Pedalized edge region: City bikes start with a star bike tour!

Pedalized edge region: City bikes start with a star bike tour!

Meiningen, Deutschland - On June 14, 2025, the district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen brings a fresh air to the region's bike paths. The city cycling campaign begins today and runs until July 4th. This campaign stimulates to use the bike as an environmentally friendly means of transport and to set an example for climate protection. The district is participating for the third time, and the participating cities are Meiningen, Steinbach-Hallenberg, Schmalkalden, Brotterode-Trusetal, Grabfeld and for the first time.

With a large star bike tour, the start is celebrated today. The participants drive from different points to a common goal: the Anton-Ulrich-Straßenfest in Meiningen. Some start points and their routes are:

• Breitungen: marketplace, 11 a.m., approx. 30 km
• Schmalkalden: Viba Park, 10 a.m., approx. 30 km
• Steinbach-Hallenberg: tourist information, 9:30 a.m., approx. 30 km
• Brotterode-Trusetal: Parkplatz Großer Inselsberg, 10 a.m., approx. 48 km

To support the cyclists, the Süd-Thuringia railway has planned additional trains between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in which bicycles can be taken. This should motivate many participants to swing themselves in the saddle and actively collect kilometers for their cities. Anyone who pulls most kilometers by bike has the chance of great prices with a total value of 1,000 euros, which will be awarded to the most active individual, the strongest team and the most diligent school.

cycling for climate protection and health

The idea behind city bikes goes beyond the competition. The initiative promotes the use of bicycle in everyday life and thus contributes to reducing climate -damaging emissions. According to the Federal Environment Agency, road traffic causes over 22 % of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany, and it is estimated that up to 30 % of car journeys could be shifted to cycling, especially in urban areas where the bicycle often represents the fastest means of transportation. These cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam already show how a high use of cycling can be reduced.

cycling not only has ecological but also health benefits. Continuous use of bike can reduce the risk of civilization diseases and increase life expectancy. Experts estimate that 30 minutes of moderate movement, such as cycling, significantly reduces the risk of such diseases every day.

Various offers for bicycle friends

In the action period, it will not just be about the kilometer hunting. Numerous offers are planned, including training for beginners, afternoon rounds and various bike tours on exciting destinations. Registration for most tours is required to organize the number of participants and security. Information about the exact offers and any changes can be viewed on the website of the district office at www.lra-sm.de/stadtradeln .

Overall, the city cycling campaign impressively shows how fun and responsibility can go hand in hand. Cycling for a good cause is not only a great way to strengthen the community and ensure a clean environment, but also an invitation to rediscover the region on two wheels. Now it says: on the bikes, ready, go!