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Emergencies and how to cope We expect most of what follows to be superfluous, but: Insurance is advisable, actually essential. When something unforeseen happens you will at least avoid financial problems. Some of our routes involves cycling on roads and although many of them are little used by road vehicles, we urge you to take care. Fortunately because more people cycle and perhaps because many motorists are themselves cyclists in their free time, we found few aggressive road-users. They usually give cyclists room to wobble. In cities there are clearly marked cycle routes, but there are also trams, pedestrians and aggressive fellow cyclists. Some pedestrians are locals but many are tourists, guide book in hand, and in ‘traffic-free zones’ they forget about the silent approach of the cyclist. So take care and give audible warning of your approach. From a personal point of view, we have had very few mishaps despite many kilometres of cycling each year, apart from a few moments of carelessness. Helmet wearing is not compulsory in Germany, though is encouraged by safety organisations and especially for youngsters going to school. We wear them, but it’s a personal choice. In Germany the emergency numbers are: Road accident emergency services: 112 . This is the universal European emergency number. Police: 110 Health insurance Germany is a member of the European Union. There are mutual health insurance arrangements, for citizens of member states. To qualify you need the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which should be obtained before you leave your own country. Equipped with one of these you are covered for the same quality of treatment of illnesses, injuries and dental emergencies offered to persons insured in Germany so long as these occur on your trip. Read the small print, as ever, and advice on how to access treatment. Many people also like to take out additional insurance, though we have always relied on the EHIC system in the EU. Doctor’s prescriptions should be taken to the Apotheke (chemist, pharmacist), where there may be a charge for each item. These can be found in most German settlements and can be identified by green cross signs. In each area there will be a chemist on duty in the evening and at weekends. Information and a map to show where it is will be displayed in any chemist’s window. Most doctors, dentists and chemists, but not all, can speak some English. If you come from a country outside the EU please take out a travel health insurance. It is bad enough falling ill on holiday without having the additional worry of the costs of treatment. Hospitals and clinics might be prepared to accept credit cards though German institutions are incredibly mistrustful of these. Do not forget to ask for documentation, invoices, or letters, so you can argue with the insurance company once you reach home. Accidents The emergency services in Germany are as good as anywhere in the world. There is unlikely to be any unseemly question of ability to pay at the scene of an accident and you can sort out the finances later. Allergy sufferers or those with special conditions like diabetes are advised to wear the relevant bracelet or carry an internationally approved card giving details of the condition. If you should be involved in an accident, try to stay calm, treat personal injuries if possible and assess other damage later. It pays to have a first aid kit with you. Having the wherewithal to clean up a graze and put a plaster on, can mean much for the comfort of the wounded party. Out in the sticks help for minor injuries can be some distance away. Most emergency service personnel will speak some English. Police may be called to an accident if anyone is injured or damage to a vehicle or other party is involved. Be warned that swearing or using insulting language, whatever the provocation, is inadvisable. Most English language insults are well known in Germany and can result in prosecution. If alcohol is suspected you may be breathalysed or required to give a blood test, even if riding a bike. With 0.5% or more alcohol in their blood people are liable to face prison or a fine or possibly both, so it is best to avoid the grain and the grape during the day. Robbery Guard against theft by all the usual means: e.g. locks and secure overnight storage. If the worst happens then make sure the theft and all possible details of the circumstances are reported to the local police at once, since your insurance claim may depend on doing this. If your bike is insured, notify the insurers immediately. If it has been stolen from a secure place, you may get a full refund. It is not a good idea to leave bikes with insecure panniers whilst you go to eat or shop. Most railway stations have left luggage lockers which are reasonably priced and you can nearly always find somewhere to eat with a view of the bike. Terrace cafés often have bike racks next to them. If not, take your stuff off the bike and with you, leaving the bike secure. We try to keep our valuables divided between us, making sure that we each have some local currency and have things like passports and credit cards either on our person or somewhere in an identifiable package. In another pocket it is a good idea to have a list of telephone numbers to contact in case credit cards, or passports get lost or stolen and photocopies of your passport and tickets. In the unlikely event that you end up without money, credit cards and passport then you may need to get in touch with your consulate. The passport issuing authority in your country will provide you with a list of consulates in Germany. Keep this list separate from your credit cards, passports, tickets, etc. | |||
in Europe in Germany in Switzerland Catalogue | |||
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The Forsyths Bergstrasse Bike Books Post Box 1331 D 68503 Viernheim, Germany | |||
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