Citizens decide: Klarenbergstraße remains without a bicycle street!

Citizens decide: Klarenbergstraße remains without a bicycle street!

The referendum in Schwäbisch Gmünd on October 20, 2025 has shaped the cityscape: a clear majority of 65.46 percent of voters reject the conversion of Klarenbergstrasse into a bicycle street. This means that the discussion about the cycle path is now probably over for the time being, even if the topic remains explosive for many. Around 25.07 percent of eligible voters took part in the vote, a turnout that is considered weak. It is particularly important that the result is not binding due to a quorum of 20 percent not being achieved, which could possibly lead to further discussions. Tagesschau reports that the local council originally wanted to make Klarenbergstraße a bicycle street in order to create better connections for cyclists.

The reasons for resistance to the bicycle lane are complex. Many citizens emphasize the importance of parking spaces in the city and fear that a conversion could result in significant restrictions for drivers. Proponents of the conversion, on the other hand, see this as an essential step towards the transport transition, which is gaining momentum in many German cities. Schwäbische Post highlights that some voices regret not having seized the opportunity for more sustainable mobility.

Feelings and opinions of citizens

Reactions to the outcome of the citizens' event are divided: While some are relieved at the final decision and want to deal less with the traffic change, others are disappointed and see the decision as a missed opportunity. This shows that the transport transition, no matter how important it may be, often meets with resistance from the population.

A citizens' initiative called “Sicher ins Städtle” initiated the referendum, but it now went wrong. The suggestion to approach the discussion creatively met with approval, as the Staufer Association could definitely put on a short play or the Musical Kids could take up the topic in a humorous way. Commissions such as cyclist costumes and car masks at the carnival parade could be a fun way to address the topic.

The transport transition in focus

In order to better understand the movements surrounding the transport transition, we look beyond the city limits. According to a publication by the German Institute for Urban Studies, switching from private cars to alternative means of transport such as cycling or using public transport is essential, but is often accompanied by concerns and protests. These concerns are expressed not only by the administration, but also by commercial residents and residents.

The dilemma arises from the fact that giving up your own car changes many existing mobility routines and creates uncertainty. It is a challenge to bring together the different opinions in a conversation in order to develop profitable solutions. It remains to be seen how the city of Gmünd will proceed and whether the issue will come back on the agenda in the future. Difu offers interesting approaches on how citizens can be involved in the transport transition process in order to find common ground.