Biking German Style

Now that I got my sick new wheels and hit the streets a few times, wanted to share some info about what to expect as a cyclist here in Berlin.  So the wheels may not be that sick, but I finally got a bike over  this weekend, or I should say I got a hand-me down that has been in the storage shed here for years, but it works.  The only problem that I have with it really is the fact that it is a man's bike and a little high for me, after having a bike for years that was too short for me it is an adjustment.  As with everything in life though, I have adapted to it and now it suits me fine.  Waited till this past Sunday to take it out, not having really biked through traffic and a city before wanted, to get my sea legs so to speak.  Was extremely nervous at first, biking down the first side street, I keep looking around like an owl trying to make sure there were no cars, and almost fell off the bike trying to swerve out of the way when the first one drove by me.  Finally make it to the main road and courage building, turned onto the bike lane and started to really move.  Just when I was starting to feel like I had made a big accomplishment and like "hey I'm biking" was passed by three old ladies out biking.
Deflated ego aside it was a great ride, rode out to the edge of the city and was really in the forest for a few kilometers.  Germany really doesn't have any urban sprawl or suburbs to speak of.  At the edge of the city it just turns into country side, and being that we live near the edge of the city, by bike this is not far.  In fact went by the location of where the Berlin wall was, on the West Side of course, not through the city.  It is also very easy to be a bike commuter here.  I see all age groups biking from very young to very old, it isnt just the fit 20-30 something year olds, but really the whole community.
After my fantastic Sunday bike tour decided to really try to bike to my language school, would have to take the train as well, it is not that close. I would have to bike to the train station from home though, and from the train station near my school to school, which is also in a very busy part of the city.  It was more nerve wracking to ride right next to the cars and occasionally have to swerve out of the bike lane to avoid a pedestrian.  There is a red lane that designates the bike lane and most pedestrians are well aware of the rules but sometimes they do stray into the red, and at which point they are promptly reprimanded by the next cyclist with a bell ringing.  This is not meant as an insult or anything, just get the outta my way before I run you over, and every bike comes standard here with the same bell, havent heard any horns.  There are even special turn lanes for bike lanes, and we have our own lights.  The lesson that I have learned most here as a cyclist is to avoid the cobblestone roads, that is just one really bumpy ride. 

Red lanes are bike lanes

special bike lane turn lights

regular workday at the Subway Station