Gelnhausen falls to the bottom of the 2024 bicycle climate test!

Gelnhausen falls to the bottom of the 2024 bicycle climate test!

The current evaluation of the ADFC bicycle climate test 2024 shows a sobering result for the city of Gelnhausen. With an overall rating of 4.5, the city is well below the national average of 3.9 and ranks 413th out of 429 cities in the comparison group with 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants. These values ​​are alarming and highlight the ongoing difficulties that Gelnhausen has to contend with in the area of ​​bike-friendliness. Loud Fulda newspaper Since the first participation in 2014, the grade has deteriorated from 3.7 to the current value, which indicates insufficient development of the bicycle infrastructure.

The comparative rating of neighboring Lauterbach in the Vogelsberg district is interesting, which comes in 196th place out of 423 places with a rating of 3.8. This difference makes it clear that there are definitely positive examples of bike-friendliness in the region. Gelnhausen received acceptable grades in areas such as security against bicycle theft (3.6) and signposting for cyclists (3.9), but the most negative ratings are in key categories such as illegal parking control (5.1), guidance at construction sites (5.1) and the width of the cycle paths (5.0).

Weaknesses and suggestions for improvements

The results of the test make it clear that there is great frustration with the lack of support for cycling in Gelnhausen, combined with structural weaknesses. Not least due to the ignorance of suggestions from local initiatives, there is a feeling of dissatisfaction among cyclists. The survey, in which 144 people from Gelnhausen took part, is one of the largest in Germany and was carried out between September and November 2024 ADFC notes.

The cyclists in Gelnhausen are demanding clear measures to improve the infrastructure. The ADFC appeals to those responsible to create safe cycle paths, develop an integrated transport concept and promote citizen participation. The aim is to establish the bicycle as an attractive alternative in city transport.
But what would be the first steps? A revision of the traffic light circuits (currently 4.9) and increased communication about cycling offers could be crucial here.

The broad overview of the bicycle climate test

The ADFC bicycle climate test is now taking place for the eleventh time and is one of the largest cycling climate surveys in the world. Over 213,000 people from 1,047 cities took part. This data is particularly valuable because it reflects the mood of cyclists and gives policymakers numerous tips on how to improve conditions. The interactive map on the ADFC website provides detailed information that is important for municipalities and transport planners. How ADFC Reportedly, progress is being made in many cities, especially in the larger metropolises, while Gelnhausen is unfortunately in danger of falling behind.

The current debate about promoting cycling in Gelnhausen and elsewhere raises the question of how cities like Lauterbach manage to make progress while others fall behind. It remains to be seen whether and how Gelnhausen can improve in the next evaluation of the bicycle climate test and what measures will be taken promptly to meet this urgent need for action.