Dispute over right of way: Puchheimer fights against strange pedestrians!

Dispute over right of way: Puchheimer fights against strange pedestrians!

What do we have in Puchheim? A lively discussion about a piece of property that has become a stumbling block for local residents. Ute Aden, who has lived on Heimgartenstrasse since the end of 2011, is of the opinion that her right to private peace and quiet is severely compromised by strange pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders. The reason? A public path designated by the city of Puchheim through the middle of its residential area.

The connecting path in question, which leads from Dorfstrasse to Heimgartenstrasse, was officially dedicated to the public in 2012, when 21 paths and streets were officially designated. However, the residents were not informed. The path, now known as the “publicly dedicated owner path,” is 42 meters long and permitted for pedestrians and cyclists. There's a lot of walking, cycling and e-scooters here - and that's exactly what bothers Aden. “Sometimes it feels like I live in a traffic junction,” is how she describes the situation, which feels emotional.

A cry for more security

Back in 2019, Aden contacted the city administration to highlight their concerns, particularly regarding safety along the route. She fears that accidents could occur if the path continues to be used so heavily. Her lawyer also advised her that the legal situation was unclear, so she put up signs that clearly stated that this was private property.

Mayor Norbert Seidl explained that a city council resolution is required to change the existing walking and driving laws. That sounds simple, but from Aden's perspective it's taking far too long. She wrote to city council members personally, but only two of them responded to her concerns. The city administration itself sees no need for action so far - its assessment of the risk of accidents differs greatly from that of the concerned residents.

A digital sign of change

But at least Aden was happy that the route has now been removed from Google's digital maps. This is a small but significant gesture in their fight for greater security and peace. With this decision she wants to draw attention to the problem.

The issue has caused a stir in the community. Many residents support Aden, while others see public use of the trail as necessary. The discussion shows how different perspectives are and how quickly a seemingly insignificant path can develop into a big deal.

Overall, what is happening around the path in Puchheim has far-reaching implications for how the city deals with its residents. Communication could have been better and the concerns of citizens require more attention. Now it remains to be seen whether it will be possible to find a common denominator that takes into account both the safety of residents and maintains the accessibility of the path for the public.

More information about the city of Puchheim, which has around 20,840 inhabitants (as of September 30, 2024), can be found on Bayernportal.