Cologne cycles colorful: 18th star ride demands more space for bicycles!

Cologne cycles colorful: 18th star ride demands more space for bicycles!

Heumarkt, 50667 Köln, Deutschland - Last Sunday, June 15, 2025, cyclists from all directions flocked to the Heumarkt in Cologne to take part in the 18th Cologne star trip, which took place under the motto "Cycling connects - Cologne remains colorful". The event was organized by an alliance of organizations such as the ADFC, Greenpeace and the Cologne bike decision and pursued the goal of making a clear sign of a climate -friendly and safe traffic turn. The participants came from ten main routes from different parts of the city and surrounding cities, which impressively underlined the high willingness to promote mobility by bike, as also reports Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

Particularly noteworthy: The event attaches importance to family friendliness, so that children (Pänz) started together with their parents on Rudolfplatz. According to the organizers, cycling is viewed as an inexpensive, social and inclusive possibility of moving, which can not only increase security on the streets, but also the quality of life. Anna Genser, the volunteer "Cologne Mayor of Cologne", said at the final rally and emphasized that Cologne women have to fight for more cycling and space on the street.

cycling speed for Cologne

The demand for quick cycle paths was a central topic of the meeting. Tim Schanze from the Radscheid Cologne recalled the "white ghost bikes", who stand as a memorial for killed cyclists in Cologne. It became clear that inadequate measures for cyclists in Cologne urgently need to be tackled - progress has mostly only been observed in the city center. The plan for a new subway tunnel in the city was also critically understood because these measures could deduct important resources from bicycle planning, as representatives of the Verkehrs transition Cologne noted.

In Cologne, the number of cyclists have risen sharply in recent years. This development can be seen above all against the background that about 50% of all car rides are shorter than six kilometers - routes that can be dealt with wonderfully by bike. However, the public space in the city, characterized by its old core with Roman and medieval structures, is limited, which urgently needs to redistribute the traffic areas in favor of bicycle traffic. According to Agora Cologne, the dominance of the vehicle traffic is no longer up to date, and the future belongs to bicycle traffic.

nature protects and bends diseases

The positive aspects of cycling cannot only be seen with regard to the turnaround. Cycling also promotes health because daily 30 minutes of moderate movement can reduce the risk of civilization diseases. It is also estimated that cycling can increase life expectancy by up to 14 months. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that cycling is environmentally friendly and needs less space than motorized traffic, which ultimately also contributes to the protection of valuable floors.

With all these positive aspects, it can be seen that the future of mobility in Cologne could be on the two wheels. A paradigm shift in urban planning towards the primary promotion of homobility is urgently offered to improve both quality of life and the environment.