Enforce safe cycle paths now! Rally in Mönchengladbach is calling

Enforce safe cycle paths now! Rally in Mönchengladbach is calling

The seventh rally through Mönchengladbach took place on June 22, 2025, organized by the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC). Over 500 cyclists took part in this important event, which was accompanied by clear demands for safe cycle paths and against the dismantling of cycling infrastructure. The participants came from numerous cities, including Duisburg, Düsseldorf and Krefeld, and started together on Portsmouthplatz in front of Duisburg main station to draw attention to their concerns. Among them were groups from different parts of Mönchengladbach who came together for the big rally.

A crucial point on the agenda was the dismantling of the protected cycle lane on Hohenzollernstrasse, which left a gap in the main cycle network. According to the local mobility master plan from 2017, Hohenzollernstrasse is an essential connection for cyclists. However, a court ruling issued an order to dismantle the protected cycle lane, causing headaches not only for Mönchengladbach but also for other cities that had similar plans.

Make a strong statement

The rally began at 9:00 a.m. with a feeder from Krefeld, which was registered as a demonstration and was secured by the police. After a distance of around 40 km, the group reached Hohenzollernstrasse, where the actual rally started at 12:30 p.m. This led over around 15 kilometers through Mönchengladbach-Rheydt and back. The event highlighted the critical traffic situation and emphasized the urgent need for improvements to the cycling infrastructure.

The mood among the participants was optimistic and motivated. “Everyone has the right to safe and fast routes,” was a central message that many of the cyclists supported. The ADFC Mönchengladbach is also asking for further support for their petition to the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, which can be signed until July 13th. The petition is under petition.adfc-mg.de to find.

Demands for the future

A current study on the Urban Road Safety Index 2024 shows that cycle paths in German cities are in urgent need of improvement. In large cities, around 60% of those surveyed feel unsafe on cycle paths, while in cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt less than 50% of cyclists see them as safe. This makes it clear that there is a need for action not only in Mönchengladbach. Cyclists in Germany are demanding more than just better infrastructure; They also require lower speed limits in city centers and a 0 alcohol limit for drivers.

The rally in Mönchengladbach was not just a demonstration, but a strong sign for a more bike-friendly future. Such actions could be the key to expressing the urgency of cyclists' concerns and encouraging politicians to take action. After all, it is up to all of us to make the streets safer.