Dummy link to fix Firefox-Bug: First child with tabindex is ignored

Cycling

Cycling in Jena

Cycling plays an important role in Jena, both in everyday life and for leisure. The Saale floodplain with its low-gradient paths forms the backbone of Jena's cycling network. Many of these paths have been renewed, extended or completely redesigned in recent years. In April 2024, the city council adopted the "Jena 2035+ Cycling Plan", a long-term concept to further improve the cycling infrastructure in Jena.

In 2020, the route via the Landfeste was expanded and significantly improved as an important main route. A traffic light is now available in the direct course for a safe crossing of Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. The park has been significantly upgraded in terms of design and offers a high quality of stay.

Bild von der Lichtenhainer Brücke von Osten in Richtung Westen, Radfahrer und Fußgänger
Lichtenhainer Brücke
© Stadt Jena / www.sebastian-reuter.de

The share of cycling in the modal split (trips per person per day) in Jena is around 16 % (walking 40 %, private motorized transport 27 %, local public transport 17 %). These are the results of the "Mobility in Cities" survey 2023, a nationwide survey on the mobility behavior of the urban resident population in a 5-year cycle, which was founded in 1972 as the "System of Representative Transport Surveys (SrV)" and in which the city of Jena has been participating for over 40 years.

If one compares the choice of means of transport according to transport performance (kilometers per person and day), the environmental alliance (walking, cycling, public transport) now has a share of 49%. This is a significant increase for eco-mobility, whose share in 2018 was still 38%.

The city of Jena has set itself the goal of continuously increasing the cycling mode share. This should and has contributed to the overall strengthening of eco-mobility.

Tourist cycle paths

Saaleradweg

The 403 km long Saale Cycle Route (part of D-Route 11) follows the river Saale from its source in Zell (Bavaria) to its mouth near Barby (Saxony-Anhalt) on mostly natural paths, of course with continuous signposting. In the urban area of Jena, you follow the Saale floodplain on well-maintained, asphalted paths throughout. In addition to the impressive landscape, the numerous castles and palaces are the most beautiful and unique features of the Saale Cycle Route. The Saale Cycle Route has been an ADFC quality cycle route with 3 stars since 2025.

Im Fordergrund eine Bank mit 2 sitzenden Personen und angelehnten Fahrrädern, in der grünen Parklandschaft Oberaue mit Blick auf die Saale und die Stadtsilhouette von Jena
Blick vom Volkspark Oberaue auf die Saale und die Stadtsilhouette von Jena
© AG Radweg Thüringer Städtekette

Thuringian Chain of Towns long-distance cycle route

This 230-kilometre long-distance cycle route leads you in a west-east or east-west direction through the picturesque landscape of Thuringia. The cycle path stretches in the Thuringian Basin from Eisenach in the west to Altenburg in the east and connects seven historic towns, which can be ideally visited as stage destinations. The cycle route is part of the Deutschlandroute D4 and has been a 3-star ADFC quality cycle route since 2025.

Jena - Thalbürgel church cycle route

The church cycle path connects two important Thuringian churches, the Jena town church of St. Michael and the monastery church of Thalbürgel. The 'Schiller Church' in Wenigenjena and beautiful old village churches in Jenaprießnitz, Großlöbichau and Kleinlöbichau are located along the route, which follows an old long-distance trade route. The trail begins in the city center of Jena, runs in an easterly direction for 13.3 km and is almost entirely asphalted. A circular route back to Jena is possible via the Thuringian Mill Cycle Path.

Pros & cons of cycling

For cycling

These positive arguments in favor of cycling should be well known by now:

  • beneficial to health (prevention of heart attacks, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity)
  • environmentally friendly
  • socially acceptable
  • improves the quality of life in cities (no noise and exhaust pollution)
  • Low land consumption (parking, path widths)

Contra cycling - does it exist?

Do you already know the 7 "worst" excuses?

  • sweaty clothes - Which company doesn't offer the opportunity to change clothes?
  • no transport capacity - Surely the practical bike bags are enough for small purchases and every two weeks you go shopping by car.
  • No bicycle - Bicycles are available for the price of a major annual inspection of a car.
  • Health problems - It's the eternal vicious circle: if you're in pain, it's better not to "torture" yourself on the bike. However, if you hardly move at all, the pain gets even worse - there's only one thing to do: overcome your inner bastard. An e-bike (pedelec) would be an alternative.
  • No time - Everything is relative, that's for sure. On the one hand, it makes no difference whether I travel half an hour by car or 30 minutes by bike. On the other hand, you can combine this route with a sporting activity and possibly save yourself the gym and therefore time.
  • bad weather - rainwear comes in all sizes, shapes and price ranges.
  • "I think I'm too unathletic..." - Everyone looks sporty on a bike.

Downloads

Links