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Cycling in Hamburg: These streets are particularly dangerous!
Altona is the focus of a new cycling project that analyzes rule violations and danger zones in Hamburg.
Cycling in Hamburg: These streets are particularly dangerous!
Hamburg is a real paradise for cyclists - if it weren't for the many conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Current reports show that there are many rule violations in cycling, especially in the densely built-up districts of Altona and Ottensen. It is not uncommon for people to drive on footpaths or ignore red lights, which endangers the safety of all road users. Drivers and pedestrians also make mistakes, and these collisions often lead to dangerous situations. Like those too MOPO reports, two universities have launched an online survey to further analyze the causes of these violations.
With the new website regelverstoesse.de, which went online in June, allows road users to report violations anonymously. There were particularly many reports at Hohenzollernring, especially at the junctions with Bernadottestraße and Bleickenallee. Risky overtaking maneuvers by cars, cyclists on sidewalks and disregard for right-of-way are often documented here. This initiative aims to identify and eliminate dangerous road locations to make cycling safer.
The city's reaction
The Altona district office takes citizens' concerns seriously and would like to further develop the cycling concept. From June 15th to July 10th, citizens had the opportunity to submit their ideas and suggestions for improving the cycling infrastructure. This feedback is carefully analyzed to take into account the needs of all road users. In addition, various information about planning procedures, including contactable authorities, is available online - so interested citizens can easily submit their opinions and questions.
Another aspect that could increase safety in cycling is the new road traffic regulations (StVO). Since April 2020 there has been no general obligation to use cycle paths; Only appropriately signposted cycle paths must be used. Another new feature is the release of one-way streets for bicycle traffic in the opposite direction, which many people are not aware of. The distances that drivers must maintain when overtaking cyclists have also been adjusted, so they must keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters in urban areas. These regulations are issued by ADFC communicated to increase awareness of safe traffic conditions.
What can cyclists do?
Cyclists not only have rights, but also responsibilities. Stopping in cycle lanes has been completely banned, and turning in a dangerous manner is now punished much more severely. Thanks to the so-called green arrow, cyclists can now turn right even when the traffic light is red - a clear improvement for the flow of traffic. Do all cyclists know about this? The ADFC provides important traffic rules for cyclists that everyone should know.
Overall, it is clear that various measures and awareness of traffic rules are crucial to increasing safety in cycling. The city administration and citizens share responsibility for making Hamburg's streets safer for all road users. It remains to be hoped that the individual initiatives and new regulations will soon bear fruit and more people will be able to cycle safely.