From Monday 31 August to Sunday 20 September, the city is once again taking part in the Climate Alliance’s international cycling campaign, STADTRADELN, and is calling on people to get on their bikes and clock up kilometres.
Anyone who lives, works, attends school or university in Chemnitz, or is a member of a Chemnitz-based club can take part. It doesn’t matter whether the bike is used for commuting to work, travelling to school, going shopping or for leisure. Every kilometre cycled counts.
Last year, 3,649 cyclists in 209 teams took part in the campaign. Together, they cycled 705,741 kilometres, thereby preventing the emission of around 116 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Chemnitz aims to build on this result this year and encourage even more people to use their bikes more often in their daily lives.
Mayor Sven Schulze: “CITY CYCLING thrives on participation. Whether on the way to work, school, the shops or in your free time – every kilometre counts. I’d be delighted if as many people in Chemnitz as possible took part and, together, we set an example for climate protection, exercise and cycling in our city.”
Taking part in STADTRADELN is free of charge. Anyone interested can set up their own team, join an existing team or cycle as part of the City of Chemnitz’s open team. The kilometres cycled can be recorded via the STADTRADELN app or entered online at a later date. A kilometre log sheet is also available for participants without internet access.
Eleven tours lead to Chemnitz
A highlight of the campaign period is the third Chemnitz STADTRADELN rally on Sunday 13 September, from 8 am to 5 pm. Under the title ‘11 Tours. One Destination’, eleven routes of varying lengths set off from Chemnitz and the surrounding region, all leading to the Sattelfest at the Jutta-Müller Ice Sports Centre.
The options range from shorter, family-friendly routes and inclusive tours to longer routes for particularly active cyclists. The individual tours are organised on a voluntary basis by STADTRADELN supporters, in collaboration with Athletics Sonnenberg, the Verkehrsclub Deutschland and ‘entspannt vorwärts inklusiv’.
At the shared finish line, participants in the rally will also welcome the cyclists taking part in the European Peace Ride in Chemnitz. After arrival, there will be group laps of the ice rink.
Participation in the cycle rally is free of charge. Advance registration is required. Information on the starting points, routes and start times, as well as the registration form, can be found at www.chemnitz.de/stadtradeln.
Joint closing ride through Chemnitz
On Thursday 17 September at 5 pm, the City of Chemnitz invites everyone to a joint closing tour under the hashtag #chemnitzdrehtamradtour. The tour starts at Chemnitz Central Station.
The route, which is around 16 kilometres long, will be cycled at a deliberately slow and considerate pace. The ride is particularly suitable for families with children aged eight and above, and anyone who would like to explore Chemnitz at a leisurely pace together by bike. However, some sections of the route are unpaved.
The ride will be accompanied by the police and the public order office. No prior registration is required.
STADTRADELN stars showcase different aspects of cycling
Once again this year, STADTRADELN stars are supporting the campaign and sharing their personal experiences of cycling. Taking part are Denise Labude, Christian Dreko and Mayor Thomas Kütter.
Chemnitz kicks off City Cycling 2026
Highlights: Rally on 13 September, from 8 am to 5 pm – Closing tour on 17 September at 5 pm, starting at the main railway station
Denise Labude loves nothing more than riding her gravel bike or mountain bike. For her, cycling means freedom, a sporting balance to her office work and a chance to experience nature. At the same time, she finds cycling a practical alternative to the car for short journeys. She particularly enjoys cycling along the Kappelbach Cycle Route, the Premium Cycle Route, and the Chemnitz Valley and Coal Railway Cycle Routes. This is her second year taking part in STADTRADELN, and through her participation she hopes to help raise awareness of cycling and potential improvements.
Christian Dreko has been using an electric handbike for around two years. The bike gives him the freedom to get about on his own terms and enjoy activities with his child. For him, the STADTRADELN campaign demonstrates that cycling can take many different forms and that cycling as a means of transport should be accessible to as many people as possible. By taking part, he hopes to bring this perspective to the campaign.
Mayor Thomas Kütter has been supporting the STADTRADELN campaign for several years now as an active participant and is one of this year’s three STADTRADELN stars. He has been cycling since childhood. Today, he particularly values the sense of balance it brings after a busy day at work and also enjoys riding his mountain bike or road bike in his spare time. Through his participation, he hopes to motivate others to cycle more often in their everyday lives. For him, Chemnitz, as a city where everything is within easy reach, offers ideal conditions for this. At the same time, he believes it is important to further develop the cycle path network and close any gaps. The STADTRADELN campaign highlights just how many people are already cycling and thus brings cycling more into the spotlight.
The STADTRADELN stars will be featured in more detail at www.chemnitz.de/stadtradeln during the campaign period.
Further information on registration, events and recording kilometres can also be found at: www.chemnitz.de/stadtradeln