Grading Berlin on Bike-Friendliness: Cyclists Voice Unfavorable Opinions
Cyclists criticize Berlin's infrastructure for cycling, citing numerous safety concerns and insufficient facilities. - Bicyclists Critique Berlin's Infrastructure Quality Negatively
Berlin hasn't impressed cycling enthusiasts, landing in 12th position among major German cities in a survey conducted by the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC). This marks a three-spot drop compared to the ranking two years ago.
In the broader category of cities housing over half a million inhabitants, Berlin struggles, sitting 12th out of 15 cities. Frankfurt am Main, Hannover, and Bremen lead the pack, scoring around 3.5 points.
The recent survey, conducted every two years, gathered opinions from over 200,000 bike riders across Germany between September 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024. In Berlin alone, about 7,500 cyclists shared their thoughts on various cycling aspects, such as safety. A staggering 88% felt uneasy cycling in Berlin, and an alarming 92% reported regular conflicts with motor vehicle traffic.
Cities within Brandenburg, however, outshine Berlin:
Several Brandenburg cities put Berlin to shame. For instance, Potsdam, the state capital, placed 11th among cities with 100,000 to 200,000 inhabitants, scoring a 3.8. Brandenburg an der Havel (4.0) ranked 56th out of cities with 50,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. The standout performer, Schwedt from the Uckermark district, even managed a 5th position among cities with 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants, boasting a mere 2.9 points.
Some nearby cities surpassed Berlin in the same size category, earning better scores, too. Hennigsdorf in the Oberhavel district placed 35th, Oranienburg within reach placed 53rd, Strausberg (Märkisch-Oderland) placed 75th, Kleinmachnow (Potsdam-Mittelmark) placed 113th, and neighboring Teltow placed 173rd.
ADFC Criticizes Berlin's Traffic Policy:
Eberhard Brodhage, ADFC Berlin's chairman, slammed the ruling black-red Senate for Berlin's poor performance, stating, "The ADFC Bicycle Climate Test serves as a disappointing critique of Berlin's traffic policy." Without a policy shift, he warned, this trend will persist. The survey indicates that reductions in cycling infrastructure have a negative impact on cyclist satisfaction.
However, it's essential to note that the survey doesn't aim to represent an accurate cross-section of the population. Instead, it seeks the opinions of both frequent and occasional cyclists, backed by the Federal Ministry of Transport.
- The community policy in Berlin, as reflected by its disappointing performance in the ADFC Bicycle Climate Test, may need a reevaluation, given the unfavorable opinions of cyclists about the city's traffic policy.
- Despite the high number of sports like cycling in Berlin, the city's employment policy, particularly in relation to improving cycling infrastructure, seems to be lagging behind, as indicated by the low scores in the ADFC survey and the rising concerns of cyclists about safety and conflicts with motor vehicle traffic.
