Neuwied and Windhagen: Cyclists give miserable marks in the test!

Neuwied and Windhagen: Cyclists give miserable marks in the test!

Neuwied and Windhagen are doing poorly in the current ADFC bicycle climate test 2024. In the comprehensive survey on the satisfaction of cyclists in Germany, these two municipalities took the lowest places in Rhineland-Palatinate. In fact, Neuwied and Windhagen only made it to the last places nationwide. This shows that there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to bike-friendliness. According to the results of the test, which was carried out from September to November 2024, cyclists had the opportunity to evaluate locally specific conditions and provide their feedback. These are of great importance for transport planners and political decision-makers in order to implement potential improvements in the infrastructure.

The ADFC bicycle climate test, which took place for the eleventh time in 2024, is one of the world's largest surveys on this topic and is supported by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with funds from the National Cycling Plan. The results can not only be viewed on fahrradklima-test.adfc.de, where an interactive map and detailed evaluations are available, but they also offer important clues for measures to increase cycling friendliness in the affected communities.

A call for improvement

The bicycle climate test clearly shows that Neuwied and Windhagen are stagnating when it comes to cycling. In contrast, cities like Münster or Oldenburg, which have a high level of bicycle use, stand in the light of positive role models. In these cities, the share of cycling can be up to 47 percent. In the case of Neuwied and Windhagen, the goal of establishing cycling as a central form of mobility requires a thorough overhaul of their infrastructure. The concept “Bicycle Country Germany 2030” calls for a comprehensive realignment of cycle paths and the promotion of active mobility through sustainable urban design.

The study envisages several expansion stages for a significant improvement. These include the creation of safe and comfortable bicycle paths and easily accessible parking facilities in cities. It is also crucial that bicycles are easily accessible by public transport - particularly important in rural regions, where connections to larger cities often offer few options.

A look into the future

With the goal of increasing the share of cycling in regiopolises and surrounding urban regions to up to 63 percent by 2035, a lot depends on the implementation of this vision. A well-thought-out plan to promote cycling could help Neuwied and Windhagen to connect with other progressive cities. It is therefore all the more important that political decision-makers take the information from the surveys seriously and sustainably improve the conditions for cyclists. It is up to the city to have a good handle on the future of cycling infrastructure and to develop cycling as a fully-fledged mobility alternative.

The feedback from cyclists themselves could bring a little hope for the future, because the results of the survey are an important step on the way to a more cyclist-friendly environment. If municipalities keep the needs of users in mind and take targeted measures, cycling could soon become a pleasant and safe affair in Neuwied and Windhagen too. The time to act is now!