Lüneburg's Radscheid: revelations for the failed mobility turn!

Lüneburg's Radscheid: revelations for the failed mobility turn!

The Council of Lüneburg has decided to join the Radscheid initiative, which is considered a positive sign of climate protection and the mobility turnaround by Mayor Claudia Kalisch and Traffic Director Markus Moßmann. Nevertheless, there is reason for concern: the initiative could not collect the required 8000 signatures, but only reached about a tenth of the residents. This is open to the disappointment of the initiators, who have to determine three years after the accession of their movement, that essential goals remained unmatched, in particular on the basis of the political blockade by the SPD, as Lüneburg Aktuell.

A central point in the council was to depend on the implementation of the Radscheid goals on the city's personnel and financial resources. This also throws a shadow on the ambitions of other initiatives, in particular the climate decision that plans to make Lüneburg climate -neutral by 2030 - a project that is also assessed as unrealistic. In this context, it was reported that Lüneburg's building department has now named a new head of urban development, which should deal with urgent topics such as lack of living space and downtown development.

strategies and challenges in cycling

The bicycle traffic strategy 2025 is already in planning and is intended to include important measures to improve the bicycle infrastructure. A citizens' request defines clear goals that provide for the expansion of cycling facilities and measures to ensure the safety of cyclists. This includes the new construction or expansion of 3 km cycling roads per year from 2023 as well as the planning of a comprehensive wheel route network, which is to be completed by the end of 2023, such as [Uelzener Press] (https://uelzener-presse.de/2021/12/oboberbuermeisterin-claudia-kalch-nmt-dechtschritten-des-dscheid-lueneburg-entleg.

particularly highlighted are the promising options that result from the changeover to bicycle traffic. Experts estimate that up to 30 % of car journeys could be replaced by cycling in metropolitan areas. These developments are not only a profit for the environment, but can also bring health benefits. Cycling promotes the ability to move and contributes to the reduction of diseases of civilization. Already daily 30 minutes cycling can significantly reduce the risk of different diseases, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

Future visions and challenges

The challenges in Lüneburg are complex. There are current plans to revive empty upper floors in the old town- a project that is made more difficult by conditions such as fire protection and monument protection regulations. In addition, the city plans to tackle a redesign of the step. A citizens' council is to be launched, but implementation is limited by financial restrictions and existing problems with the bell house.

On the other hand, it is decided to remove the ice pavilion in Schröderstrasse, although this enjoyed a lot of encouragement in the past. In addition, a citizens' council on the subject of bicycle traffic could arise to promote pedestrians. This could be another step towards a traffic -calmed and environmentally friendly urban development.

The bicycle traffic strategy in Lüneburg can therefore give tremendous impulses, but it remains to be seen how the various initiatives work together and whether the political framework actually create space for improvement. It is clear that the mobility turnaround is both a challenge and a great opportunity!