07 Sep ADFC Bicycle Climate Test 2026: eye square Supports Germany’s Largest Cycling Survey
Since September 1, 2026, the German Cyclists’ Association (ADFC) has been running its 12th Bicycle Climate Test (“Fahrradklima-Test”)
As one of the largest cycling friendliness surveys worldwide, it provides vital momentum for the transition to sustainable transport and enhanced safety in cycling mobility. To ensure robust data on mobility behavior and infrastructure, the ADFC regularly collaborates with scientific partners and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV).
This year, the research team at eye square is proud to support the organization with our standardized market research settings, contributing to the methodological design, questionnaire optimization, and professional analysis of the massive volume of expected data.
What is the Experience of Cycling Like for Individuals in Their Region, Village or City?
The core question of the survey is simple: How do people experience cycling in their local areas? The survey gives cyclists and municipalities across Germany the opportunity to evaluate local cycling conditions. In 2026, the test places a special emphasis on the quality and safety of cycling infrastructure. People who cycle daily to work, school, or for shopping know exactly where the paths are safe and pleasant, and where the major bottlenecks are.
Three Polls for a Clearer Picture and Children and Young People Are a Priority in This Year’s Survey
A key innovation this year turns the spotlight on the younger generation. For the first time, the ADFC is explicitly focusing on the perspectives of children and teenagers. This age group will be asked about their specific cycling habits and needs to help design safer routes to schools and recreational activities. To provide a comprehensive picture, the 2026 test comprises three separate surveys: one for adults, one for children and teenagers, and one for municipalities.
Data for a Safer Cycling Experience: How Citizen Feedback Shapes the Future of Cycling
The insights generated from this data will directly benefit urban planners and local governments. Cities and municipalities can benchmark their performance against others, identify strengths, and address specific weaknesses. For the ADFC, the results provide a powerful foundation for engaging with local and state politicians. Incorporating citizens’ feedback into regional planning is crucial, particularly in rural areas, where expanding cycling infrastructure forms a cornerstone for social participation, public health, and climate protection.
Key information about the ADFC Survey at a Glance
- Survey Period: The online survey runs from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
- Participation: You can take part directly online
- Target Groups: The test combines three surveys to capture how adults, children/teenagers, and municipalities evaluate local cycling friendliness.
In the last Bicycle Climate Test in 2024, approximately 213,000 people participated nationwide. We anticipate a similarly high turnout this year, which will ensure highly meaningful and valid research results. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport through the National Cycling Plan (NRVP) and has been conducted biennially since 2012. The publication of the final results is scheduled for spring 2027.
Help us and the ADFC make cycling safer by participating in the survey today!
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How We Ensure You End Up with Valid Data in a Collaborative Study
We collect valid data by combining implicit and explicit methods of measuring human behavior. Using in-context eye tracking and implicit measurements, we conduct research that, in addition to traditional surveys, measures unconscious reactions, emotions, and reaction times to capture the authentic human experience.
Our neurosemiotic research model distinguishes between direct sensory impressions, unconscious feelings, and conscious thoughts in human perception.
We have extensive benchmark databases. With our in-house Media Benchmark platform, we can compare test results with those of thousands of previously analyzed advertising materials and hundreds of thousands of participants.
Would you like to know how specific methods, such as in-context eye tracking or
implicit advertising tests, work for your project?