Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Challenge addressed: Integrating Cycling at Berlin's Hauptbahnhof

Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof aimed to address the need for a modern, bike friendly hub in a growing city with high cycling demand. The station’s design prioritizes seamless, integrated access to various modes of transport, yet train stations often lack infrastructure to accommodate cyclists. With increasing numbers of commuters choosing bikes for a part of their journey, Berlin recognized the need to make cycling to the station convenient and safe. To enable easy bike access, Berlin added large elevators for cyclists and equipped staircases with bike channels. This design connects cycling with train access, reduces barriers, and promotes sustainable mobility.

Solution implemented: Bike-friendly infrastructure added

This practice achieves the objective of bike-friendly access through cyclist-friendly infrastructure. Large elevators accommodate cyclists with ease, while staircases have bike channels for efficient movement between levels, encouraging integration of cycling with public transport. With this practice, the station is promoting biking as an easy access mode. Train stations across Germany, including the main station in Berlin also created more than 15.000 parking spaces in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
 

Results achieved: Enhanced multi-modal accessibility

The practice was implemented by integrating cyclist-friendly features directly into the station's design. Large elevators and bike channels on staircases were added to ensure direct, safe, and fully accessible cycling access to public transport platforms. This is considered good practice as it creates a highly connected network that makes cycling a convenient option for the first and last mile of a journey. By making station access efficient, it encourages more cyclists to use the station, directly contributing to the increased rate of cycling in Berlin. This improves A2PT services by supporting quick multi-modal transport, creating a high-quality station environment, and advancing the city's sustainable mobility goals.

Lessons learned: Incentives and services boost cycling

Regions can learn that providing value-added services beyond basic infrastructure is key to attracting more cyclists. Berlin's convenient, online-bookable bike repair service at the station removes a significant barrier to daily commuting. Furthermore, a digital app that rewards cyclists for kilometres travelled offers a powerful incentive, creating a stronger cycling culture. This combination of practical services and digital incentives is a comprehensive and transferable strategy to encourage sustainable transport choices.

Cross Links

Contact: DB Rad+, Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Europaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin, Germany

Publications:

DB: Berlin Hauptbahnhof

DB Rad+: https://www.d-rad.de/

Berlin Hauptbahnhof: https://www.bahnhof.de/berlin-hauptbahnhof