How DLR is promoting climate protection and cycling
'City Cycling' (Stadtradeln) is a nationwide initiative in Germany that encourages people to complete their everyday journeys by bicycle for 21 days in a climate-compatible way. Every kilometre cycled counts – especially if it replaces a car journey. The goal is not only to raise awareness of environmentally compatible mobility, but also to actively contribute to the reduction of climate-damaging emissions and harmful air pollutants.
In 2024, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) reinforced its commitment to climate protection by participating in City Cycling at multiple of its sites. The initiative brings DLR closer to being certified as a "bicycle-friendly employer", in line with the catalogue of measures from the German Cycling Association (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad Club; ADFC).
DLR sites in Oberpfaffenhofen, Cologne, Braunschweig, Stuttgart, Bonn, Berlin, Ulm and Hamburg participated in the campaign. Between 1 May and 30 September, 275 committed employees collectively cycled an impressive 62,645 kilometres. This achievement prevented approximately 10.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted – a valuable contribution to climate protection and an example of how companies and institutions can take responsibility through their workforce. DLR's participation also shows that sustainable mobility can also be practiced in the workplace – an example of DLR's shared commitment to a more liveable future.
According to data from the German Environment Agency, the transport sector is a major contributor to environmental pollution and resource consumption. The sector is responsible for approximately 36 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions and nearly 19 percent of particulate matter released in Germany (data from 2022). In addition, land-based transport consumes almost 30 percent of the country's total energy, with cars and motorbikes alone accounting for approximately 58 percent of that share. In urban centres, the air is particularly polluted with nitrogen dioxide. Initiatives like City Cycling therefore play an important role in promoting the benefits of cycling and encouraging a more environmentally compatible alternative to driving.