Kiel remains the bicycle capital of Schleswig-Holstein-this is how you evaluate!

Kiel remains the bicycle capital of Schleswig-Holstein-this is how you evaluate!

in Schleswig-Holstein Kiel stays on the victory podium when it comes to bicycle friendliness. The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) has again queried the ratings of cyclists in its current bicycle climate test. Around 213,000 people nationwide, around 7,000 of them in Schleswig-Holstein, have submitted their opinions from September to November 2024. The results of this survey show that Kiel prevails as the most bicycle-friendly municipality in the federal state, while the neighboring city of Hanover in Lower Saxony is in the fast lane and obtained the same laurels there as ndr reported.

The results were published in October and show that no municipality in Schleswig-Holstein could do better than the grade 3. This does not mean top positions, but the mood among road users seems to be good overall. There are clear feedback on the cycle path widths, construction site management and the often lax regulations for false parkers. In fact, 61 percent of those surveyed in Lower Saxony observe an unsatisfactory feeling of security in cycling.

bicycle friendliness in detail

The respondents have evaluated important aspects such as social acceptance and freedom of obstacle on bike paths. In Lower Saxony, the points were perceived rather negatively. The ADFC calls for more consideration in road traffic-an appeal that should be heard not only in Schleswig-Holstein, but also in Lower Saxony. In Schleswig-Holstein, cyclists are particularly critical in terms of the quality of the wheel infrastructure. The increased use of e-bikes has further increased the requirements for bicycle infrastructure.

"The width and surface of the cycle paths and the handling of construction sites urgently have to be improved," says many. On the HABSIDE, the cities can look forward to the positive evaluation of the opening of one -way streets in both directions for cyclists.

city comparisons and upward trend

As far as the placements are concerned, Kiel occupies fourth place in the nationwide comparison of cities with a similar size, while Norderstedt, Geesthacht and Plön were able to keep their good positions. Preetz deserves a special mention, which has improved significantly in the ranking and is considered a model for other municipalities when it comes to promoting cycling.

According to the results of the ADFC, Hanover is also classified as particularly bicycle -friendly and takes second place among the big cities with over 500,000 inhabitants, with an average grade of 3.52. The federal government is also active for further improvements: at 8.4 million euros, 19 kilometers of new cycle paths are to be created in Ladelund and the surrounding area to optimize the conditions for cyclists.

A special highlight is the new bike sharing offer in Schleswig-Holstein, where the first 30 minutes of rent are free. This not only becomes more convenient, but also more attractive for the general population.

The results of the ADFC bicycle climate test are not only a snapshot of the current traffic situation, but also provide valuable clues for traffic planners and political managers. The feedback from cyclists: inside is important to tackle future developments and improvements. The test thus represents an essential basis in order to promote cycling sustainably and to further optimize cycling in our cities. Further information can also be found on the website of the ADFC: ADFC bicycle climate test.