.
In addition to the general survey and the youth programme, a third component known as the ‘FKT Kommunen’ survey involves cities, districts, and local authorities providing information on their measures to promote cycling.
Results from the twelfth edition of the Cycling Climate Survey, which is funded by the Federal Ministry, are expected to be published in spring 2027 and will include the nationwide ranking of the most cycle-friendly towns and cities.