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New start in Nippes: Niehler Straße becomes a bike mile!
Nippes is planning to redesign Niehler Straße into a bicycle mile. Citizens demand more safety and space for cyclists.
New start in Nippes: Niehler Straße becomes a bike mile!
In Cologne-Nippes, Niehler Straße will have a completely new look. Originally described as unfriendly and chaotic, comprehensive changes are coming that will focus on both pedestrians and cyclists. The approximately 2.6 kilometer long section between Inner Kanalstrasse and Sebastianstrasse is to be transformed into a true bicycle mile. The ADFC Cologne has already pointed out the need in this regard several times and continues to advocate for better cycling infrastructure in the city. According to ksta.de, the sidewalks on Niehler Straße are often extremely narrow, almost dangerous, and are often blocked by cars.
The district council has finally started an initiative to replan Niehler Straße. The focus here is on expanding cycle paths and sidewalks that are at least 2.50 meters wide and redesigning traffic flow. Instead of three lanes for motor traffic, there will only be one lane in each direction. In addition, all traffic lights except for the one at the intersection with Friedrich-Karl-Straße are to be removed, which could significantly ease the traffic situation.
Green plans for a better quality of life
An important concern of the new planning is to unseal the areas and integrate raised beds, benches and trees. The aim is to create inviting town centers for pedestrians and cyclists. This will also severely restrict parking on sidewalks. But not everyone agrees with the proposed changes. SPD parliamentary group leader Ulrich Müller expressed concerns about the implementation, while CDU representative Kerstin Preuß pointed out the still unsolved parking problem: “Where should the cars go with such a redesign?” These questions show that despite good intentions, a lot of communication and planning effort is still necessary.
Together with the district council, the ADFC Cologne is committed to fair representation of cyclists. The ADFC maintains round tables throughout the city to coordinate the needs of the cycling population and to create a network that works in the long term. The initiative to redesign Niehler Straße is part of the broader movement aimed at promoting cycling and making it safer, in accordance with the ADFC guidelines.
According to the Bicycle Monitor 2015, almost half of people in Germany feel insecure when cycling. The planned changes to Niehler Street could help alleviate this feeling by creating high-quality, consistent cycling infrastructure. The ADFC recommends a minimum budget of 30 euros per resident per year for attractive cycling, which could help to secure such projects in the long term.
The citizens of Nippes can be curious to see how this new planning for Niehler Strasse will progress quickly. The bike mile could be a further step towards a more bike-friendly city, in which cycling becomes even more pleasant for all citizens.