ADFC Cycling Rally Berlin

What is the ADFC Cycling Rally?

The ADFC Cycling Rally Berlin is Europe's largest cycling demonstration and has been a fixed date in the Berlin event calendar since 1977. The organizer is ADFC Berlin e.V. (General German Bicycle Club). The concept: Routes start from dozens of points in Berlin and Brandenburg, progressively uniting and flowing together in a large procession towards the Victory Column (Großer Stern) in Tiergarten — for the central rally held concurrently and the subsequent Environmental Festival at the Brandenburg Gate.

50th Anniversary Edition — "The Future Rides a Bike!"

2026 marks the 50th edition. Motto: "The Future Rides a Bike!". The demonstration calls for safe cycling infrastructure and sustainable mobility — and demands that politicians and administrators design cycle paths that are suitable for people of all ages. It is the premier demonstration for cycling in Germany — and a civic festival at the same time.

20 Routes, 2,700 km, 68 Meeting Points

The event comprises 20 different routes with a total of over 2,700 km and 68 meeting points. Routes start from all Berlin districts as well as from Brandenburg — and gradually merge into larger processions, eventually flowing onto the Avus, the Berlin ring road, and the road network towards the city center. New for 2026: a long-distance route from Munich as well as multi-day tours from other German cities. Additionally, there are family routes for younger participants and shorter routes.

Closures and Autobahn Sections

A special feature of the rally: For the procession, sections of autobahns and expressways are exceptionally closed — the only opportunity in the year when cyclists are officially allowed to ride on the Berlin city autobahn (Avus, A115). The last access points before these closed sections are usually S-Bahn station Wannsee and Hermannplatz.

Environmental Festival at the Brandenburg Gate

Following the rally, the large Environmental Festival takes place around the Brandenburg Gate and Straße des 17. Juni — with stands from environmental associations, NGOs, sustainable mobility providers, and political initiatives. This makes the rally a hybrid of a major demonstration, civic festival, and political action day.

Organization and Volunteers

Around 300 volunteers ensure the smooth running of the event at routes, intersections, and finish points. The rally is protected as a registered assembly under assembly law — hence the official road closures and police escort.