Local authorities have to dispose of hundreds of scrap bikes

Saxon municipalities disposed of hundreds of scrap bicycles last year. In the three major cities alone, 558 bicycles were collected that had obviously been abandoned by their owners and removed by the authorities, according to an inquiry in Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz.

By far the most bikes were removed in Leipzig with 499. There were 22 in Chemnitz and 37 in Dresden, although the state capital pointed out that it had to concentrate its staff on organizing several elections in 2024. "However, the need for the disposal of scrap bikes was definitely there," it said. In 2023, 180 bikes were still removed in Dresden.

Hotspot central station

In all cities, there seems to be one place where owners leave their bikes particularly often. Both Leipzig and Chemnitz reported that this is the main train station. And Dresden also said: "The two long-distance train stations in the state capital are clear hotspots."

Disposing of these items is expensive for local authorities. According to the city of Chemnitz, it costs around 75 euros in personnel costs to remove an unlocked scrap bike. It is twice as much for a connected bike. Dresden also calculates the costs "for the use of technology and personnel" at around 150 euros per bike.

A flat tire does not make a scrap bike

According to the city of Leipzig, there is no legal definition of what constitutes a scrap bike. It must be checked in each individual case whether a bike that has presumably been left behind is still roadworthy. The fact that it has been standing in one place for a long time or has a flat tire is not enough to classify a bike as scrap. Other "significant defects" would also have to be present.

Other vehicles are also parked illegally

However, it is not only bicycles that are not in working order that are parked in public spaces: According to the city, an average of 100 other inoperable vehicles have to be removed in Leipzig every year. "These include a few motorcycles, mopeds and vans," it said. Chemnitz put this figure at 73 last year. In Dresden, 669 proceedings were pending last year due to unauthorized vehicles on public roads.