Hameln needs courageous traffic planning for cyclists and pedestrians!

Hameln needs courageous traffic planning for cyclists and pedestrians!

In Hamelin, the discussion about safe transportation on two wheels is getting louder and louder. In a letter to the editor Dewezet Karin von Gierke-Matuschke appeals to the city's politicians not to focus traffic planning solely on car traffic. She has lived in Hameln since 1988 and is aware of the challenges surrounding a bicycle-friendly city center. The cyclists' concerns are not unfounded, as she emphasizes in her letter.

It is becoming increasingly clear in Germany that not only the infrastructure for cars, but also for pedestrians and cyclists needs to improve. A study by TÜV Mobility shows that 58 percent of Germans find the division of traffic space to be unfair. Cyclists (51 percent) and pedestrians (41 percent) in particular feel disadvantaged. This is also clear in Hameln, where safety should be the top priority for all road users.

Comparison with Lüneburg

Karin von Gierke-Matuschke draws parallels to Lüneburg, where car traffic in the city center has been successfully reduced. These measures not only led to greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists, but also increased the city's popularity. Given such positive examples, it makes sense to pursue similar approaches in Hamelin. One suggestion that came up in the debate is the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit on the Ostertorwall. This measure could significantly improve cooperation between road users.

The success of the 30 km/h limit on Kaiserstrasse shows that such traffic calming can actually have a positive impact on conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. According to the study, 88 percent of those surveyed said they felt cyclists were at risk or very at risk in traffic. Given these results, it seems urgent to prioritize road safety.

The trend towards more cycling

However, a look at the current trends also shows that cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. The PTV Group reports that German cities are becoming increasingly bicycle-friendly. In recent years, the ADFC bicycle climate test has impressively documented progress in many cities. Münster, for example, is the most bike-friendly city in Germany with an overall score of 3.04, followed by Karlsruhe and Freiburg.

The recently published TÜV Mobility study also illustrates the population's desire for better infrastructure for cyclists. 88 percent of those surveyed are calling for changes here. In addition, 72 percent support concepts such as the 15-minute city to reduce dependence on the car.

Overall, it shows that the need for innovative mobility solutions exists not only in Hamelin, but throughout Germany. Well thought-out concepts and a fairer distribution of traffic space could not only increase the safety of all road users, but also sustainably improve the quality of life in cities.