Bayreuth relies on bicycles: 1,000 new parking spaces for cyclists!

Bayreuth relies on bicycles: 1,000 new parking spaces for cyclists!

In Bayreuth, the cycling infrastructure is continually being expanded to meet the needs of cyclists. Mayor Thomas Ebersberger emphasizes how important new bicycle parking spaces are for promoting cycling and strengthening sustainable mobility. In recent years, the city has created over 660 new bicycle parking spaces, with a focus on the main train station.

Among other things, 80 free double-decker parking spaces were opened in the summer of 2020. With the opening of a modern bicycle parking garage in November 2022, which offers 68 covered and access-secured parking spaces, as well as 32 additional permanent parking spaces, the infrastructure at the main station has grown significantly. A recent addition is 72 new parking spaces on Tunnelstrasse, meaning that a total of over 300 secure parking spaces are now officially available. As part of these initiatives, practical offers are also integrated, such as a service station with an air pump, tools and lockers with charging options for e-bikes, which also respond to the needs of users.

Extension of the bicycle storage

But it wasn't just at the main train station that work was done. Additional bicycle racks have been set up in the city center: 36 new parking spaces in the city center, 55 in front of the New Town Hall and 14 on Peter-Färber-Weg are just a few examples of how the city is responding to increased demand. A further 72 new parking spaces are planned in the coming months to replace older and less user-friendly facilities.

The city hasn't saved money on schools either. Over 200 new bicycle racks were created at educational institutions such as the Laineck elementary school, the Luitpoldschule and the Christian Ernestinum high school. In addition, new parking spaces are also planned at the more conveniently designed bus stops.

Cycling as an important future task

The entire cycling strategy is based on the knowledge that a significant shift from car journeys to bicycles in metropolitan areas is possible. The Federal Environment Agency estimates that around 30% of car journeys could be replaced by cycling, which would not only ease the traffic situation, but also significantly reduce the burden on the environment. Cities like Copenhagen and Münster show how a high cycling rate of 39% and 29% for motorized individual transport can be achieved and are therefore a role model for Bayreuth.

In order to achieve these goals, a positive cycling infrastructure, good communication about the benefits of cycling and extensive information offerings for cyclists are necessary. The WHO's digital HEAT calculator could help to make the economic benefits of cycling visible. It is also important to consider health benefits that not only affect individual cyclists, but also strengthen the community as a whole.

With its measures, Bayreuth shows that it is ready to set a good example. In order to further increase the proportion of bicycle traffic, work is being done on a continuous cycle network that offers attractive and safe cycle paths. It remains to be seen whether there will be more space for bicycles in the future and how the cycling infrastructure will develop. But one thing is certain: the city definitely has a lot to do and shows that cycling is not only environmentally friendly, but also a way of life.

Bayreuther Tagblatt reports that the city of Bayreuth is continually expanding its range of bicycle parking spaces to meet the needs of cyclists.

bayreuth.de adds that numerous new parking options have recently been created and further initiatives are being planned.

The Federal Environment Agency highlights that cities like Bayreuth can play an important role in sustainable mobility.