40 cyclists at the control marathon at Lindenplatz caught

40 cyclists at the control marathon at Lindenplatz caught

On Tuesday morning, August 27, 2024, police officers of the 2nd police station in Lübeck and employees of the municipal security service took up bicycle controls at Lindenplatz. The review took place from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and revealed remarkable results. A total of 63 cyclists were checked and 40 violations were registered.

Among the violations found were 34 cyclists who drove against the prescribed direction of travel. This is not only a violation of the traffic rules, but also a significant security risk for all road users. In addition, four cyclists were discovered that used the sidewalk contrary to prohibition instead of the intended cycle path. Two cases were also particularly worrying in which cyclists used their cell phone while driving. This illustrates the need to create even more awareness of the dangers of multitasking when driving.

Extensive controls show the need for action

The measures of the police not only limited themselves to cyclists. Two drivers were also caught during the controls who used their cell phones while driving. This is another and often underestimated aspect that endangers traffic safety. Police spokesman Ulli Fritz Gerlach announced that the controls will continue to further increase traffic safety and to promote compliance with traffic rules.

It is interesting to notice that such controls are not new. They are part of a more comprehensive strategy of the city of Lübeck to improve the safety in road traffic and to draw attention to the dangers of distractions when driving. Lindenplatz, a lively point in the St. Lorenz Süd district, has proven to be a suitable place for these controls, since cyclists and drivers often meet here.

The high number of violations suggests that there is a certain need for action. A persistent effort from the city will be necessary to increase traffic safety. These controls offer an important opportunity to raise awareness of the applicable rules and to raise road users.

While some road users may find the controls annoying, they show a clear intention of the authorities to improve the security for all users of road traffic. Somehow it feels as if we live in a time at which the risk of accidents is reinforced by using cell phones at the wheel, and it is crucial that we take responsibility as a community and adhere to the traffic rules.

The ongoing controls on Lindenplatz are therefore a step in the right direction to create a safer traffic environment. It remains to be hoped that such measures also inspire other parts of the city to pursue similar approaches to improve traffic safety.