Berlin's cycling infrastructure has improved noticeably in recent years, but it's still far from good. Based on my own experience over tens of thousands of kilometers on Berlin's streets, and swapping notes with other couriers, I've put together a few survival tips.
Act as if you're invisible to everyone else. Just assume you won't be seen. Never rely on other people to follow traffic rules or pay attention.
Keep your options open. Always try to have a couple of alternative lines in mind. Even if your brakes are good, ride as cautiously as if you had none.
Give a wide berth to any car door that could open, especially where cars are parked at the curb. That's your legal right, it gives you room to react to danger, and it stops drivers from squeezing past you too closely.
Make eye contact, especially at confusing intersections. Avoid dangerous streets where you can. Wear! A! Helmet! I've watched someone die because they weren't wearing one, watched a second person where I'm not sure they survived, for the same reason. And I've watched a third person survive purely because of their helmet.
Don't think any of this rules out accidents. Shit happens — but these tips will help you minimize the risk. Ride safe! :*
Courier El Perro #06 belongs to CROW Courier, which replaces cars with cargo bikes and, in doing so, helps improve quality of life in the city.