Suche
Mein Konto
Cologne's cyclists take courage: small improvements in satisfaction
Ehrenfeld is improving in the ADFC bicycle climate test 2024. Cologne cyclists are a little happier despite the challenges.
Cologne's cyclists take courage: small improvements in satisfaction
Cycling is increasingly becoming an issue in Cologne, but the mood among cyclists is mixed. Despite a slight increase in satisfaction, like that Cologne City Gazette reported, the cycling climate remains weak compared to other major German cities. A current survey that took place between September and November 2024 shows that many Cologne cyclists continue to express dissatisfaction with blocked cycle paths and lanes that are too narrow. Broken glass on the routes also causes annoyance.
As part of the ADFC bicycle climate test, which addresses these problems, Cologne ranks 11th out of 15 metropolises with more than 500,000 inhabitants. This means that the city has improved slightly in the ranking from 12th place in 2022, but remains behind Düsseldorf. Highlights of the survey show that accessibility to the city center and the ability to use one-way streets in the opposite direction are viewed positively. Nevertheless, cyclists complain about the lack of controls for illegal parking, inconvenient traffic lights and narrow cycle paths.
A look at the successes and challenges
The “Ringfrei” project in the city center and Venloer Straße in Ehrenfeld, which contributed to improving the ratings, deserve particular positive mention. Nevertheless, many districts in Cologne still have to make do without a viable cycling concept, which depresses satisfaction. The Kalk district in particular receives a red card.
Another topic is the long-planned cycle expressway between Frechen and Cologne. This project was put on hold due to financial difficulties, which Christoph Schmidt from the ADFC describes as a “disgrace”. However, the city has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035, which would require a dramatic two-thirds reduction in car traffic.
There is a lack of comprehensive commitment
Unfortunately, the lack of expansion of cycling infrastructure is a hot potato. NRW municipalities are calling for more government support for the expansion of their cycle paths. The ADFC bicycle climate test shows that the situation is unsatisfactory in many places. Cyclists are more dissatisfied than ever, especially in cities like Dortmund, Essen and Duisburg.
The current survey makes it clear that the need for improvements is great. While 80% of those surveyed find the cycle paths too narrow, 70% are dissatisfied with their own safety when cycling. Reason enough for traffic planners to take the voice of cyclists seriously.
Overall, it shows that there is a lot of potential in promoting cycling. In some cities such as Aachen, Münster and Freiburg, cycling is already much better promoted, while Cologne and similar metropolises still have to make significant improvements. So if we are serious about making the city more bike-friendly, we need a good hand - both from those responsible and from the cycling citizens.