Cycling Climate Test: Once More, Failure for GL Due to "Faulty" Performance
Title: Riding Through the Glades: "The Daily Buzz in GL"
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In a group of similarly-sized cities, Bergisch Gladbach currently ranks 38th out of 42 in this year's bike-friendly test. There's room for improvement, particularly in infrastructure quality, which is rated as inadequate in some areas. Nevertheless, there are a few positive aspects worth noting.Courtesy of ADFC
Today, the results of the ADFC bike-friendly test 2024 were revealed at the Federal Ministry of Transport. In a nationwide survey among 592 cyclists, Bergisch Gladbach ended up among the bottom five cities of its size.
In our own backyard
In the ADFC's 2024 assessment, Bergisch Gladbach was criticized for several reasons, primarily the lack of bike lanes, their insufficient width, poor surface, and the absence of appropriate guidance at construction sites. Enforcement of parking violations, cleaning services, winter maintenance, and traffic light timing for cyclists are also rated poorly. Additionally, the often inadequate overtaking distance for cyclists in mixed traffic is negatively reviewed.
However, there are a few bright spots with a satisfactory rating, such as the accessibility of the city center via the Zanders site, the reversal of one-way streets, and the provision of public bikes.
ADFC Rhein-Berg calls for the complete expansion of the bike path network in Bergisch Gladbach and an increased emphasis on this issue during the upcoming local elections.
Given the benefits of bike-friendly cities – such as reduced traffic congestion, health improvements, and protection of the environment – Bergisch Gladbach has valid reasons to improve its bike infrastructure.
Currently, cyclists rate Bergisch Gladbach's bike-friendliness with only 4.5 ("overall rating"), with 86% feeling unsafe while cycling (percentage of ratings of 4 and below).
To make cycling in Bergisch Gladbach more enjoyable and secure, we need compelling programs from mayoral candidates and parties addressing infrastructure improvements: the introduction of bike lanes on secondary roads, faster closing gaps in the main route bike path network, and expanding the two commuter bike routes to Cologne.
Even small adjustments can make a difference: consistent enforcement of parking violations to maintain bike path cleanliness, the expansion of 30 km/h zones, and safe signage and barriers for cyclists during construction.
One rank higher
Bergisch Gladbach ranks 38th out of 42 across Germany in the category of cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, and 12th out of 15 in the state comparison. Compared to the previous test in 2022, Bergisch Gladbach has gained one rank in both rankings, moving away from the relegation zone.
On average, Bergisch Gladbach residents grade bike-friendliness with 4.5. 76% express that cycling in the city is stressful, and half of the respondents believe that little has been done to improve cycling conditions recently.
Kürten ranks even lower
Within the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Burscheid is ranked best with a score of 3.8, followed by Odenthal and Wermelskirchen with 3.9 and 4.0. At the lower end are the cities Bergisch Gladbach and Leichlingen with 4.5 each, and Kürten with 4.9 as the lowest.
In the topographically favored neighboring cities, only Siegburg has a rating better than 4.0, followed by Leverkusen and Cologne. The laggards are the Bergisch cities Gummersbach, Bergisch Gladbach, and Solingen.
The Pack Leaders
The ADFC Cycling Climate Test is one of the largest surveys on cyclists' satisfaction worldwide. Conducted every two years by the German Cycling Club ADFC with the support of the Federal Ministry of Transport, it took place in 2024 for the eleventh time. Approximately 213,000 cyclists participated in this round, with 21% being ADFC members. A total of 1,047 cities were included in the evaluation.
The 27 questions in the survey focused on feelings of safety on a bike, the quality of bike paths, and traffic interactions. To achieve reliable results, at least 50, for larger cities at least 75 or 100 votes must be available per municipality. The test results, due to the broad civic participation, have high validity and can help municipalities improve the offer for cyclists specifically.
The General German Cycling Club e.V. (ADFC) with over 240,000 members is the largest cyclist representation in Germany and worldwide. The ADFC Rhein-Berg particularly advocates for more mutual respect and consideration in road traffic. The detailed results of the ADFC Cycling Climate Test 2024 can be found on www.fkt.adfc.de.
In light of the poor bike-friendly rankings, it's crucial for local politicians to focus on improving sports facilities, specifically cycling infrastructure. Bergisch Gladbach, currently Ranking 38th out of 42 cities, can aim to make cycling more enjoyable and secure by implementing programs that prioritize infrastructure improvements, such as expanding the bike path network and introducing bike lanes on secondary roads.
Moreover, small adjustments like consistent enforcement of parking violations, expanding 30 km/h zones, and providing safe signage and barriers during construction could significantly enhance the city's bike-friendliness, as observed in other top-ranking cities.
