Cyclists Call for Safer Roads: 70% Feel Unsafe Cycling in Germany
Majority of Cyclists Express Feeling of Insecurity While On Road
In a nationwide survey, the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), revealed that more than two-thirds of cyclists in Germany feel unsafe on the road. Addressing this concern, Frank Masurat, the ADFC's Federal Chairman, emphasized the urgent need for separated, secure cycling guidance on main axes and country roads.
The Bicycle Climate Test, initiated by the ADFC, allowed cyclists to submit their opinions on everything from bike lanes to parking options, traffic light signals, and potentially dangerous situations. The poll ran from September to the end of November 2024, with inputs from 184,500 participants across 1,047 locations where the minimum participation was met.
While major cities like Frankfurt am Main, Münster, and Erlangen made progress in improving their cycling infrastructures, smaller cities and rural areas need more attention to catch up. Nuremberg, for example, gained grounds with its bicycle-friendly traffic light signals and quality new bike lanes.
However, many cities like Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Essen faced criticism for lack of cycling promotion and infrastructure, leading to a worsening of the local cycling climate. ADFC suggests that the greatest improvement in safety could be achieved by physically separating traffic spaces.
In the midst of these changes, e-bikes have gained popularity, adding to the demand for improved cycling infrastructure. Some cities, such as Tübingen and the Saxon town of Auerbach in the Vogtland, have already embraced this trend by focusing on bike-friendly cycle paths and bridges.
Last year, 441 cyclists lost their lives in accidents. To combat this rise, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schneier recommends wearing a helmet, though he is against making it mandatory.
The survey objectives aim to capture a wide range of frequent and occasional cyclists, rather than providing a cross-section of the population. The ADFC's Bicycle Climate Test is backed by the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Enrichment Insights:
- Safety Measures and Infrastructure: As part of ADFC's efforts to ensure cyclist safety, public demonstrations demanding safer cycling conditions and temporary road closures for cyclists have been organized. Also, workplaces across Europe have integrated secure bicycle sheds, changing rooms, and showers to encourage cycling [3].
- Controversies and Political Engagement: Balancing different urban transport needs, such as the debate over removing bike lanes, presents challenges in ensuring cycling infrastructure is prioritized [5].
- Safety Awareness Campaigns: Groups like the 405th Army Field Support Brigade run safety awareness campaigns that focus on individual cyclist safety practices [1][2].
The Community policy should include efforts to physically separate traffic spaces for improved cyclist safety, as suggested by the ADFC. Vocational training programs could be initiated, providing cyclists with skills to navigate roads safely, thereby contributing to vocational training. Additionally, promoting sports within community cycling initiatives could encourage more people to participate in cycling activities, enhancing the overall safety in cycling communities.
