Ritterhude is taking on a pioneering role with the first bicycle street on Bunkenburgsweg

Ritterhude is taking on a pioneering role with the first bicycle street on Bunkenburgsweg

Ritterhude is setting a clear example for cyclists: the community's first cycle path is being built on Bunkenburgsweg. The implementation of this innovative transport measure is part of the cycling promotion concept, which is not only intended to increase the safety of cyclists, but also creates an incentive to use the bicycle as an environmentally friendly means of transport. The Bunkenburgsweg runs from the B74 for about one kilometer south to the An der Untermühle street. Construction work has already begun and is expected to last until mid-2026, with the first phase of construction scheduled to be completed by June 2024.

With the creation of this cycle route, cyclists will be offered their own, safe infrastructure. Special rules apply on the new route: Drivers must be considerate of cyclists, so that cyclists are allowed to ride next to each other and a minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be maintained when overtaking. The speed limit on this road is 30 km/h. To create these conditions, the roadway will be narrowed to around five meters, and a sidewalk and a parking lane will be added. A new stormwater drain will also be installed, which will require intensive excavation work.

The challenges of the construction work

The Stehnke company is responsible for the excavation work, and intensive work on the project began last week. But logistics pose challenges. At the end of the first section there is a daycare construction site, which may make the work even more difficult. 15 to 20 pits also need to be dug for domestic water connections. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, trees are being protected along the construction site and green islands are being planned to both preserve the trees and promote traffic calming.

The costs for the first construction phase amount to 985,000 euros gross, excluding subsidies. However, funding was applied for for the other two sections to ensure financing.

Part of the climate protection plan

The Bunkenburgsweg is not just a local measure, but part of a larger trend. According to information from the Federal Ministry of Transport, cycling makes a crucial contribution to achieving the federal government's climate protection goals. Cycling is seen as an important part of the mobility mix in Germany. The year 2025 will see continued financial support for cycling, with slight increases in funding to further strengthen this sustainable form of transport.

The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) supports these initiatives to ensure safe and environmentally friendly mobility in the country. The BALM funding programs support cyclists in both urban and rural areas, so that the switch to climate-friendly cycling is promoted. In this sense, the new bicycle route on Bunkenburgsweg is not only a benefit for cyclists in Ritterhude, but also a step towards more active and sustainable mobility throughout the country.

The road has been closed since October 6th and a diversion has been signposted. Bus route 659 has also been rerouted since September in order to maintain traffic flow despite the construction work.

The project is being followed with excitement, and the citizens of Ritterhude can look forward to the positive development of cycling culture in their community. Establishing safe cycle paths makes a good contribution to people's quality of life - and it will pay off!

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