Cyclists in Saxony-Anhalt express needing safety reassurances due to widespread insecurities. - cyclistsin Saxony-Anhalt express concerns over safety concerns
Cycling conditions in Saxony-Anhalt haven't improved much, according to a survey by the ADFC. Although the downward trend has halted, the bike-friendliness in the state falls below the national average. "There's more to be done in traffic safety work," said Stephan Marahrens, chairman of the ADFC Saxony-Anhalt state board.
The survey evaluated over 213,000 responses from cyclists nationwide, with approximately 3,600 from Saxony-Anhalt. Halle (Saale) and the state capital Magdeburg ranked in the lower third among cities with 200,000 to 500,000 inhabitants. Halle came in 18th with a score of 4.2, and Magdeburg (4.34) came in 23rd.
Cyclist safety is essential, Marahrens emphasized. "The perceived safety -- that's the issue -- has stagnated in Saxony-Anhalt." In 2022, three out of four people reported feeling unsafe while cycling, a figure that hasn't improved, he said. Close overtaking by drivers is a significant concern.
However, Marahrens sees a silver lining. "It's clear that the downward trend, evident in previous years, has now been stopped. That's a good sign for us." This suggests that something is happening in the municipalities, but now, he added, it needs to progress toward improvement.
Dessau-Roßlau once again topped the Saxony-Anhalt survey with a score of 3.6, followed by Bernburg (3.7), Merseburg, and Salzwedel (each 3.8). Zerbst remains the bottom with a score of 4.6.
While the specific reasons behind Saxony-Anhalt's below-average rating in the ADFC's 2024 bicycle climate test aren't fully detailed, factors like infrastructure quality, traffic conditions, and safety concerns may contribute to the perceived safety deficit [1][2].
- Saxony-Anhalt
- ADFC
- Bicycle
- Cycling
- Mood
- Downward trend
- Germany
- Magdeburg
- To address the ongoing safety concerns of cyclists in Saxony-Anhalt, it might be beneficial to incorporate community policies focused on vocational training for cyclists, emphasizing safe cycling techniques and sports-analysis skills to improve cycling conditions and build a stronger cycling community within the state.
- Considering the low ratings of Saxony-Anhalt in the ADFC's 2024 bicycle climate test, enhancing sports facilities and promoting sports activities within the local communities could potentially boost cycling mood and indirectly contribute to the overall improvement of the state's cycling infrastructure.
