Graz is a bike friendly city. There are bike paths everywhere and it’s a great way to get around. Here are a few tips.

Bike maps can be obtained for free at the Graz tourist office on Herrengasse or the MobilZentral at Jakominiplatz. These are excellent for figuring out the best bike friendly routes around town. You also download GPS maps onto your phone for the main numbered routes. Bike Citizens also have a useful on-line bike route planer, where you can select quieter, normal or fast options.

There are also lots of cargo bikes available to borrow for free by the hour around Graz, useful for shopping trips, or transporting kids. See more in my cargo bike post.

There are many beautiful longer bike rides into the countryside for example along the Mur River. Or mountain biking on the Schöckl. You pick up a bike brochure from the tourist office with more routes across Styria.

Be careful where and how you bike! The police can be quick to stop and fine you. Don’t ride on pavements (unless a bike path exists), across zebra crossings, down Sporgasse, around Färberplatz or along Herrengasse during the day. Also riding through the Stadtpark is not allowed (only along the bike routes running alongside the park next to the road). I have often seen the bike police fining people in the park. Also keep in mind if you’re caught biking while intoxicated you can be fined up betweeen €800 and €5,900, depending on high your levels are, and have your driving license suspended! I have also heard of people just pushing their bikes being fined while drunk. Anyone who rides a bike in a drug-impaired condition faces a fine of between €800 and €3,700. It’s also forbidden to talk on your phone while biking. Plus you can also be fined if you don’t have lights front and back, a bell and two reflectors on each wheel. In the summer they often set up spot check points near the park and Keplerbrücke.

Children under 12 must have a helmet and be accompanied by an adult. Kids 10 – 12 have the option of taking a bike exam at school and are then allowed to bike by themselves.

More info in German here.