Promis radeln durch Hamburg Philipp Westermeyer & Dr. Alexander Klar
Beautiful spots are a dime a dozen in Hamburg, but these two celebrities have taken one cycling hotspot in particular to their hearts: the Elbe. Philipp Westermeyer - entrepreneur and start-up pioneer - and Dr. Alexander Klar - art historian and museum director - talk about what they associate with cycling and why, for them, it's as much a part of Hamburg as the fish sandwich and the neighborhood.
Philipp Westermeyer first came to Hamburg for his studies at the Media School, initially worked here for Gruner + Jahr and founded two companies. He became known as the founder of the conference and seminar series OMR (Online Marketing Rockstars), which is one of the most important digital events in Germany. He is also an author, podcaster and passionate athlete. To this day, the Essen native lives with his family in Hamburg.
What do you like most about cycling?
Philipp: I simply use the bike for everything: for example, to get to work or for sports. For nine months of the year, I spend almost all of my time in Hamburg on my bike. It has also become my hobby.
Why do you like to ride your bike in the Hanseatic city?
Philipp: In Hamburg, it's the most efficient and sensible mobility option for me. North of the Elbe, the city area is comparatively small, and I can ride from west to east to an appointment in under an hour, for example. And if I don't feel like it, I simply take the bike with me on the train. I also really enjoy riding along the Elbe.
Why should more Hamburg residents switch to bicycles?
Philipp: It saves time and usually stress.
Dr. Alexander Klar came to Hamburg in 2019 to take over as director of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. Previously, he studied art history, history and Christian archaeology, served as director of the Museum Wiesbaden and in various positions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Emil Schumacher Museum in Hagen, at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and Kunsthalle Emden. His work is characterized by modern and innovative accents, and at the Hamburger Kunsthalle he pursues the mission of creating a place of inspiration, exchange and encounter.
What do you like most about cycling?
Alexander: the freedom. I ride from door to door, I don't look for parking spaces, I choose the most beautiful routes through the city and I'm not weighed down with owning a car. And when it rains, I take the bike on the S-Bahn until the pour is over.
Why do you like to ride your bike in the Hanseatic city?
Alexander: Among other things, because I have a fantastic route to work along the Elbe. While the line of cars on the Elbchaussee struggles towards the city center, I ride to Altona without traffic lights (and extra slowly in Ovelgönne ...) and with a different view of the river, the ships and the morning and evening atmosphere every day.
Why should more Hamburgers switch to the bike?
Alexander: Because the car is simply no longer a sensible means of transport in the city. Anyone who parks all over their neighborhood, or who contributes to traffic jams on Glockengießerwall in the morning, is partly to blame for the unattractiveness of their city out of sheer convenience. Anyone who wants to look their children in the eye in the future with a clear conscience should sell their SUV now and start a happy new life.
