Dr Eckart von Hirschhausen, known as a doctor, comedian, author and founder of the "Healthy Earth - Healthy People" foundation, has been named the most bicycle-friendly personality of 2021 at the German Cycling Award ceremony. In this interview, he talks about his passion for cycling and the benefits of conscious mobility behaviour for people, health and the climate.
1. in your opinion, what are the most important measures for Germany to become a "cycling nation"?
The Scandinavian countries, which collect more taxes but invest heavily in health and education - and above all in cycle paths - are a practical example. The inhabitants are much happier than here in Germany, where we reward millions of people with the commuter allowance for driving long distances every day and being stuck in traffic jams, which is stressful every day.
And we need more company bikes than company cars! People would rather breathe in exhaust fumes from cyclists than from cars. As a doctor, what I miss in the whole discussion is the fact that the environment and people benefit when the healthy decision to move forward under one's own steam becomes the easier decision. Instead of fossil fuels in the petrol tank, let's burn the fat from our hips. Where there's a will, there's a cycle path!
2. is the bicycle a transport and environmental policy statement for you?
Of course. For my new book "Mensch, Erde! We could have it so nice", I did a lot of research. For example, how much more other countries are investing in their cycle paths and how good that is for everyone. The more I look into the health consequences of the climate crisis, the more political I become. Mobility is not just an individual decision, but a social one.
It is wrong to put all your personal energy into avoiding plastic bags when flights are still cheaper than train journeys in Germany. And when billions in subsidies in agriculture and energy production are fuelling exactly the wrong direction. Each of us not only has an ecological footprint, but also a "handprint", i.e. the opportunity to actively learn through political action. So we must fight back with hand and foot, upright on two legs and two wheels!
3. has the importance of cycling changed during the coronavirus pandemic?
During the first lockdown, many people rediscovered how beautiful, safe and spacious cities can be - without cars. There is currently a dangerous trend towards driving more instead of using public transport for fear of infection. That is fatal. If there's one thing we can learn in times of coronavirus, it's that if politicians can listen to virologists and react quickly, then please listen to climate scientists too! The transport transition is a crucial building block for the last chance of a planet worth living on. That's why my foundation is called: "Healthy Earth - Healthy People!" (www.stiftung-gegm.de)
4. where is the greatest potential for frustration for cyclists?
Unfortunately, cycling in the city is still dangerous. And that you breathe dirty air that you haven't contributed to. If you know your way around, you can also get through on side roads and back lanes, but it's only fun "jwd" - way out there. I've recently got a "gravel bike", which rolls very well on the road but is also good on bumpy forest tracks. When I'm out and about, I often take snapshots with my mobile phone and am rewarded with funny signs and moments. The other day I was in "Lachen" and at the end of the town it was crossed out and I thought: "Oh - so this is the end of the fun!"
5. can you give us some advice on how to encourage non-cyclists to cycle?
Cycling is not just about mobility, it's a way to get moving in everyday life - and that's good for us all! Sitting is the new smoking. We simply move far too little. In my current stage programme "Finally!", I quoted studies that clearly state that ten years of our lives depend on our lifestyle. There is no pill, no operation and certainly no cream that protects us better than five very simple everyday things: no smoking, exercise, vegetables - grow up and stay a child.
For many, "sport" sounds unattainable. But it's enough to get moving in everyday life: cycling, taking the stairs instead of the lift or walking outside for five minutes every hour - preferably without a cigarette. I now make longer phone calls while walking. Once round the block. That quickly adds up to the 3,000 extra steps and 15 minutes of exercise in a row that protect you from heart attacks and strokes. That's why they're called "mobile" phones! But please - donʼt call and bike! I once broke my arm badly at a railway crossing because I thought I could multitask - big mistake!
6. how do you feel about travelling together on the road? Car vs. bicycle?
Unfortunately, this often takes the form of working against each other rather than with each other. And even if many see it differently Drivers do not belong to a superior species per se. But I don't want to be misunderstood, I have nothing against cars, not even SUVs. In fact, I fully understand them: if you live on very rough terrain, in a swamp, in the mountains or deep in the forest, you should be allowed to buy an SUV. I can understand that if you need two tonnes of steel and the horsepower of a tractor to get around. But if you then drive on public roads, they should be allowed to drive just as fast as a tractor. With a top speed of 25 km/h, the problem of these overpowered vehicles will take care of itself.
7. do you have a cycling joke for us?
A boy rides his bike leisurely in front of a tram. The driver honks and honks, nothing happens. He rolls down the window and shouts: "Blimey, boy, can't you go somewhere else?" The boy replies: "I can, but you can't!"
The original joke of mankind is the story of David versus Goliath. The mighty giant Goliath is struck down by the physically inferior David with his sling. Spirit wins against force. The disobedient boy doesn't even have to put the tram driver in his place, he's already there. We sympathise with the weaker one who comes up with something. And that's why I also like the "Critical Mass" - and even more so the "Kidical Mass" demonstrations - no joke!
The "Most Bicycle-Friendly Personality" has been part of the nationwide competition since 2003, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and the Working Group of Pedestrian and Bicycle-Friendly Cities, Municipalities and Districts in NRW.
