Gießen cracks down on abandoned bikes to free up parking spaces

Your bike could disappear if left broken or abandoned. The city is tagging problematic bicycles—here's how to save yours before it's too late.

, and Administrator

2026 March 18 . 5:06 PM

1 min read

The image shows a city street with a bicycle parked on the side of it, surrounded by buildings,... — The image shows a city street with a bicycle parked on the side of it, surrounded by buildings, street poles, street lights, sign boards, traffic poles, traffic cones, motor vehicles on the road, trash bins and a clear blue sky. In the background, we can see the demolition of an old building that has been torn down.

Gießen cracks down on abandoned bikes to free up parking spaces

Gießen is clearing away abandoned and broken bicycles to improve parking availability and safety. The city has asked cyclists to use only designated parking spots and keep their bikes in good working order.

Starting in the 17th calendar week, municipal police will begin removing unroadworthy or neglected bicycles from key areas.

The campaign focuses on locations such as the station forecourt, Alter Wetzlarer Weg, and the Lahnstraße parking garage. Other spots under inspection include Neustädter Tor, Berliner Platz, and the pedestrian zone. Before removal, police will mark visibly problematic bikes with a bright band as a warning.

Owners will then have roughly three weeks to check and repair their bicycles. Those who fail to act risk having their bikes collected. Removed bicycles will be stored for two months, during which owners can reclaim them by appointment. Proof of ownership—such as a photo, bicycle passport, purchase receipt, or frame number—will be required.

To arrange a collection, owners must call the municipal police at 0641 306-1963. The city has not released figures on how many bicycles have been removed in previous years due to similar measures.

The initiative aims to reduce clutter and ensure safer, more accessible parking for cyclists. Owners have a limited window to address issues before their bikes are taken away. Those who act quickly can still retrieve their property by providing the necessary documentation.