Cycle path between Hameln and Weser: Hope for quick completion!

Cycle path between Hameln and Weser: Hope for quick completion!

A lot has happened in Hameln in the last few days, especially with regard to improving the cycle paths. The construction work on the new cycle path along the Weser is causing excitement among the residents of Afferde, who are faced with several challenges. Peter Welzer is convinced that work on the youth hostel is making slow progress. There is particular reason for concern because of the B217 diversion, which potentially entails long waiting times.

But the city administration remains optimistic. City spokesman Thomas Wahmes emphasizes that work on the cycle path is in full swing. The base layer of the path has already largely been installed, and work is currently taking place on the Stadthamel culvert structure. The asphalting of the cycle path is planned for the week from August 4th, so that free travel on the Weser cycle path should be possible until the end of August.

New opportunities for cyclists

The newly designed cycle paths also promote e-bike use in the region. E-bike riders from Weibeck are looking forward to the new route sections because they no longer have to drive on the B83, which is often busy. The Weser cycle path is designed so that it is easy to navigate even for less experienced cyclists, especially on the sections of the route that are easy to master with touring bikes. If the weather is bad, cyclists can take a pleasant break in nearby restaurants or cover individual sections on a passenger boat, according to the information on weser-radweg.de.

However, cyclists have to be careful as not all sections of the route have separated paths. It is advisable to keep an overview, especially at higher speeds and on busy roads. Sections with a higher risk potential are marked accordingly on the maps of the Weser cycle path.

Road safety concerns

There are also critical voices regarding the upcoming renovations. Jens-Thilo Nietsch from the state authority has already announced that the installation of a permanent traffic light system at the junction of Dibbetsweg and the B1 is planned for 2026. However, this depends on the available staff capacity. Uwe Tscharntke also reports visibility problems when turning from Ziesenisstraße onto Fischbecker Straße, which is due to the vegetation problem. City spokesman Wahmes describes this as a typical phenomenon of the summer months and appeals to property owners to maintain their hedges regularly. The public order office will take appropriate action in the event of non-compliance.

Especially in times of climate change, it is important to take measures to improve cycling infrastructure. Researchers at ETH Zurich are working on new concepts for e-bike-friendly cities that are sustainable, efficient and health-promoting. A recently published study shows that better integration of cycle paths into urban street networks can be beneficial for both cyclists and drivers. An approach that seeks a balance between car and bicycle friendliness could also be used in Hameln in the future (ETH Zurich).

The plans for the cycle paths in Hameln are not just a local matter, but are also in the context of overarching developments in transport planning. The goal is clear: cycling should become more attractive in order to relieve car traffic in the long term and make a contribution to climate protection.