Closing the cycle path gap between Buhlen and Wega: an eternal back and forth?

Closing the cycle path gap between Buhlen and Wega: an eternal back and forth?

The cycle paths in Hesse are under constant pressure to develop, and not without reason. The cycle path project between Buhlen and Giflitz, which is supposed to lead to Wega, is currently causing some discussions in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district council. Although people have spoken out in favor of closing the gap, implementation is not making any progress. The district has decided not to pursue the project for the time being, which caused some surprises. The reason: Hessen-Mobil currently sees no urgency and therefore no need to provide resources for this project. This was confirmed by the HNA.

But what does that mean specifically? The district emphasizes that both the city of Bad Wildungen and the municipality of Edertal are able to implement the project on their own responsibility. Hessen-Mobil also draws attention to alternative financing options for promoting local mobility, which, however, would require the district to contribute its own contribution. This shows that in principle you want to make a difference, but the resource situation does not allow for quick action.

The current status of cycling in Hesse

It looks like Hesse has even more cycle path projects in the pipeline. Around 210 cycle path projects on state and federal roads are currently being worked on. 35 new projects with a total of 116 kilometers are planned for 2024 and 2025. These were determined as part of an “urgent assessment of cycle paths on federal and state roads”, as Nahmobil Hessen explains in detail. Overall, 245 cycle path projects throughout the state are classified as particularly important and are intended to strengthen cycling in Hesse.

The focus is on creating a safe and attractive cycle path network that is also reliably connected by feeders to and from public transport. The Hessian Ministry of Transport is calling for a complete expansion and emphasizes the need to build safe cycle paths in order not only to promote the increasing number of cyclists, but also to protect them.

Funding and political support

The fact that cycling is a priority in Hesse is shown not only by the planned projects, but also by the financial support. Between 2017 and 2024, a total of 140 million euros from the state and 50 million euros from the federal government will be invested in bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly projects. In addition, the budget for cycle paths on state roads has been increased from 1.7 million euros in 2014 to an impressive 17 million euros in 2024. The municipalities are being given a helping hand to make the cycling infrastructure appealing, even if the current blockage has not yet been overcome when closing the gap between Buhlen and Giflitz.

The targeted planning and construction of cycle paths will be intensified through the establishment of a new department and a special “Task Force Cycle Paths” at Hessen Mobil. Around 100 employees are now working to improve the quality of life for cyclists in Hesse in the long term. The goal of Hessen Mobil and the Ministry of Transport is to create a network that is not only powerful but also secure.

Overall, the situation of the cycle paths in Hesse is complex and exciting. Because while the Waldeck-Frankenberg district is still sticking to a decision, the state is clearly showing that cycling is not a fair-weather issue, but rather an integral part of the mobility strategy of the future.