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Cyclists in Bad Schwartau: Alert safety risks on cycle paths!
Bad Schwartau is fighting for better cycling infrastructure: cycle path deficits, planned renovation of the L309 and safety concerns in focus.
Cyclists in Bad Schwartau: Alert safety risks on cycle paths!
In Bad Schwartau, cyclists face difficulties in many corners on their daily journey. The cycling infrastructure can be expanded, particularly in the Tremskamp area. LN Online reports that the cycle path between Cleverbrücker Straße and the city limits of Lübeck is not only narrow - at just 1.80 meters, it also does not meet the requirements of the road traffic regulations. Apart from that, bus stops and rubbish bins that stand between the pedestrian and cycle paths significantly affect the use of the path.
Traffic planner Arne Rohkohl provided deeper insight into this anomaly: The deficits in the cycle path and the increased risk of accidents in two-way cycle paths are alarming. Therefore, it was perhaps only logical that the CDU submitted a proposal to create a new cycle path on Lübecker Straße, which ultimately led to the presentation of a cycle path concept for Tremskamp.
A mix of theory and practice
However, according to Rohkohl, there is not enough space in the narrow street space for a separate cycle path. Instead, only a bicycle protection lane will be created, and only if the obligation to use the existing cycle path is lifted. Such a protective strip with a width of 1.50 meters on the road would reduce the remaining road width to around 5.50 meters. However, in practice this could be dangerous as heavy goods traffic can often lead to encounters with cyclists.
Accordingly, committee members expressed concerns about the safety of cycling on the road, which is entirely understandable. Some suggestions for increasing visibility include moving bike lanes directly to the road at intersections or creating dedicated turn lanes. But the concept presented was unanimously rejected - many found it impossible to implement these measures in a practical way.
Future prospects and important changes
However, there is good news: the cycle path sections in Tremskamp and Lübecker Straße are planned to become part of a larger cycle highway from Groß Grönau via Lübeck to Bad Schwartau. The Hanseatic city is currently preparing the first steps in Ratzeburger Allee. But the timing of this transformation remains uncertain, as does the need to urgently renovate the L309.
The safety initiatives on cycle paths are not only important in order to reduce the number of bicycle accidents, but also represent an essential part of the transport transition ADFC has created 15 guidelines that are intended to improve the cycling infrastructure in Germany. The aim is to make cycling attractive and safe for all users. There should be enough space for bicycles, which is particularly important for multi-track and cargo bikes as well as bikes with trailers.
Consistent, high-quality cycling networks are therefore essential in order to move more people from cars to bicycles. According to the Bicycle Monitor 2023, cyclists perceive well-developed cycle paths as safe, which shows how important it is that decision-makers in cities like Bad Schwartau take this infrastructure seriously and actively work to improve it.
The entire context of the issues raised shows that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary when developing cycling infrastructure. Sufficient financial resources and a clear strategy can help to increase the safety and attractiveness of cycling.