Bike tour in Wuppertal: On a discovery tour through safe bike streets!

Bike tour in Wuppertal: On a discovery tour through safe bike streets!

Cycling in Wuppertal is becoming more and more attractive, as Peter Ritter's recent bike tour impressively shows. The aim of the tour was to present the positive development of the cycling infrastructure and at the same time take a closer look at weak points in the cycle path network. “You get a completely different impression of the conditions for cyclists when you sit in the saddle yourself,” says Ritter. Particular emphasis was placed on the new cycle routes, such as Luhnsstrasse, which was recently redesigned as such, and the Nordbahntrasse, which is considered the backbone of cycle traffic. Neue Friedrichstrasse was also mentioned as an important cross-connection to Elberfeld city center.

The bike tour participants were also presented with a new, red-marked left turn at the junior university. But despite positive developments, there is still a need for action in some places on the internet. The “Anderer Radweg” cycle path ends abruptly at Berliner Straße, and there is no obvious detour due to a construction site. Another critical point is the course of the northern railway line on the Diek, which needs to be optimized without separate wheel guidance. The situation is particularly problematic on Friedrichstrasse, where the cycle path flows into a one-way street with bus traffic in the opposite direction.

New cycle route Luhnsstrasse

Another bright spot in the development of Wuppertal's infrastructure is the redesign of Luhnsstraße, which has now been officially declared a bicycle street. This measure, which was the result of a collaboration between the city administration and cycling initiatives such as the ADFC, creates significantly more space for cyclists and pedestrians and thus improves safety for all road users. Previously, cyclists and pedestrians had to share a narrow sidewalk, which not only led to bottlenecks but also conflicts. The priority cycle lane now gives cyclists more space, which is a benefit for everyone involved Wuppertaler Rundschau reported.

On the way back to the town hall tour, the participants used the Talachsen cycle path, which runs parallel to the B7, and cycled through the city's oldest cycle street, Luisenstrasse. Here, too, the conversion into a bicycle street is pending. Particular attention is being paid to Hünefeldstraße, where through traffic is expected to decrease as soon as Hardtufer is converted into a bicycle street. This could significantly ease the situation there.

Joint efforts for better cycle paths

The willingness to improve the cycle path network is reflected not only in the new roads, but also in the support of the deputy for mobility, Gunnar Ohrndorf. He reiterated his open ear for information and his willingness to work with cycling initiatives and the administration. “We have to work together on solutions to further optimize the cycling infrastructure,” says Ohrndorf.

In summary, Peter Ritter's bike tour shows that Wuppertal is on the right track and that there are numerous positive developments in the area of ​​bicycle infrastructure. However, there is still a need for action, and the city administration and citizens must continue to proactively work together on a safe and comfortable cycling connection in order to sustainably improve mobility in the city. The future of cycling in Wuppertal seems promising if everyone pulls together.