Cycling network expansion in Cologne-Mülheim: More rental bikes for outskirts required

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Mülheimer politics demands expansion of the KVB wheel network in the district

The demand for rental bikes from Cologne Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB) increases steadily in the Mülheim district, especially in the outskirts. A joint proposal of the groups of the Greens, Left and the Single Mandate holder Andreas Altefrohne emphasizes that the current station network is not sufficient in many parts of the district. The users are often confronted with long ways to get home or shopping from the next station, which limits sensible use of the rental bikes.

Restrictions in the wheel network

Although districts such as Mülheim, Buchforst and Buchheim are already integrated into the so-called blue Flex zone of the KVB wheel network, a more restrictive regulation applies to many other areas in the district. Here, the wheel stations can often only be found in central locations, which means that the bikes cannot be parked flexibly and without additional costs anywhere. This means that users have to cover long distances on foot for the next station.

Common applications for new stations

In a recently carried out meeting of the Mülheim district council, the members unanimously inspired two applications to expand the wheel network. While an application focuses on the districts of Dellbrück, Stammheim and Flittard, another application from the SPD, CDU and FDP proposes additional wheel stations in Dünnwald and Höhenhaus. The suggestions aim to improve the mobility connection of the residents there, which are currently particularly dependent on public transport.

Need for a better cycling infrastructure

According to the applicants, the creation of new KVB wheel stations in Höhenhaus and Dünnwald is urgently required. In these districts, public transport connections are limited and the existing wheel stations are not sufficient to meet the needs of the population. The proposed locations for new bike stations focus on central points to ensure better accessibility for everyone and to offer alternatives to the car that many residents in the outdoor area must continue to use.

Outlook for the implementation

The Mülheim district council now asked the city council to expand the range of inpatient rental bikes in the district. The discussions about the future planning of new stations should take place in cooperation with the city, the KVB and the district conferences. This initiative could help promote cycling as an environmentally friendly mobility alternative and to increase the quality of life in the affected districts.