Cycle path from Uffhofen to Wendelsheim: Finally it starts!

Cycle path from Uffhofen to Wendelsheim: Finally it starts!

There is good news for cyclists in the Wöllstein community: construction of a 1.6 kilometer long cycle path from Uffhofen to Wendelsheim has begun. This project aims to close an important gap in the national cycle path network from the Rhine front to Bad Kreuznach. The initiatives for this cycle path go back to the 1990s. The route will run from Wendelsheim for around 900 meters along the former Wiesbachtalbahn.

A special highlight of the project is a prefabricated aluminum bridge that crosses the Wiesbach. Measuring 2.50 by 8.50 meters, this bridge is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The remaining 700 meters of the cycle path run parallel to state road 407 to the ghost mill, where a crossing aid is being sought to increase safety. The cycle path then runs parallel to the L407 again to the Aulheimer Tal hiking car park, ensuring a safe and pleasant connection for cyclists.

Investments in cycling infrastructure

The importance of cycle paths is now also recognized by the Hessian traffic authorities. Transport Minister Al-Wazir announced that there will be increased investment in cycle path projects on state and federal roads in the coming years. Since 2021, the selection of cycle path projects has been controlled by a transparent process, the “cycle path urgency assessment”. This evaluation examines purely technical criteria and also involves the districts in order to identify essential projects.

The selection criteria are complex. Not only does the importance of the cycle path in the entire cycle network play a role, but also the closure of the gap and the connection to important public transport connection points, such as train stations. The current traffic situation for cyclists is also considered, including traffic volumes and permitted speeds. Routes to school are also an important aspect. This will benefit acutely from 15 new cycle paths on federal roads and 20 on state roads.

Urgent need for action for more security

A current study highlights the urgent need for action to ensure the safety of cycle paths in Germany. According to the Urban Road Safety Index 2024, German cities have some catching up to do compared to other European countries. Especially in cities like Berlin and Cologne, less than 50% of cyclists consider the cycle paths to be safe. In Munich, on the other hand, 62% of cyclists feel comfortable on the existing cycle paths.

There is great general support for safety measures: around 60% of those surveyed in large cities support the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit in city centers. A 0 alcohol limit for drivers also finds majority support among German citizens. Given these circumstances, expanding cycling infrastructure is not only a question of convenience, but also of safety and quality of life in cities.

As the construction of the cycle path from Uffhofen to Wendelsheim progresses, it is hoped that similar projects can improve the safety and attractiveness of cycling in the near future. The efforts of the municipalities and the state are more important than ever to promote and make cycling safe in Hesse.

For more information about the ongoing cycle path projects in Hesse, check out the reports on generale-zeitung.de, wirtschaft.hessen.de and adfc.de. They provide valuable insights into the progress and challenges in expanding the cycling infrastructure on Hessian roads.