Oct 14, 2025

Zurich by Bike: Freedom, Forests, and Fresh Perspectives

Zurich's Green Sides – On Tour with Aike"

Zurich, with its sparkling lake, surrounding mountains, and lively city streets, is more than just Switzerland’s financial hub, it’s also a cyclist’s paradise. The city blends modern urban life with quick escapes into nature, offering endless opportunities to ride, explore, and recharge. From hidden cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, Zurich has something for every kind of rider. In this edition of “Stories from the Road,” we meet a VELLO rider who shares his journey from southwest Germany to Zurich, his love for cycling, and his vision for urban mobility.

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Zurich's Green Sides – On Tour with Aike"

Zurich, with its sparkling lake, surrounding mountains, and lively city streets, is more than just Switzerland’s financial hub, it’s also a cyclist’s paradise. The city blends modern urban life with quick escapes into nature, offering endless opportunities to ride, explore, and recharge. From hidden cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, Zurich has something for every kind of rider. In this edition of “Stories from the Road,” we meet a VELLO rider who shares his journey from southwest Germany to Zurich, his love for cycling, and his vision for urban mobility.

Where are you from and where do you currently live?
I’m originally from the southwest of Germany, from a village near Neustadt an der Weinstraße. It’s an area famous for wine and the Palatinate Forest, which is great for hiking and biking. These days, I live in Zurich, a city that gives me the best of both worlds: vibrant urban life and quick access to nature.

What do you do for work?
I work at a startup called Brody Bikeservice. We specialize in repairing our customers’ bikes quickly and with high quality. My role is customer service, via email and phone, as well as process management for the workshop.

Cycling in Zurich: Independence on Two Wheels

Cycling is about freedom. Being outdoors, feeling the weather, and focusing only on the ride clears my mind. Especially on a mountain bike, I love deciding whether I want to go fast or slow, it’s entirely up to me. In Zurich, you’re totally free: you can be in the middle of the city one minute, and surrounded by nature the next.
Autumn makes it even more special: the crisp air, the colors in the forest, the sound of leaves under your tires, it’s the perfect season to ride.

What makes cycling special to you?
It’s the combination of everything: movement, nature, independence, and focus. Cycling relaxes me, but also challenges me, and gives me that feeling of freedom every time.

Your favorite places for cycling?
I love exploring the Zurich area. You can find flat routes along the lake or test yourself on climbs that lead up to breathtaking viewpoints. In autumn, the forests around Zurich are incredible, the trails turn into tunnels of color, with wide views that stretch out to the Alps on clear days. It doesn’t get better than that.

Zurich offers the freedom to move easily between city streets and natural escapes, and cycling is the best way to experience it. Every ride gives you a new perspective, whether it’s along the lake, up a forest climb, or down a hidden alley.

A secret spot in Zurich you like to visit a lot?
If I tell you, it won’t be a secret anymore! :D

Post-Cycling Delights: Where to Eat and Unwind
After a ride, I often head to a café called COFFEE. It’s a small, cozy spot tucked away from the busy streets of the city, perfect for relaxing with a good cup after cycling.

Urban Mobility and the VELLO Advantage

To me, urban mobility means making cities about people, not cars. When I pass traffic jams on my bike or take the train, it feels clear: the fastest, safest way through a city like Zurich is on two wheels or public transport, not behind the wheel of a car.

What do you like about the VELLO folding bike?
VELLO is one of the most stylish folding bikes out there. And if you’re into sporty riding, the gravel version is perfect. It’s practical for city life, but also a lot of fun when you want more adventure.

Final thoughts

It’s not a personal quote, but one that I really like:

“Do the ride thing.”
It means, you should go for a ride on your favourite bike, and you should do the right thing. What that is everyone can decide for themselves.

Where will your VELLO take you next?

Photo Credits: Felix Busso